Definition ∞ Compute markets are digital marketplaces where computational resources are bought and sold. Participants can rent out their unused processing power or acquire computational capacity for tasks like data analysis, machine learning, or rendering. These markets leverage distributed networks to provide on-demand access to computing power, often at competitive rates. They represent a significant shift towards decentralized cloud computing, reducing reliance on centralized providers.
Context ∞ The emergence of compute markets is a focal point in discussions about decentralized infrastructure and the future of cloud computing. News often highlights new platforms entering this space, the integration of AI workloads, and the potential for these markets to disrupt traditional cloud service providers. The development of robust and secure compute markets is seen as a critical step towards a more decentralized internet and the enablement of computationally intensive decentralized applications.