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ERC-948
What is ERC-948?
ERC-948 is a proposed Ethereum token standard designed to facilitate subscription-based services on the blockchain. It aims to create a standardized way for implementing recurring payments and subscription models using smart contracts.
Key Features
- Recurring Payments: Enables automatic, periodic payments from subscribers to service providers. 
- Subscription Management: Allows users to start, pause, or cancel subscriptions easily. 
- Flexible Billing Cycles: Supports various subscription periods (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly). 
- Prepaid and Postpaid Models: Accommodates different payment structures. 
- Service Level Agreements: Can include terms of service within the smart contract. 
Core Functions
- subscribe(): Initiates a new subscription. 
- unsubscribe(): Cancels an existing subscription. 
- pauseSubscription(): Temporarily halts a subscription. 
- resumeSubscription(): Restarts a paused subscription. 
- processPayment(): Executes the recurring payment. 
Advantages
- Automation: Reduces manual processing of recurring payments. 
- Transparency: Provides clear visibility into subscription terms and payment history. 
- Flexibility: Allows for various subscription models and payment structures. 
- Reduced Overhead: Minimizes the need for intermediaries in subscription management. 
Use Cases
- Digital Content Platforms: Streaming services, news subscriptions, etc. 
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Blockchain-based software subscriptions. 
- Membership Services: Recurring fees for clubs or organizations. 
- Utility Services: Regular payments for ongoing services like cloud storage. 
Challenges
- Gas Costs: Recurring transactions may lead to significant cumulative gas fees. 
- User Experience: Ensuring smooth onboarding and management for non-technical users. 
- Regulatory Compliance: Addressing legal requirements for recurring billing in various jurisdictions. 
- Adoption: Gaining widespread acceptance among service providers and users. 
Similar Terms
- ERC-20: The original Ethereum token standard that ERC-223 aims to improve. 
- ERC-777: Another proposed improvement to ERC-20 with some similar goals. 
- Ethereum: The blockchain platform that EIPs are designed for. 
- Smart Contract: The underlying technology that enables token standards like ERC-223.