# Akash

<figure><img src="https://3091755030-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FENUSv6WO6gDHge2JXsI2%2Fuploads%2FTMFHI4K1AvWZtzcAz0jp%2Fakash-red-t.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5ba981b7-872a-4a22-a8b8-8c8536a14094" alt="Akash Logo"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Introduction

The [**Akash Network**](https://akash.network/) is a decentralized cloud computing platform designed to provide affordable, flexible, and permissionless access to computing resources. It operates as a blockchain-based marketplace where users can buy and sell compute power, making it an alternative to traditional centralized cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.

#### Key Features of Akash Network:

1. **Decentralized Cloud Marketplace**:
   * Akash connects buyers (developers needing cloud services) with sellers (data centers or individuals offering spare compute resources).
   * Prices are determined through an open bidding process, enabling cost savings.
2. **High Scalability and Flexibility**:
   * Developers can deploy and manage cloud applications with ease using Kubernetes-compatible deployment models.
3. **Open and Permissionless**:
   * Anyone can participate as a provider or user without requiring approvals from centralized authorities.
4. **Blockchain-Powered Security**:
   * The Akash Network uses its native blockchain to manage transactions, ensuring transparency and trust.
5. **Cost-Effectiveness**:
   * By leveraging underutilized computing resources, Akash offers cloud services at significantly lower prices compared to traditional providers.
6. **AKT Token**:
   * The native cryptocurrency **AKT** is used for transactions, staking, and governance within the ecosystem.

The Akash Network is particularly suited for developers and organizations looking to reduce cloud computing costs while benefiting from a decentralized, censorship-resistant infrastructure.

> Forbole is also one of the [Akash Validators](https://forbole.com/en/staking).

## How to Interact

1. Get your API Key from [Forbole's RPC](https://rpc.forbole.com/).

<figure><img src="https://3091755030-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FENUSv6WO6gDHge2JXsI2%2Fuploads%2FTzj7jKZl2ZyRfILanKP7%2FScreenshot%202025-01-08%20at%2012.50.33%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=282730c7-72c6-4b2d-aabf-bbdb37fc041d" alt="DevTools Endpoints"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Test the query as follow:

```bash
curl https://rpc-mainnet-akash-fullnode.forbole.com/abci_info \
  -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "apikey: {apiKey}" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"abci_info"}'
```

**Response Example**

```json
{
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "id": -1,
    "result": {
        "response": {
            "data": "akash",
            "version": "v0.36.0",
            "last_block_height": "19206944",
            "last_block_app_hash": "BVPbg2jdS3N6tLZ57Zb2lNbHnhDE3UBCVGe0QbT9uEc="
        }
    }
}
```