What is the purpose of Hedera?

Could you please elaborate on the intended purpose of Hedera? I'm curious to understand what makes it unique and what problems it aims to solve in the realm of cryptocurrency and finance. Could you also explain how Hedera functions and what its core features are? Additionally, how does it differ from other blockchain platforms, and what are the potential benefits it offers to users and businesses alike? I'm eager to gain a deeper understanding of this technology and its potential applications.