6.1.1 Administrator Role

In the comprehensive ecosystem of the DGT platform, the role of the administrator is pivotal. As the backbone of this advanced blockchain network, administrators are tasked with orchestrating the intricate dance of nodes, clusters, and entire network segments. Each node, an independent server within the DGT fabric, can operate singularly for experimentation or be woven into a larger tapestry of clusters and shards to harness the full potential of distributed transactions. This layering from individual nodes to the expansive network necessitates a variety of administrative roles, including node administration, cluster management, and, for networks deployed within private or consortium-based architectures, overarching network administration.

The DGT team envisions a versatile deployment of nodes, clusters, and networks. These deployments can serve myriad purposes: educational endeavors, experimental setups, the crafting of private solutions isolated from the general network, or integration into the experimental DGT Live Network. This flexibility positions DGT as a valuable tool for exploring decentralized solutions, advancing technology development, and fostering innovation across various domains.

While the blockchain landscape offers numerous alternatives such as Ethereum's public networks with smart contract capabilities, IOTA's DAG solutions, Stellar's multidimensional structures, or Hyperledger Fabric's private networks, DGT distinguishes itself as a hybrid platform. Originating as a fork of Sawtooth, DGT integrates hybrid solutions to allow for both token-based and token-less operations, management of transaction families akin to smart contracts, construction of complex hierarchical networks, and selection from diverse consensus engines. This flexibility enables the creation of tailored solutions for enterprises, educational institutions, ecosystems, or research labs. The platform's off-chain capabilities further expand possibilities for private data management, experimentation on distributed networks, and intricate configurations of network protocols and events.

DGT builds upon the innovative architectural foundations laid by Sawtooth, advancing practical applications and deployment ease of distributed computing platforms and decentralized data storage. While maintaining many of Sawtooth's original features, DGT evolves beyond with the introduction of the MATAGAMI version, ceasing backward compatibility and encouraging the use of DGT-adapted tools for enhanced functionalities, including financial operations and notary services.

Administrators embarking on the deployment and management of DGT infrastructures are endowed with a comprehensive set of responsibilities. These include the installation and configuration of operating systems, cryptographic setup, network environment scanning for connectivity, and server system diagnostics. Mastery of these domains ensures the smooth operation and robust performance of the DGT platform. Thankfully, navigating these responsibilities is made accessible through DGT's extensive documentation, including detailed instructions for manual and Docker-based virtualized deployments, as well as pre-configured virtual machine images. The DGT team stands ready to support and advise on project implementations, reflecting the platform's commitment to user success and innovation in the realm of decentralized technologies.