Cost-Effective Amazonian Solar-Powered Servers: Empowering Cardano Community as Global Blockchain Nodes

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Victor Grecia

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

victor.grecia@outlook.com

Additional Applicants

Victor Grecia: main applicant

Tauan Flores

Carlos Uchoa

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

2

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

Yes

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” in this field.

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project outputs be fully Open Source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.” in this field.

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

SPOs

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG goals:

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

SDG subgoals:

Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmes

Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation

By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

#proposertoolsdg

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

We understand that time is valuable and reading through the entire project can be time-consuming. Therefore, we have prepared a summary (items below), complete with pictures.

1/Challenge: High server costs, limited internet access, and growing Cardano complexity hinder #Cardano SPOs. We aim to tackle these challenges and provide a solution that benefits both underprivileged SPOs and those seeking to optimize costs. See the graph (RAM vs VPS Cost)

2/Solution: We propose acquiring bare metal Amazonian Solar-Powered linux ubuntu servers through Fund10, which will run on the infrastructure of our registered IT company in Brazil. In addition, we will subsidize the internet costs. By joining us, SPOs will contribute to decentralization within the ecosystem, as our pool (ADABR) currently stands as the sole representative in the Amazon region. Access to the servers will be like a regular VPS server over ssh.

Photo vendors-quoted servers. Proposed tech spec (for multiple instance support): Intel® Xeon® Gold 5416S 2G, 16C/32T or similar; 128GB RDIMM, 4800MT/s Dual Rank; 4TB SSD RAID.

Link to hardware price quote: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RL2KJQjpxMd02XOJRLR_Cy_v2zYg-f0-/view?usp=sharing //

3/The community's Fund10 contribution will provide the subsidy to set up the structure and computer network specially for the project, which is simple. In return, we will offer maintenance and infrastructure, including company facilities, internet entreprise link and clean energy. We operate today ADABR Pool linux servers, and a mining farm with 30KW + 10,8KW on solar panels. See pictures below about where we are sited (Belem-PA-Brazil).

Facade of the our company's commercial building

10,8 kW panels over our company's solar farm 1 and 30 kW panels over our company's solar farm 2 near the equator

4/SPOs will only be responsible for the cost of the VPS internet link, which we'll strive to keep as low as possible. This aspect of the project has faced criticism, but it needs to be sustainable in the long run. As a potential solution, we propose sharing IP ports to divide the IP costs among users, reducing cost to less than 50 ADA/month (16 USD). The 16 USD price is final, it is currently around 50 ADAs. However, if the ADA price increases due to volatility, the value will always be approximately in USD, according to the monthly exchange rate. Nonetheless, we will only receive payment in ADA to encourage adoption. Furthermore, as we have some "skin in the game," this received value in ADA will be converted into the ADABR pool pledge.

5/Despite being located in the Amazon, our internet connection is highly stable, you can check our 24h-uptime on https://cexplorer.io/pool/pool1z97uz9kzzfdekjjrmxvslvxzyj9jep6thf4he5qtmcdaqvznl8c/about#data anytime. Additionally, the region's proximity to Central America and a four-hour flight to the USA provides convenient access.

6/This project ensures server redundancy & fail-safe measures for uninterrupted operations. Dual power supplies, RAID storage, multiple internet links, and continuous monitoring guarantee a highly resilient infrastructure.

7/Our initial goal is to serve a minimum of 5 SPOs with this server setup. However, if there is higher demand, we are committed to utilizing our own resources to accommodate it, in addition to the support provided by FUND10. As a small initiative, our participation in FUND10 aims to contribute to the regional development of the Amazon while addressing centralization concerns. Nevertheless, we are eager to independently expand and grow beyond these boundaries

Please proceed below with the full text of our project.

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The primary issue at hand revolves around the exorbitant costs associated with dedicated cloud or bare metal servers that meet the minimum requirements of the Cardano network. Currently, these requirements entail a minimum of 24GB RAM, 250GB SSD HDD, and a minimum two-core CPU. In Brazil, the price range for such servers fluctuates from approximately 200 USD to as high as 1500 USD on AWS EC2 instances, rendering them unaffordable for many Cardano Stake Pool Operators (SPOs). Despite pool rewards amounting to around 340 ADA every 5 days, SPOs often find themselves having to operate at least 3 servers, some even paying to stay active, with non-block producing pools all epochs.

