Phoenix Global
Phoenix Global is a Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain infrastructure platform for decentralized artificial intelligence (AI), computation scaling, and data-driven Web3. It was created from the merger of APEX Network and Red Pulse Phoenix in October 2020. [1][4]
Overview
Apex Network
Apex Technologies, formerly known as Chinapex, is the company responsible for developing the Apex Network, a blockchain-based platform and ecosystem designed to address the challenges faced by businesses in their B2C (business-to-consumer) interactions. The platform empowers customers by allowing them to take control of their data instead of depending on third-party data holders. [2][5]
Apex Network was a decentralized exchange (DEX) that provided a «one-click» transfer of assets within the ecosystem through a two-way peg between sidechain tokens and mainnet CPX (Apex's native token). The mainnet of Apex Network used a Dpos (Delegated-Proof-Of-Stake) consensus mechanism, while proof-of-stake was the consensus mechanism of choice for the sidechains. Supernodes, also known as Delegates, were required to hold a minimum amount of Apex Network's CPX tokens before they could be eligible to be voted. Once they achieved Supernode status, they had the following responsibilities: 1) aggregation of transactions across the main network into blocks; 2) validation of transactions by signing and broadcasting the blocks; and 3) helping to resolve consensus issues in a democratic manner. [6]
In June 2019 Apex Network announced the launch of their initial mainnet technology. [7]
In October 2020 APEX Network and Red Pulse Phoenix merged into Phoenix Global. [2]
Red Pulse Phoenix
Founded in 2015, Red Pulse was a blockchain-based intelligence platform covering China's economy and capital markets. Red Pulse was the first application launched on the NEO blockchain, initially under the ticker RPX. However, PHX tokens replaced RPX after a significant upgrade in 2018 called Phoenix. [1][8]
The company underwent an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in 2017, raising $15 million. There was a significant upgrade in 2018 called Phoenix, which introduced enhanced smart contract functionality. This upgrade included proof of creation and ownership of content, alongside regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection. At that time, the project swapped out the initial RPX token for the Phoenix (PHX) token. [7]
PHX tokens were non-mineable. Instead, the platform operated a staking mechanism for node holders and used the NEO delegated Byzantine fault tolerance (dBFT) consensus algorithm. Anyone holding PHX (Phoenix) tokens could become a staker. To do so, they had to convert their PHX to PHF tokens (Phoenix Fire). [3]
Apex Network & Red Pulse Phoenix Merger
Phoenix Global was created in October 2020 from the merger of APEX Network and Red Pulse Phoenix. Per the announcements, on November 8, 2020, APEX's CPX token holders were airdropped 2.5 Red Pulse's PHX for every 1 CPX that they held. This PHX (NEP-5 token on NEO blockchain) could either be held in its current state or converted to PHB (BEP-2 on Binance blockchain) by depositing the PHX into their Binance wallet. After the merger, the APEX Network (CPX) tokens were deprecated and no longer tracked by data providers, such as CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap. [2][5]
In June 2022, Phoenix Global officially launched its Layer 1 Mainnet. [21]
Technology
Computation Layer
The AI Computation Layer is a Web3-based infrastructure for scaling AI computation tasks and deploying AI-enabled applications, including deep learning, predictive analytics, large language models (LLM), federated learning, and AI edge computing. The Computation Layer is designed to bring both AI-driven capabilities to blockchain applications and Web3 features to off-chain AI apps. [1][9][20]
Computation Layer to SkyNet
On October 24, 2023, Phoenix AI Computation Layer underwent a major GPU-scaling upgrade and was launched online as SkyNet. This upgrade brought along two deep learning AI models: CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) for image classification and LSTM (Long-Short Term Memory) for time series data analysis. [22]
"As of today, SkyNet is already integrated with major AI frameworks such as Google’s TensorFlow and Pytorch. Additionally, PhoenixLLM (our large language model) is already using the GPU-scaling capabilities of SkyNet and is enjoying a significant computation performance boost. New models CNN and LSTM can be used via our API or through the SkyNet UI without having to write a single line of code (codeless deployment)." the team tweeted[22]
