Namecoin was an earlier attempt to decentralize the Internet that came before Handshake. Though the effort had many of the same goals as the current Handshake network and also used a fork of Bitcoin as its cryptocurrency, it ultimately was not successful.Fortunately, the experts behind Handshake were able to learn from some of the issues that Namecoin encountered.For example, Handshake is easier to use, integrates more seamlessly with the existing DNS system, and has an auction process that makes it more accessible to individuals as well as corporations. It also uses Simple Payment Verification (SPV), which allows domain names to be resolved on the Handshake blockchain without having to download the blockchain’s full state.Namecoin launched at a time when blockchain technology was less widely accepted and understood. Handshake is primed for success now that most Internet users are already well aware of blockchains, cryptocurrency, and their benefits.