Description

AO is a single, unified computing environment hosted on a heterogeneous set of nodes in a distributed network. It is designed to support an arbitrary number of parallel processes, coordinating through an open message-passing layer. This standard connects independently operating processes into a cohesive 'web'—much like websites on independent servers form a unified experience through hyperlinks. Unlike existing decentralised compute systems, AO supports computation without protocol-enforced limitations on size and form while maintaining the network's verifiability and trust minimisation. Its distributed, modular architecture allows existing smart contract platforms to seamlessly 'plug in' to the network, functioning as processes that can send and receive messages. AO’s modular design lets users select the virtual machines, sequencing models, message-passing guarantees, and payment options that best suit their needs. This flexibility is unified by the settlement of all messages—each sharing the same format—onto Arweave's decentralised data layer. This creates a robust computing environment for diverse workloads, enabling seamless cooperation between processes.