web-hosts/domains/coppertone.tech/docs/project-plan/phases/Phase-5-Advanced-Features-and-Integrations.md

Phase 5 Breakdown: Advanced Features & Integrations

This phase focuses on integrating the more complex, value-added technologies that set the Copper Tone Technologies platform apart. These features involve decentralization, real-time communication, and full infrastructure sovereignty.

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Task 5.1: Helia/IPFS Integration (Frontend & Go Backend)

Helia, an implementation of IPFS in JavaScript, will be used in the frontend to explore decentralized storage solutions, while Go backend services will manage robust IPFS interactions, enhancing data resiliency and censorship resistance.

• 5.1.1. Research and Strategy:
  • Use Case 1: Project Document Storage. When a file is uploaded to a project (e.g., a blueprint, a contract), it can be pinned to IPFS via Go backend services. The database will store the IPFS Content Identifier (CID) for the file. This ensures the file is stored immutably and can be retrieved from anywhere on the IPFS network.
  • Use Case 2: Decentralized Content Delivery. The Markdown content for the blog and services pages could be stored on IPFS. The web frontend would fetch this content via an IPFS gateway or a light client.
• 5.1.2. Go Backend Implementation for IPFS:
  • Run a dedicated IPFS node as a service in the podman-compose.yml (potentially go-ipfs or similar).
  • In the Go backend, use an appropriate Go IPFS client library (e.g., go-ipfs-api or go-libp2p-kad-dht) to create services that can:
    • Add files to the IPFS node, returning a CID.
    • Pin files to ensure they are not garbage collected.
  • Extend existing API endpoints or create new ones in Go:
    • POST /projects/:id/upload: An endpoint that accepts a file upload, adds it to the IPFS node via Go services, and associates the returned CID with the project in the database.
• 5.1.3. Frontend Implementation (using Helia):
  • Modify the project details view to include a file upload component.
  • When displaying files, create links that point to an IPFS gateway (e.g., https://ipfs.io/ipfs/<CID>) or implement a client-side IPFS retrieval mechanism using Helia for optimized content delivery.

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Task 5.2: Messaging Integration (Matrix)

Integrating real-time chat will provide a seamless communication channel for clients and internal teams, keeping all project-related discussions in one place.

• 5.2.1. Deploy Synapse Homeserver:
  • Synapse is the reference homeserver for the Matrix protocol.
  • Add a synapse service to the podman-compose.yml file using an official or community-maintained image.
  • This requires careful configuration, including generating a homeserver.yaml file and setting up a dedicated subdomain (e.g., matrix.coppertonetech.com) that points to the Synapse instance.
  • Use a separate PostgreSQL database for Synapse's data.
• 5.2.2. Go Backend Logic for Chat Rooms:
  • When a new project is created in the system, the Go backend should automatically:
    • Use the Synapse Admin API (via Go client library or direct HTTP calls) to create a new, private Matrix room for that project.
    • Invite the client and the assigned staff members to the room.
    • Store the Matrix room ID in the project's database record.
• 5.2.3. Frontend Integration:
  • In the project details view, embed a Matrix chat client.
  • There are several options for this:
    • Embed a full-featured client: Use an existing web client like Element and embed it in an <iframe>.
    • Use an SDK: Use the matrix-js-sdk to build a custom, lightweight chat component directly within the Vue application. This provides a more integrated look and feel.
  • The frontend will need to handle authentication with the Synapse server. This can be done by generating an access token on the Go backend when a user logs in.

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Task 5.3: Self-Hosted Email Server

This is the final step towards complete infrastructure independence. This is a high-risk, high-reward task. Misconfiguration can lead to emails being marked as spam.

• 5.3.1. Choose and Deploy an Email Server Suite:
  • A solution like Mailu or Maddy is highly recommended over building a mail server from scratch with Postfix/Dovecot. These projects come pre-packaged in containers with most of the necessary components (IMAP, SMTP, webmail, antispam, antivirus).
  • Add the chosen mail server suite to the podman-compose.yml.
  • This will require significant configuration, including setting up mailboxes, domains, and security credentials.
• 5.3.2. DNS Configuration (Crucial):
  • The DNS records for coppertonetech.com must be configured correctly to ensure email deliverability. This involves:
    • MX record: To point to the mail server's address.
    • SPF record: To declare which IP addresses are allowed to send email for the domain.
    • DKIM record: To cryptographically sign outgoing emails. The Mailu/Maddy setup process will provide the necessary keys.
    • DMARC record: To define the policy for emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks.
• 5.3.3. Application Integration (Go Backend):
  • In the Go backend's configuration, update the SMTP settings to point to the newly deployed self-hosted email server.
  • The Go backend will then use this server to send all transactional emails (e.g., registration confirmation, password resets, new invoice notifications).
• 5.3.4. Testing and Validation:
  • Use tools like mxtoolbox.com to verify the DNS records.
  • Send test emails to major providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) to ensure they are not landing in the spam folder.

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Task 5.4: Blockchain Advanced Use Cases

This task explores and implements more sophisticated blockchain functionalities beyond basic identity and payment.

• 5.4.1. Smart Contracts for Workflows:
  • Research: Identify suitable blockchain platforms and smart contract languages (e.g., Solidity for EVM-compatible chains) for implementing verifiable work agreements.
  • Design & Development: Create smart contracts for escrow services (e.g., holding funds until work milestones are confirmed), automated dispute resolution mechanisms, or verifiable completion of tasks.
  • Go Backend Integration: Develop Go services to interact with these smart contracts (deploy, call functions, monitor events).
• 5.4.2. Decentralized Storage Proofs:
  • Research: Investigate methods to use blockchain to provide cryptographic proofs of data existence, integrity, and timestamping for content stored on IPFS.
  • Implementation: Develop Go services that can hash IPFS CIDs and commit these hashes to a blockchain, creating a verifiable record that the data existed at a certain time and has not been tampered with.
• 5.4.3. Tokenization of Services/Assets:
  • Research: Explore the feasibility and benefits of tokenizing certain services or digital assets related to Copper Tone Technologies' operations (e.g., loyalty tokens, fractional ownership of digital assets).
  • Implementation: If viable, design and implement token contracts and integrate them with the Go backend for management and interaction.