Syscoin, the revolutionary cryptocurrency built specifically for the needs of online merchants and marketplaces, has released its much awaited Final 2.0 Beta version, marking the final step towards the release of its main net release in April.

Syscoin's 2.0 Final Beta release is available publicly via a testnet and offers several never-seen-before services. It features a suite of the decentralized functions and a built-in marketplace. This integrated system includes encrypted messaging, integration of smart contracts via the combination of certificates and its decentralized marketplace, an affiliate program, aliases, certificates, fiat to Syscoin price-pegging and enabling Bitcoin Payments as an option.

“The Syscoin 2.0 Beta releases should only be used on our Testnet. tSYS (Testnet Syscoin) will be used to buy and sell items, tSYS has no value at all, it is simply a copy of Syscoin’s currency for testing purposes only” – Syscoin

A step-by-step instruction guide on how to take part and test the new version is available on Syscoin blog.

"Testing Syscoin 2.0 functionality using a testnet is extremely important”, said Sebastien DiMichle, Syscoin spokesperson. “We want to make sure that if any errors arise, testers do not have to use their own money.”

The release follows the recent announcement of Syscoin being an official development partner with Microsoft Azure via their Blockchain As a Service (BaaS) platform. The partnership with Microsoft Azure, coupled with the anticipation of the final beta release, has boosted its volume, making it a top 10 coin on several exchanges, as well as driving its market cap higher from under $200,000 in early February to more than $5,000,000 in mid-March. According to statistics available on Coinmarketcap.com, Syscoin currently takes the 26th slot, with market cap at $3,533,898, at the time of writing.

In addition, Syscoin has also announced that it plans to reduce the total number of authorized coins from its currently planned 2 billion to 900 million, including the current 428 million and a new development fund of 15 million coins in order to limit lifetime inflation. This solution will increase the long-term value of all coins by ensuring that no more than 900 million coins will ever exist.