# 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](/files/-MZxG9PsWMnHP0gVtUbU)

![Protocol Layer Service Providers](/files/-MZxGIknIEKnLCgR-6sE)

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

**Learn more about OIP here:**

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


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