# What is OIP?

[**Open Index Protocol**](https://www.openindexprotocol.com/) (OIP) is an open source specification for a persistent worldwide index and file library useful for data publishing, file distribution and facilitating direct payments. 

OIP uses PIN to operate with no central authority: record indexing, file storage/distribution and transaction management are carried out collectively by the decentralized network. OIP is the first **permissionless system** with a decentralized and transparent index for digital content and protected file persistence. 

The system uses a **Salutary Protocol model**, which funnel financial incentive to both application and protocol layers, ensuring sustainability and antifragility of the system through open market incentive alignment of all participants.

![Application Layer Service Providers](https://1925690997-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MZuNcPTcEu5hZahipkT%2F-MZx5XcNNllcuE2UedC2%2F-MZxG9PsWMnHP0gVtUbU%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=5c0c8d4a-4353-428c-bed4-0eb0ce398f46)

![Protocol Layer Service Providers](https://1925690997-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MZuNcPTcEu5hZahipkT%2F-MZx5XcNNllcuE2UedC2%2F-MZxGIknIEKnLCgR-6sE%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=d0e8ba4d-2b23-4e49-8314-ee40a61ea5cc)

{% embed url="<https://www.openindexprotocol.com/>" %}

**Learn more about OIP here:**

{% embed url="<https://oip.wiki/Main_Page>" %}