Computation Marketplace

Definition ∞ A computation marketplace is a decentralized platform where users can buy and sell computational resources. Participants offer their unused processing power, storage, or bandwidth for others to utilize in executing tasks or running applications. This system allows for efficient resource allocation and can reduce costs by leveraging a distributed network of providers. It democratizes access to computing capabilities, moving beyond centralized cloud services.
Context ∞ The concept of a computation marketplace gains prominence in discussions around decentralized cloud computing, Web3 infrastructure, and privacy-preserving data processing. Projects building these platforms aim to compete with traditional cloud providers by offering censorship resistance, enhanced privacy, and potentially lower costs. News often covers new protocols and networks that enable peer-to-peer sharing of computational power, reflecting a shift towards more distributed digital services.