Ocean launches a decentralized protocol alternative to Stratum V2 to give miners control over block construction.
The mining pool Ocean has announced the launch of DATUM (Decentralized Alternative Templates for Universal Mining), a new open-source mining protocol that promises to return control of block creation to individual miners.
DATUM is proposed as an alternative to Stratum V2, allowing miners to create their own block templates using their own node. This approach offers the flexibility to operate on pools that support DATUM or to engage in solo mining activities without relying on third parties for server configuration.
The creation of DATUM is motivated by concerns related to the concentration of over 50% of Bitcoin’s hash rate in large mining pools, which increases the risk of centralization and potential transaction censorship. The new protocol aims to decentralize block construction, prevent 51% attacks, and maintain the Bitcoin network permissionless.
Luke Dashjr, co-founder of Ocean, stated:
“The launch of DATUM is a pivotal moment for the Bitcoin mining community. We’re moving block creation back to the individual miners, just as it was intended in the original whitepaper. With DATUM, we’re ensuring the security and decentralization of the Bitcoin network, safeguarding its future.”
DATUM is currently in a closed beta phase. Interested parties can contact Ocean for information on how to participate in the exclusive beta, or wait until October 18 for details on the upcoming public beta release.
Jack Dorsey, an investor in Ocean, commented:
“Continued decentralization and permissionless mining are essential for Bitcoin’s long term health. OCEAN’s latest innovation with DATUM makes decentralization easier for modern miners.”
On September 30, Mark Artymko, president of Ocean, announced the first block mined with DATUM on Ocean:
