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<h2><center>Introduction: Current state of e-commerce infrastructure </center></h2>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
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The euphoric feeling accompanied with being able to add new items to one's cart is second to none. I can relate, and i bet you can too! The joy of shopping remains unparalleled, especially as the new wave of digitisation brought about an added plethora of possibilities summed up in one word : e-commerce. The internet has made it possible for buyers to easily access a host of networks once a need has to be met, exposing them to a wide range of alternatives to explore and select the best option that suits the said need.
Though eclectic in nature, it is an inherent trait of man to stick to a particular store or brand, especially it if it matches his tastes, and it is this loyalty that often becomes an undoing .Centralised e-commerce platforms are often culpable of abusing user data, often posing low privacy protection, poor security, and biased recommendations; but that's not even as bad as it gets. Customers are left to suffer the financial constraints imposed by third party payment processors such as PayPal, Payoneer etc as well as incurred costs of centralised server maintenances to mention a few.
In more recent times, we have seen several attempts to integrate the disruptive blockchain technology in order to arrest the aforementioned shortcomings in the industry, although there has been glaring improvements thus far, this concept isn't entirely devoid of bottlenecks. Here are some of them:
- Blockchain applications, dApp and cryptocurrencies are synonymous to ambiguity and complexity to the non tech-inclined minds.
- Cryptocurrencies are often regarded as a means of value storage. Many prefer to hold, hoping to cash-in on value increase, rather than utility purposes.
- Whilst payment processors such as PayPal are known and utilised worldwide, only a tiny fraction of the world uses cryptocurrencies.
- Mining cryptocurrencies requires expensive supercomputers with great computational and processing power, as well as constant electricity supply. The cost implication of this means that only those with the financial prowess can carry out mining activities.
For an industry that is expected to surpass $4 trillion in revenue by 2020, the current state is indeed abysmal, to say the least; and although the blockchain emerges with a glimmer of hope, there hasn't been enough fireworks to lighten an industry almost overshadowed by bottlenecks.
It's not time to lose sleep over all that however, as that was merely a stroll down memory lane !. The e-commerce industry has marched on to an era characterised by simplicity, convenience, efficiency and utility without compromising on security. At this point, permit me to introduce to you, your gateway to that much desired *freedom lifestyle*, [PLAZA's](www.plaza.systems) Total bCommerce.
Before we embark on this rollercoaster ride, let us briefly watch an introductory video from Plaza's youtube channel.
https://youtu.be/K3hh_Ikg88Q
<h3><center>Enjoy shopping on the go with Total bCommerce </center></h3>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
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Imagine a combination of an exquisite "shoppaholic" lifestyle with modern technology, a wide range of alternatives coupled with unbiased recommendations, or an intersection of simplicity with efficiency. These are no longer mere fantasies or wishful thoughts; infact, they are just a tip of an iceberg of endless possibilities available on total Bcommerce by Plaza systems.
Plaza is a blockchain powered platform that aims to arrest the shortcomings of current e-commerce solutions, providing a decentralised, highly scalable platform that allows users to access and purchase desired items through a wide range of alternatives, offering the best possible user experience through an intuitive, user friendly interface whilst ensuring security and efficiency remains a top priority.
Here are some features that sets Plaza apart from alternatives in a fiercely competitive industry.
<h5>Fully integrated unbiased metasearch</h5>
The Plazachatbot is a search assistant that helps users navigate through available options, allowing them seamless access to bestsellers in an unprejudiced and transparent manner.
<h5>High private protection and security</h5>
As previously stated, many e-commerce platforms engage in commoditisation of user's information, exchange them for money to email marketers etc without consent from owners. Plaza ensures user's data and payment information remains close to their chest, so they do not leave unnecessary bootprints after transactions.
<h5>User friendly interface available on mobile and desktop apps</h5>
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A good percentage of e-commerce apps lack the professional and appealing interface necessary for customers to have the relishable shopping experience they desire. Shoppers have inadvertently culminated the belief that a better interface generally translates to authenticity, and at almost all instances, this is correct. Plaza doesn't fall short in this aspect as user's can enjoy shopping on the simple, user friendly interface made available on it's mobile and desktop apps.
<h5>Multi-currency compatible, simple interface wallet</h5>
The Plazawallet similarly boasts an awesome interface for users to easy access their funds. One standout feature of the Plazawallet is its support for multiple currencies, this feature is particularly useful considering the fact that users may wish to adopt external payment processors where possible. When it comes to e-wallets however, interface remains secondary, as long as security of user's funds remains of immeasurable importance, and it is owing to this that Plaza adopts the best possible means of storing crypto - hardware or cold storage through it's own PlazaConcierge IOT device .
<h5>A reliable personal assistant to meet your needs!</h5>
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The PlazaConcierge is a smart speaker, similar to Microsoft's Cortana, Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri. It is an interactive artificial intelligence bot built to meet customers need, notifying them of the newest items available and other important updates. By putting the PlazaConcierge to work, users can earn passive income via the Plaza mining royalties program which rewards them for every transaction or data mined .
