AIKYA: Decentralized Edge-Hosted Progressive Web Apps

Author

Mrs. Gorisetty Nirosha, Pandiri Mahalakshmi

Abstract

 Small-scale retail outlets, local cooperatives, and temporary market stalls often face significant operational friction when deploying modern point-of-sale systems. Mainstream enterprise platforms require uninterrupted internet connectivity, recurring cloud subscriptions, and dedicated hardware terminals. In regions where network coverage fluctuates or data bandwidth is costly, cloud dependency leads to transactional stalls and delayed checkout processes. This paper presents the design and practical implementation of AIKYA, an offline-first decentralized commerce system tailored for micro-merchants. The system converts an ordinary Android smartphone into an on-premise local server, handling transactions and catalog management through an embedded SQLite database. Customers and store associates access the store environment directly through standard web browsers via local Wi-Fi without installing software from application stores. By utilizing progressive web application caching mechanisms, the client interface loads instantly and maintains interactive catalog browsing even during brief signal drops. Field observations show that the system operates comfortably within typical consumer mobile hardware, requiring less than 2 MB of client storage while providing real-time ordering and staff messaging. The proposed architecture offers a viable, zero-cost operational framework for independent retail businesses seeking digital autonomy.

Keywords

Progressive Web Applications, Edge Hosting, Decentralized Commerce, Offline-First Systems, Local Wireless Network, Retail Automation, Service Workers.

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References

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