Layer 1
The Layer-1 infrastructure is an enterprise-grade, highly scalable EVM-compatible blockchain developed for scalable data-centric and computationally-intensive applications. [10]
Oracle
Phoenix Oracle is a proprietary Oracle platform designed for data transactions, data exchange, and interacting with off-chain data in a secure manner. Phoenix Oracle has native integration with the platform's Layer-1. [11]
Ecosystem/DApps
AlphaNet
AlphaNet is an AI-driven, Web3-based platform built on Phoenix to help retail and independent traders acquire tools to optimize their trading edge. AlphaNet is Phoenix’s native decentralized App that leverages Layer 2’s computation, AI, modeling capabilities, and L1 blockchain. AlphaNet also utilizes PHB and CCD (Computation Credits), has transformative value for the Phoenix token economy, and serves as one of the pillars of a robust and organic growth model. [12]
Nybl
NYBL is an AIGC (AI-generated content) metaverse project powered by Phoenix and it uses Phoenix Computation Layer’s AI Node Network to scale its AI and GPU-based video and image processing. [13]
PHB
Phoenix Global’s token PHB is the native cryptocurrency that operates on the Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20) platform. The token enables transactions on the network and is used as payment for all services in the Phoenix Global ecosystem. [4][23]
Strategic Partners
APEX Tech-FLC-Tensor
In May 2023, Phoenix Global announced its strategic technology partnerships with APEX Technologies, Federated Learning Consortium (FLC), and Tensor Investment Corporation. [14]
APEX Tech is a China-based enterprise data & AI company focused on data infrastructure solutions, predictive AI technology, AI-driven CRM, and enterprise federated learning solutions. It is headquartered in Shanghai with offices in Beijing, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hong Kong, and North America, and is backed by NewMargin Ventures, Tencent, Anker Innovations, and various local developmental funds. [15]
Federated Learning Consortium (FLC) is a for-profit AI research organization founded in 2021 in Hong Kong and has offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. FLC is focused on decentralized and privacy-preserving AI and computation technologies — including but not limited to federated learning, TEE, IoT edge computing, and multi-party computation (MPC). [16]
Tensor Investment Corporation is an AI and technology-driven trading firm focused on emerging assets headquartered in Shanghai with teams in Beijing and Hong Kong. Tensor develops in-house technologies to assist algorithmic and machine learning-based trading systems, with an emphasis on deep neural networks and deep reinforcement learning. [17]
The three partners are behind the development of Phoenix and its technology modules spanning from Layer 1 to Computation Layer 2 to AlphaNet. [14]
Phoenix Global x Alchemy Pay
In November 2022, Phoenix Global announced a fiat onramp partnered with Alchemy Pay, a provider of crypto payment solutions, supporting over 100 fiat currencies and more than 300 global fiat payment channels. The partnership is to enable rapid adoption of Phoenix’s platforms such as Computational Layer 2, Data Oracle, and other modules, by directly integrating fiat onramps into the user interface, supporting credit card payments and local payment channels. [18]
The partnership enables enterprises and non-crypto users to utilize Phoenix’s blockchain services, creating value for Phoenix’s token economy easily without having to create and manage a wallet or having to manually buy PHB (native coin of Phoenix Layer 1) from exchanges. [18]
Phoenix Global x JD.com
In July 2023, Phoenix and its key strategic technology partner APEX Technologies entered into a partnership with Chinese internet and tech giant JD.com and its technology arm JDT (JD Technology). JD.com is commonly known as the Amazon of China and is China’s largest internet company by revenue – its businesses range from e-commerce, cloud computing, technology, and logistics. [19]
Phoenix's aim is to leverage JDT’s and JD Cloud’s global GPU-enabled computing nodes via Phoenix’s decentralized AI compute network SkyNet, as well as integrate JDT’s proprietary AI technologies such as AIGC and LLM (Large Language Model) capabilities as solutions to use with Phoenix’s SkyNet. Additionally, APEX Technologies, Phoenix, and JDT will provide joint solutions for large enterprises in use cases such as AI-enabled CRM, IoT, and predictive analytics. [19]