Ripple is a global payments network, RippleNet, based on Ripple Transaction Protocol. XRP is the digital asset intended to be used as a cross-currency liquidity utility.
RippleNet proposes a distributed financial network for real-time messaging, clearing and settlement.
Participants are categorized under two sets: Members (enablers) and Users (Originators). It may be the case that RippleNet development goes well for its members but some of its solutions, as XRP, is not demanded be other users.
Ripple software allows for current financial markets key elements such as compliance to regulatory requirements, data privacy, consummer protection and secure communication.
Read original whitepaper, and do mind it’s correction note.
One significant fork out of Ripple was Stellar