To overcome this challenge, we propose an alternative approach. The project aims to procure reliable, high-end servers (proposed tech spec for multiple instance support: Intel® Xeon® Gold 5416S 2G, 16C/32T or similar; 128GB RDIMM, 4800MT/s Dual Rank; 4TB SSD RAID) specifically designed to operate with 99.9% uptime, utilizing solar energy as a sustainable power source. By capitalizing on solar energy and leveraging the infrastructure of or company facilities, operated by ADAZUL Pool (adazulpool.com), we can provide VPS servers at a significantly reduced price, as low as possible, our target is set to be less than 50 ADA/month.

In addition to the cost advantage, this project will ensure servers with fixed IP addresses and ports, running Ubuntu Linux and allowing SSH connections over the enterprise internet link we work on, thus guaranteeing the stability and reliability of the infrastructure. By offering affordable and sustainable server options, we aim to empower SPOs with the necessary resources to operate efficiently and contribute to the growth of the Cardano network, which currently faces escalating demands for more powerful hardware.

Through this solution, SPOs can optimize their financial expenditures, enhance their pool performance, and expand their operations. As a result, it promotes the decentralization and resilience of the Cardano blockchain.

Redundancy proposal: this project has a robust redundancy and fail-safe plan to ensure uninterrupted operations. Each server will be equipped with dual power supplies, connected to separate power sources to prevent single points of failure. In the event of a solar system failure, our servers will seamlessly switch to the backup power supply without disruption.

Furthermore, we'll implement RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations for data storage, ensuring data integrity and protection against drive failures. Regular backups will be performed to remote off-site locations, providing an additional layer of security in case of any unforeseen incidents.

Regarding internet connectivity, we'll have multiple redundant internet links from different service providers. If one link experiences issues, the traffic will automatically switch to another link, maintaining stable and reliable internet access for our servers.

Additionally, we'll set up monitoring systems to continuously monitor server performance and health. Automated alerts will be in place to notify us immediately of any potential issues, allowing us to take swift actions and minimize downtime.

Overall, our goal is to establish a highly resilient and reliable server infrastructure, ensuring maximum uptime and data availability for the benefit of our users and the Cardano community.

Currently, we utilize only a fraction of our installed solar capacity, which amounts to 40.8 kW in solar panels. Our current energy consumption, including the ADAZUL servers and 11 NVIDIA series 30 GPUs installed across 4 computers, has a nominal power of 1800W, totaling approximately 1296 kWh/month. The solar panels generate an average of 4000 kWh/month, and the surplus is stored as credit with the energy distributor. In addition to running the ADAZUL stake pool, we are also involved in Ergo mining, a partner network of Cardano, and intend to maintain this infrastructure.

The uniqueness of this solution lies in its combination of affordability, sustainability, and reliability. By providing high-end servers powered by solar energy at a significantly lower cost compared to existing options, this project target audience are specifically the Cardano Stake Pool Operators.

Cardano will benefit from this solution as it addresses the cost barrier that presently hinders the participation of numerous SPOs. By offering accessible servers that meet the network's requirements, it enables a greater number of SPOs to actively contribute to the decentralized operation of the Cardano blockchain.

The importance of this solution to Cardano arises from the necessity of establishing a robust and diverse network of SPOs. As the demand for more powerful hardware increases, it becomes crucial to reduce entry barriers and make server infrastructure more affordable. By doing so, we foster inclusivity, encourage broader participation, and bolster the network's resilience and security.

To demonstrate the impact of this project, transparent documentation of the cost savings realized by SPOs who adopt these servers will be provided. Additionally, the increase in the number of active SPOs and their contributions to the Cardano network using the infrastructure will be noted.

