How Did We Get To Web 3?

Web 1.0 and DNS

In 1983, the Domain Name System (DNS) was established to allow users to find websites using memorable domain names instead of numerical IP addresses. By 1986, it became a standard, significantly enhancing internet user-friendliness and setting the stage for Web 1.0. This development was crucial in transforming the Internet into a widely accessible platform.

Web 1.0, known as the “Static Web,” marks the early phase of the internet from the early 1990s to the early 2000s. Characterized by static HTML pages, it offered limited interaction, primarily serving read-only content. 

Websites featured basic graphics, minimal multimedia, and centralized content creation. Users accessed information through directories like Yahoo rather than search engines.

This era laid the groundwork for Web 2.0, introducing dynamic content, user-generated contributions, and social media. 

Examples of Web 1.0 Websites

AOL (America Online) – Launched in 1989 as a web portal.

Archie – One of the first search engines, created in 1990 to index FTP archives.

Veronica – Developed in 1992, it indexed the Gopher system.

Jughead – Another Gopher-based search engine from 1993.

Aliweb – Launched in 1993, it is considered the first web search engine.

WebCrawler – Started in 1994, it was the first search engine to provide full-text search.

Lycos – Also launched in 1994, it became one of the more popular search engines.

Infoseek – Launched in 1994, it was a popular choice for web users.

AltaVista – Debuted in 1995 and became known for its advanced search capabilities.

Excite – Started in 1995, it was one of the first to provide more personalized search results.

Yahoo Search – Initially a directory launched in 1994, it started using its own search technology in 2002.

HotBot – Launched in 1996, it was known for its fast search results.

Ask Jeeves (now Ask.com) – Started in 1996, it was unique for its question-and-answer format.

Dogpile – Launched in 1996, it was a metasearch engine that aggregated results from multiple search engines.

Northern Light – Started in 1997, it offered a mix of free and paid search results.

Google – Founded in 1998, it quickly rose to prominence with its PageRank algorithm.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0, characterized by user-generated content, usability, and interoperability, saw the emergence of more sophisticated search engines that built upon the foundations laid by their Web 1.0 predecessors.

Examples of Web 2.0 Websites

Google – Although it originated in the Web 1.0 era (1998), Google continued to dominate and innovate during the Web 2.0 era, becoming the definitive search engine for most users.

Yahoo Search – While its origins are in Web 1.0, Yahoo Search evolved significantly during the Web 2.0 era, incorporating search technology from Inktomi and later Microsoft’s Bing.

Bing – Launched by Microsoft in 2009, Bing is known for its visually appealing interface and integration with Microsoft products.

DuckDuckGo – Founded in 2008, this search engine emphasizes user privacy and does not track users’ search activities.

Baidu – China’s leading search engine, which gained prominence during the Web 2.0 era, offering search services primarily in Chinese.

Yandex – Russia’s dominant search engine, which became widely used during the Web 2.0 period, offering search and many other services in Russian.

Ask.com – Evolved from Ask Jeeves, Ask.com became more sophisticated in the Web 2.0 era, though it shifted focus from general search to Q&A.

Web 3.0 (Semantic Web)

Web 3.0, often referred to as the Semantic Web, emphasizes intelligent, and data-driven applications. Search engines in this era leverage artificial intelligence, and advanced algorithms to provide more personalized and accurate search results.

Web 3 (Blockchain and Crypto)

Web 3, focuses on the decentralization of websites and information by use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.  One major player that helps push Web 3 projects is the Ethereum network.

Example of a Web 3 Search Engine To Show Web3 Websites

Web3 Compass – A genuine and leading Web 3 search engine on the decentralized Web 3 network by Blockstars.tech.

The search engine uses compatible blockchain domain extensions from Unstoppable Domains and Ethereum Name Service (ENS) such as .eth, .nft. DNS ENS compatible domain extensions such as .am, .io, .xyz .com, etc.

Partnerships with Blockstars.tech:

Hexens

Alchemy

Broctagon

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Expansion on Armenia’s .am ccTLD in Web 3

Strategic Importance of .am ccTLD

Digital Identity: .am can serve as a distinctive digital identity marker for Armenian entities, individuals, and startups in the decentralized web.

Branding Potential: Unique and memorable domain names can enhance brand recognition and trust in a global digital economy.

Opportunities in Web 3

Blockchain Integration: Using .am domains within blockchain-based systems can provide enhanced security, transparency, and traceability for decentralized applications (dApps) and digital assets.

Decentralized Domain Names: The .am extension can be integrated into decentralized domain name systems (DDNS), reducing dependency on traditional DNS and increasing censorship resistance.

Promotion of Local Innovation

Support for Local Startups: Encouraging Armenian startups to adopt .am domains can help create a strong digital identity, boosting visibility in the international Web3 landscape.

Community Building: .am domains can foster a sense of community and identity among Armenian Web3 developers and users.

Leveraging .am in NFTs and Digital Art

Exclusive Branding: Artists and creators can use .am domains to uniquely brand their NFTs and digital art, enhancing provenance and authenticity.

Marketplace Integration: Integrating .am domains in NFT marketplaces can provide a localized touch, appealing to a niche market while maintaining global reach.

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Future Prospects

Global Reach: As Web 3 continues to expand, the .am ccTLD can position Armenia as a significant player in the decentralized internet space.

Innovation Hub: By leveraging its .am domain, Armenia can attract Web3 projects, fostering an innovative ecosystem that benefits from both local and global participation.

Key Features and Differences Between  Web 2.0 and Web 3

Since the .am ccTLD is compatible with the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) platform with Offchain and Onchain integration for Web 3.

This chart shows the comparison of key features and differences when deciding to create either a Web 2.0 or Web 3 website.

In summary, Armenia’s .am ccTLD, administered by the Internet Society of Armenia (ISOC.AM) is a valuable asset in the Web3 landscape, offering opportunities for digital identity, branding, and decentralized innovation. Recognizing and leveraging this asset can position Armenia as a key player in the future of the decentralized web.

DNS ENS – Offchain (Gasless)

How to put your .AM ccTLD on Ethereum Name Service (ENS) with Offchain integration.

DNS ENS – Onchain (ETH Gas Required)

How to put your .AM ccTLD on Ethereum Name Service (ENS) with Onchain integration.

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