$ARDR (Ardor) is a blockchain platform developed by **Jelurida**, the same team behind **NXT**. It's designed to address scalability and blockchain bloat issues by using a unique **parent-child chain** architecture. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

**1. Parent-Child Chain Structure**

- **Parent Chain (Ardor)**: Handles **network security and consensus** (using Proof-of-Stake) but does not process individual transactions.

- **Child Chains**: Host **customizable features** (tokens, smart contracts, etc.) without burdening the main chain.

- Example: **Ignis** is the default child chain, but businesses can create their own.

**2. Scalability & Lightweight Blockchain**

- Only the parent chain's blocks are stored permanently, reducing **storage requirements** (unlike traditional blockchains like Bitcoin).

- Child chain transactions are pruned after processing, preventing **blockchain bloat**.

**3. Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Consensus**

- Energy-efficient compared to PoW (Bitcoin, Ethereum 1.0).

- Stakers (forgers) secure the network and earn transaction fees.

**4. Features**

- **Asset Exchange**: Built-in decentralized trading.

- **Voting System**: For governance or polls.

- **Monetary System**: Custom tokens & currencies.

- **Smart Contracts**: Limited but secure (unlike Ethereum’s Turing-complete model).

- **Data Cloud**: Store hashed or encrypted data.

**5. Use Cases**

- **Enterprise blockchain** solutions (low-cost, scalable).

- **Tokenization** (assets, loyalty points).

- **Decentralized applications (dApps)** with minimal overhead.

**6. $ARDR Token**

- Used for **securing the network** (staking).

- Fees paid in ARDR for child-chain transactions.

- Fixed supply: **1 billion ARDR** (all minted at launch).

**Comparison with NXT**

- NXT is the older, single-chain version (prone to bloat).

- Ardor improves scalability by separating functions across chains.

**Conclusion**

Ardor is ideal for businesses needing **customizable, scalable blockchain solutions** without the heavy resource demands of traditional platforms. Its **multi-chain design** makes it efficient for long-term use.

Would you like details on staking, governance, or specific child chains?