Overall, this solution effectively addresses a critical problem, presents a unique approach and aims to empower SPOs to contribute effectively to the network's clean energy growth and decentralization.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed solution directly addresses the challenge of high costs associated with acquiring dedicated servers for Cardano Stake Pool Operators (SPOs). By offering reliable, VPS servers powered by solar energy at a significantly lower price, the solution enables SPOs to meet the minimum requirements of the Cardano network while reducing their operational expenses. This approach empowers SPOs to operate efficiently and contribute to the growth and decentralization of the Cardano ecosystem.

The benefits of this solution to the Cardano ecosystem are multi-fold. Firstly, it eliminates the cost barrier that prevents many SPOs from participating, allowing a greater number of Cardano users to actively engage in operating stake pools. This increased participation enhances the decentralization and security of the Cardano blockchain.

Secondly, the use of sustainable energy sources, such as solar power, aligns with Cardano's commitment to environmental responsibility. By promoting the adoption of eco-friendly practices within the network, the solution contributes to the long-term sustainability of Cardano's operations.

Thirdly, the provision of stable and reliable server infrastructure ensures uninterrupted operation, reducing downtime and improving the overall performance of the Cardano network. This increased stability enhances the user experience, attracting more users and stakeholders to the Cardano community.

What are the exact specifications for each individual SPO allocation? Each SPO allocation will consist of one server instance per request, with hardware requirements in line with the latest version of the Cardano node on GitHub. To preserve decentralization, we do not aim to provide multiple servers to a single SPO. Additional servers (relay and/or block producers) are recommended to be sourced locally or through known cloud services.

How many SPOs do you intend to service with this server setup? Our initial goal is to serve a minimum of 5 SPOs with this server setup. However, if there is higher demand, we are committed to utilizing our own resources to accommodate it, in addition to the support provided by FUND10. As a small company, our participation in FUND10 aims to contribute to the regional development of the Amazon while addressing centralization concerns. Nevertheless, we are eager to independently expand and grow beyond these boundaries.

The project's impact extends beyond funding the project team. It contributes to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem by expanding the network of active SPOs, strengthening the infrastructure, and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable community over Brazil's Amazon ground.

Quantifying the impact within a reasonable timeframe is dependent on several factors, including the adoption rate of the solution by SPOs and the overall growth of the Cardano network. However, it is realistic to anticipate an increase in the number of SPOs due to the reduced costs and improved operational efficiency provided by the solution. This, in turn, will contribute to a more robust and decentralized Cardano ecosystem.

By tracking the number of SPOs adopting the solution, the increase in active stake pools, and the overall growth of the Cardano network, we can quantify the project's impact. Additionally, monitoring user feedback, transaction volume, and community engagement will provide further insights into the value this solution brings to the Cardano ecosystem.

In conclusion, the proposed solution addresses the challenge of high server costs for SPOs, brings numerous benefits to the Cardano ecosystem, and aligns with Cardano's core principles of decentralization, sustainability, and user-centricity. Through increased participation, improved stability, and reduced operational expenses, the solution fosters a stronger, more resilient Cardano ecosystem that attracts and empowers a diverse community of stakeholders.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The success of the project will be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics that demonstrate the benefits brought to the Cardano ecosystem.

Quantitative metrics:

1. Adoption rate: We will track the number of SPOs that adopt the servers provided by the project. This metric reflects the solution's acceptance and its ability to address the cost barrier for SPOs.
2. Increase in active stake pools: By monitoring the growth in the number of active stake pools within the Cardano network, we can gauge the project's impact on expanding participation and decentralization.
3. Cost savings: We will document and quantify the cost savings realized by SPOs who switch to the project's servers. This metric provides a concrete measure of the financial benefits the solution brings to the Cardano ecosystem.

Qualitative metrics:

1. User feedback: We are still collecting feedback from SPOs comunity since we uploades this project on Catalyst, this text is being edited continuously, assessing their satisfaction with the solution, its reliability, and the overall user experience. This qualitative measure helps gauge the solution's impact on operational efficiency and user perception.
2. Community engagement: We will monitor the level of engagement and participation of SPOs within the Cardano community. This includes involvement in discussions, contributions to the development of the ecosystem, and collaboration among stakeholders. Increased community engagement reflects the project's ability to foster a vibrant and supportive Cardano ecosystem.

