Polkadot, created by Gavin Wood, has faced struggles in building an active user base for decentralized applications (dApps). This has caused the platform to lag behind competitors such as Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. One of the main reasons for this challenge is the complex ecosystem of Polkadot, which has made it difficult for developers to engage with the platform. The need to understand its Layer 0 architecture, work with parachains, and manage the costs associated with securing parachain slots has deterred developers from adopting the network.
The upcoming JAM upgrade aims to address these adoption challenges by introducing new use cases for the DOT token and expanding the capabilities of decentralized networks. Unlike the current setup where smart contracts must be deployed through parachains, JAM will enable developers to deploy smart contracts directly on Polkadot’s Layer 0. This change is expected to simplify the development process and attract more users to the platform by providing a direct use case for the DOT token beyond staking and governance.
With the implementation of JAM, Polkadot will transition into a more versatile platform, allowing for the hosting of not only blockchains but general-purpose services as well. Blockchains secured by JAM will be classified as Layer 2, while services running on JAM will be considered Layer 1.5. The RISC-V Polkadot Virtual Machine (PVM) will enable the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and wallets without the need for centralized intermediaries. Additionally, DOT tokens will serve as deposits to increase data, code, and state capacity in services, providing incentives for both developers and users.
The JAM upgrade is expected to significantly increase Polkadot’s throughput, targeting a throughput of 850MB/s, surpassing the capabilities of Ethereum 2.0 and Solana. While the gray paper for JAM Chain is still in the development phase, with the current version at 0.3.4, the goal is to reach version 1.0 by the following summer. However, Wood has cautioned that software and protocol development are inherently uncertain, making the timeline more of a target than a fixed deadline.
As the JAM upgrade is rolled out, Polkadot is expected to introduce permissionless code execution, eliminating the need for governance approval or parachain leasing. This shift will pave the way for the development of self-sovereign DAOs and wallets, opening up new possibilities for decentralized finance, governance, and identity management. Overall, the JAM Chain upgrade holds the potential to redefine Polkadot’s position in the decentralized ecosystem and attract a broader user base to the platform.