<h5>Plazacard: Bridging the gap between tradition banking systems</h5>
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One enviable feature of traditional banking system is interoperability, flexibility and easy accessibility of funds. Plaza takes a huge step in bridging the gap between cryptocurrencies and fiat money systems by re-enacting similar features, allowing crypto owners to make payments for items using the Plaza card.
<h5>Responsive chatbot and customer service personnels to resolve issues</h5>
Often times than not, users encounter problems when carrying out shopping activities and unlike regular real life malls, complaint resolution takes a bit more time to process, for the majority of platforms. Plaza stands out however, understanding the overwhelming effect of quick complaint resolution on customer's confidence and loyalty. In line with this, Plaza develops a fully automated and responsive chatbot to proffer quick solutions while more complex ones are left to customer service personnels who are always on deck to offer assistance.
<h3>Curbing the effects of price volatility through a fiat-backed dual token system</h3>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
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One of the stumbling blocks to mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is price volatility. Some business enterprises already existing in the centralised world are well aware of the ability of blockchain technology to propel their ideas and may seek to implement their concepts in a decentralised manner. Many times down this lane, the ugly tailback of price volatility rears it's head, leaving potential adopters with no choice.
Here's an example of how price volatility/fluctuations may affect this project. For instance,you may have $100 worth of Plaza tokens this minute which you ought to purchase an item with, probably buy the time you're done adding to cart, the same volume is worth only $95 (not to emphasize on token devaluation but rather, possible instability). Crazy right? Asides the fact that this will cause severe market imbalances, it will consequently present tokens as assets with which then can make profits, rather than as a purchasing power.
The introduction of a unique dual tokenised ecosystem fueled by a fiat-backed PL$ to support the Plaza token is an interesting and effective idea to curb volatility. Here are some characteristics of the PL$ token.
- Zero transaction costs
- Stable
- Easily tradeable to other currencies
- Backed by reserved tokens
- Minted when required, burned on redemption.
<h3><center>Plaza's underlying architecture/Technical overview</center></h3>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
Below is a pictorial overview of the various layers forming the Plaza ecosystem. For an in-depth technical analysis, refer to pages 21&22 of the [whitepaper](https://plaza.systems/whitepaper)
<h3><center>Practical Use Case</center></h3>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
Kate is a regular online shopper who has had her own fair share of the excessive fees imposed by payment processors. She is fed up, to say the least !. Maybe she might have put up with it if it ended there, but no, her email was made abode to all sorts of intrusive, annoying targeted ads after checking certain items.
She eventually gave up on online shopping, deciding to stick to the shopping malls within the vicinity. That decision didn't last for long though, as she was introduced to Total bCommerce by her friend and ever since then, it has been blissful shopping for Kate .
<h3><center>Final thoughts- The future of e-commerce with Plaza</center></h3>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
The integration of the promising blockchain technology marked the dawn of a new era in e-commerce. For the first time, users are fully assured of total privacy and security, thanks to the decentralised characteristic of this disruptive technology.
Yet again, the blockchain technology is merely a catalyst as far as the industry is concerned, needing a reaction to occur so that it can take it's toll. The resulting solution from the combination with Plaza is everything the industry has longed for. We cannot but hope that Plaza's solution will act as a base rock for other potentials in the coming years. The future is now, embrace it !.
<center>**TOKEN ALLOCATION**</center>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
<center>**IN THE NEWS**</center>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
[Blockchain-based commercial real estate platform AgentMile signs MOU with Plaza](https://medium.com/plaza-systems/blockchain-based-commercial-real-estate-platform-agentmile-signs-mou-with-plaza-2ae65cf88d1f)
[Decentralised gambling project U Run It teams up with MerchantChain dev Plaza](https://medium.com/plaza-systems/decentralised-gambling-project-u-run-it-teams-up-with-merchantchain-dev-plaza-24c12f5c6685)
[New business relationships help PLAZA token sales to continue to exceed expectations](https://medium.com/plaza-systems/new-business-relationships-help-plaza-token-sales-to-continue-to-exceed-expectations-633edd81a007)
<center>**INFORMATION AND RESOURCES**</center>https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdiFfK5fQqVBA5MKGnN9hRGxNuNYR6XQnzY2eSiV3NDNW/break2.png
[Plaza Website](www.plaza.systems)
[Plaza Whitepaper](https://plaza.systems/whitepaper)
[Plaza Telegram](https://t.me/plazatalk)
[Plaza Deep-dive docs](https://plaza.systems/#deep-dive)
[Plaza Yellowpaper](https://plaza.systems/yellowpaper)
Feel free to ask any questions concerning this project in the comment section below.
*All unsourced images were culled from the project's whitepaper*
BountyOx username: danielwrites
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