Who are Allocators

Allocators in the Filecoin Plus (Fil+) program, previously known as notaries, play a crucial role in the Filecoin ecosystem by distributing DataCap to clients. Their primary responsibilities include:
  1. Allocation of DataCap: Allocators receive DataCap in batches from root key holders. They then allocate this DataCap to clients who need to store data on the Filecoin network. This process is designed to ensure that trustworthy clients receive adequate resources to make verified storage deals.
  2. Ensuring Trust and Compliance: Allocators are tasked with ensuring that DataCap is distributed responsibly. This involves vetting clients to prevent any form of abuse that could jeopardize the network. They must keep detailed records of their decisions and adhere to operational guidelines.
  3. Community Governance: The selection of allocators involves a community governance process. Potential allocators must submit detailed proposals outlining their strategies for DataCap distribution, compliance, and dispute resolution. These proposals are reviewed by the Governance team before granting validator status and DataCap amounts​​.

How are Allocators evaluated?

As described previously you will need to apply to the governance team once rolling applications open (June 2024). Your application will be scored based on:
  1. Innovation - we want to make sure that the allocators are unique in the way they operate.
  2. Level of automation - we favor allocators that are using tooling and automation to make the DataCap distribution smooth and equal
  3. Your contributions to ecosystem - Your history and engagement with the Filecoin ecosystem play a crucial role. This includes supporting the onboarding of valuable data, active participation in governance, contributing to community events, and fostering a robust decentralized storage network.
  4. Compliance and Transparency - we want you to provide clear compliance frameworks, ensuring transparency in your operations. After the initial trial run, when you run out of DataCap, your allocator will be reviewed and we will be looking whether you complied with your own application. So be honest and clear on ways you will evaluate your clients. .  The more you can use tools that will beThis includes maintaining detailed records, following operational guidelines, and being prepared for audits. Allocators need to clearly outline their dispute resolution processes and how they will ensure transparency in their decision-making
  5. Geographic and Data Type Coverage - Allocators should aim to support a diverse range of data types and ensure wide geographic distribution. This helps in maximizing the network’s utility and resilience by spreading data across multiple regions and involving a variety of storage providers. Clear strategies for managing data compliance with local and regional laws are also essential.
  6. Retrievability - our aim is to reach at least 80% retrievability of data onboarded through Fil+. So allocators who will prioritize retrievability, and will provide insights on how will they ensure retrievability of their client's data, will score higher.
We understand that not every use case will fit these requirements, that is OK. As long as you can explain in your application why you will not automate your allocator, or have geographic distribution or maybe why your clients do not care about retrievability. 

Remember that the audit at the end of your trial will focus on whether you have followed the rules you laid out in your application - so better be honest than try maximizing your score in the application process. 


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