NEM - New Economy Movement

NEM is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency launched on March 31, 2015^[1] and written in Java.^[2] NEM has a stated goal of a wide distribution model and has introduced new features in blockchain technology in its proof-of-importance (POI) algorithm. NEM also features an integrated P2P secure, multisignature accounts and encrypted messaging system and an Eigentrust++ reputation system.

History

NEM was started by a Bitcoin Talk forum user called UtopianFuture after having been inspired by Nxt and wanted to improve upon it. Starting on January 19th, 2014, an open call for participation began on bitcointalk.org.^[3] The goal was to create a community-oriented cryptocurrency from the ground up. ^[4]

Development

NEM has gone through extensive open alpha testing starting June 25, 2014, followed by lengthy and comprehensive beta testing starting on October 20, 2014.

The NEM developers are partially pseudonymous^[5] and go by the following names:

• Jaguar0625: core developer, NIS, NCC
• Gimre : core developer, NIS, NCC
• Makoto: core developer, NIS, POI
• Thies: core developer, NIS, NCC
• BloodyRookie: core developer, NIS, POI
• Krysto: NCC, front-end developer, web developer
• TranLoi: NCC, designer, UX element ^[6]

Unique features

Code

NEM is a new code base that is being written entirely in Java from scratch. It uses the POI (proof-of-importance) algorithm instead of POW (proof-of-work). NEM uses a client–server model where the NIS (NEM Infrastructure Server) runs independent of the NCC (NEM Community Client). ^[7]

Reputation System

NEM is the first cryptocurrency to employ Eigentrust++ as a reputation system. Whereas other cryptocurrencies might use systems like proof-of-work to ensure the health of the blockchain, NEM does this by monitoring past behavior of nodes within the network. In proof-of-work, the amount of work a node does is used as a measure for its ability to protect the network. But, with Eigentrust++, it is the quality of work that is important. This adds to the NEM network's ability to be run and maintained efficiently.^[8]

Test-driven Development

NEM is also the first cryptocurrency being written from 100% original source code using test-driven development. ^[9]

Proof-of-Importance

POI is the algorithm used in NEM to time stamp transactions. A NEM user's importance is determined by how many coins they have and the number of transactions made to and from their wallet. POI is different from other initiatives which use a fee-sharing model that does not take into consideration one's overall support of the network. In some proof-of-stake systems a person only needs to have large amounts of coins to form a block; however, in NEM the transaction amount as well as support of the network become a factor. This has been designed to encourage users of NEM to not simply hold NEM but instead actively carry out transactions within the NEM ecosystem.^[10]

Architecture

Overview of the NEM Architecture

NEM's design architecture consists of two components. One is the Node server or NEM Infrastructure Server (NIS). The other is the NEM Community Client (NCC). The NIS is connected to the p2p network and acts as a gateway for the NCC. The NCC is basically a client software that includes a wallet. Both the NCC and NIS can be configured to run off the same machine. As it is run from the same machine, both the NCC and the NIS will be exposed to the Internet. A second use case is to separate the NIS from the NCC. ^[11]

The NIS can thus be configured to act as an additional layer of protection to the NCC thereby making the NCC reasonably protected within its own confines as it can be made not to connect to the Internet. In addition, one can have the option of putting a firewall between the NCC and the NIS, the NCC is therefore two steps away from the Internet. This means that the NCC can be made to work in stealth mode. This type of modular design makes the NCC insulated from external attacks. It is almost impossible to break into the NCC if the NCC is only connected to the NIS through another firewall. If there is any attack on the wallet, it is almost certain that the attack is from within the network rather than from outside the network. Another feature of this architecture is that the NCC acts as a wallet and can be used on any computer, whereas the NIS represents a node on the NEM network and can be hosted from remote locations. Additionally, the client can be loaded onto any computer and a person's wallet can be reloaded as long as this person has his private key. ^[12]

The NIS can be placed on a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in a firewall and therefore itself is protected from the Internet. Hence, there exists many options and configurations. This makes NEM's architecture designed to be secure.

Multisig

NEM implements multisig (short for multi-signature) technology as an integral part of its platform. The benefit of multisig is that it requires more than one user to sign a transaction. Specifically, NEM implements m of n multisig, where m ≤ n. Put in another way, m out of a total of n signatories must sign a transaction before it can be broadcast onto the block chain.

Multisig is a technology for enhanced wallet security. Multisig requires that another user or users sign a transaction before it can be broadcast onto the block chain. This means that if one loses the wallet through a hack, no money can be spent unless another wallet (or wallets if m is more than 2) signs it. Multisig also helps protect community-held funds, in that a majority of designated users must agree before a transaction can be spent from a community-held wallet. This is useful, for example, for fundraising or other community-oriented financing in order to prevent one rogue community leader from stealing funds over which he or she has been given control.

External links

• Official website
• Official forum

References