Internet Computer (ICP) vs NEAR Protocol (NEAR)

Internet Computer is a layer 1 blockchain protocol providing decentralized infrastructure for building software, websites, databases, servers, and other IT services for businesses. As its name suggests, Internet Computer aims to be a "global computer" for enterprises. The architecture is based on "subnets," which are separate blockchain networks hosted on data centers around the world, that businesses can customize as needed.

NEAR Protocol, more commonly abbreviated as Near, is a layer 1 blockchain operating on a Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism. The technological infrastructure of Near uses an innovative sharding method called Nightshade, which enhances transaction processing capacity and network scalability. Developers can create and deploy smart contracts using familiar programming languages, and the Aurora tool allows them to have full compatibility with Ethereum.