Fluence offers a unique approach to decentralized computation, diverging from traditional models where applications are hosted on distributed ledgers. Instead, Fluence hosts applications off-chain, similar to centralized cloud platforms, but with the added flexibility of being open-source. This means that applications can be hosted by multiple providers, allowing developers to switch providers dynamically, significantly reducing dependency on any single provider and driving down costs.
Fluence enhances this architecture with computation verifiability, a crucial feature for many applications. Providers within the Fluence network must submit cryptographic proofs demonstrating that they are correctly serving applications. Failure to do so results in penalties, including the slashing of stakes and halting of payments, ensuring integrity and reliability across the network.
The platform also introduces a gas-like model for accounting the complexity of computations. However, unlike traditional blockchains, Fluence typically assigns the responsibility of covering hosting costs to the developer who deploys the application, rather than the end-user. Developers can also choose to transfer this cost to multisigs, DAOs, or end-users, offering flexibility depending on the application's needs.
This innovative approach by Fluence not only reduces costs and enhances reliability but also offers developers greater control over hosting expenses, making it a powerful solution for decentralized applications.