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Introduction

A secure enclave is a protected system where data and code are isolated from other processes usually at a hardware level. Also known as Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), they ensure confidentiality of data and integrity of computation running in them. This property is especially useful in decentralized networks where data and computation might be leaked or manipulated by untrusted hosts in whose machines the data is stored and processed.

Marlin Oyster brings the power of enclaves to Web 3. It allows services that would otherwise be centrally hosted (think relays, gateways, APIs) to be run in a decentralized network of untrusted nodes. Simultaneously, it allows these services to be managed purely through smart contracts removing the need for individuals, signatories of a multisig or a team of devops engineers to manage infrastructure.

The Oyster platform offers services in two broad categories:

Instances​

For users who prefer to deploy dedicated instances, Oyster offers the flexibility to rent entire instances for exclusive use. This approach is especially beneficial for resource-intensive applications or when specialized hardware configurations are necessary. This can serve as a fallback option for users whose application requirements are not fully met by Oyster Serverless, as detailed in the next section.

To get started with deploying whole instances, follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the guide below.

Serverless​

For users looking to deploy serverless functions, Oyster provides a solution where these functions are executed within secure enclaves. Instead of renting a dedicated instance, multiple users can share a pool of instances that are always on standby, ready to handle on-demand requests. Billing is based solely on the execution time of the tasks. Additionally, users can opt for a subscription service to schedule functions to run periodically, ensuring automation and convenience.

To learn more about deploying serverless functions secured by enclaves and to get started, please refer to the detailed instructions in the guide below.