# Zap Protocol Overview

In 2019, Zap Protocol released the first live decentralized [Oracle](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#oracles) platform on [Ethereum](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#ethereum) mainnet. Since that time Zap Protocol has progressively developed Oracles and [Bonding Curve](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#bonding-curve) technology matched with [smart contract](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#smart-contract) templates so anyone can quickly execute their [DeFi](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#decentralized-finance-defi) use-cases.

Zap Protocol is credited with coining the industry-accepted term, “Bonding Curve.” Originally created as a solution to the “oracle problem,” Zap Protocol continued development to expand possibilities and accessibility with more smart contract templates matched with an intuitive interface.

There is no node-approval process or third-party intermediaries to use the platform. Zap Protocol is an open source software that lowers the barrier to entry for listing and accessing tokenized products and services.

The Synapse Foundation located in Zugg, Switzerland oversees Zap Protocol’s long-term budget. The foundation works to ensure Zap Protocol remains decentralized, up-to-date, and maintained.

### Zap Protocol seeks to fulfill three main objectives within the blockchain ecosystem

#### Build a Robust, Source Agnostic Oracle Network

Zap is bringing together the existing wealth of global data with the diverse capabilities of distributed applications by ensuring the secure creation of [oracles](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#oracles).

#### Incentivize Oracle Creation and Curation

Zap is building a global, decentralized data marketplace and populating it with unique incentivization tools, empowering anyone to begin monetizing their data.

#### Fuel the Next Generation of Embedded Dapps

Zap is supplying a much-needed fundamental piece of the [Ethereum](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#ethereum) ecosystem and the [Web 3.0](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#web-3-0) paradigm, enabling developers to construct [Dapps](https://briandavidshapiro.gitbook.io/learning-gitbook/zap-terms-defined#decentralized-applications-dapps) that simply could not function without it. We seek to further empower the decentralized internet with a growing stack integration.