...
Ripple is not an alternate currency, although there is a currency built into it....
Interesting Paradox.
BTW, can Ripple technology work without the use of the "built in currency"?
No, because XRP is needed to facilitate transfers.
and because ripple owners own a majority share (probably all) of the XRP in existence
So, sounds like we wait until they "open" their "open source" code and we make it so it uses Bitcoin instead of ripple.
that's assuming this technology can really accomplish what it claims to in a decentralized fashion.