These metrics are realistic as they align with the project's objectives and can be tracked through data analysis, user surveys, and community interactions. By combining quantitative and qualitative measures, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's impact on Cardano's productivity and growth.

In the short term, the project will provide immediate cost savings for SPOs, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently and improve their pool performance. This will lead to increased stakeholder participation, contributing to the network's decentralization and resilience.

In the long term, the project's innovative approach of providing affordable, sustainable, and reliable servers will attract new stakeholders to the Cardano ecosystem. The expanded participation will enhance the network's productivity by increasing transaction volume, strengthening security, and fostering a diverse and engaged community.

Overall, the success of the project will be measured by its ability to drive adoption, cost savings, increased stakeholder participation, improved operational efficiency, and positive user feedback. By delivering on these metrics, the project will have a tangible and lasting impact on Cardano's growth, productivity, and ecosystem development.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

We have devised a comprehensive plan to disseminate and share the outputs and results of our project in a manner that aligns with its nature and objectives.

1. Project Website: We will create a specific project website session on adazulpool.com. that provides detailed information about our solution, its implementation process, and the benefits it offers to the Cardano ecosystem. The website session will serve as a central hub for accessing project updates, documentation, and relevant resources.
2. Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through social media platforms, forums, and community channels. By sharing regular updates, progress reports, and success stories, we aim to generate awareness, foster dialogue, and encourage participation from stakeholders within the Cardano ecosystem.
3. Collaboration with SPO: We will actively collaborate with Cardano Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) and other relevant stakeholders to share the outputs and results of our project. This collaboration can take the form of case studies, testimonials, and joint publications, where we highlight the impact and opportunities our solution brings to the SPO community.
4. Presentations and Webinars: We plan to organize presentations and webinars targeted at the Cardano community, industry events, and relevant organizations. These sessions will allow us to showcase the outcomes of our project, discuss its implications, and offer insights on how stakeholders can leverage the solution to improve their operations within the Cardano ecosystem.
5. Open-Source Resources and Industry Publications: While the hardware infrastructure itself may not be applicable for traditional research and academic publication, we will contribute to the open-source community by sharing relevant tools, software, and methodologies of know-how developed during the project. These resources will be made available on platforms like cardano.org forum, allowing developers and researchers to explore and build upon our work.

Additionally, if the project is approved and successful, we intend to expand the number of accessible high-end servers in the future. This expansion plan will be communicated to the Cardano community through the aforementioned channels to ensure transparency and facilitate further collaboration. Furthermore, we will explore opportunities to participate in FUND11 and other funding programs, aiming to secure larger perspectives and resources to scale our infrastructure and offer an even greater number of servers to the Cardano ecosystem. We believe that by continuously expanding our server capacity, we can contribute to the growth and resilience of the Cardano network, enabling more stakeholders to actively participate and further decentralize the blockchain.

By implementing these sharing strategies, we aim to raise awareness about our solution, encourage adoption within the Cardano community, and inspire further innovation and research in the field of affordable and sustainable server infrastructure. We are committed to promoting collaboration, sharing insights, and maximizing the dissemination of our project's outputs to benefit the Cardano ecosystem as a whole.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

As ADABR Pool SPOs, our team possesses the necessary capabilities, expertise, and track record to deliver this project with a high level of trust and accountability. The existing capabilities and experiences demonstrate why we are best suited to undertake this initiative:

1. Established Mining Farm Infrastructure: We currently operate a mining farm with dedicated servers for the Cardano network (ADABR Pool). Our infrastructure is powered by solar panels, supported by an enterprise-grade internet connection, and equipped with a reliable network infrastructure. This existing farm provides a solid foundation for seamlessly integrating the new high-end servers.
2. Technical Expertise: the project owner Victor Grecia has a technical background in hardware and networking. Taun Flores is graduated on computer software engineering, skills to implement and maintain the server infrastructure effectively. This expertise ensures that the servers will be set up and operated with utmost care and attention to detail.
3. Pool Operator Experience: The project staff has been on Cardano Stake Pool Operatorion since 2021, gaining practical experience in managing a stake pool successfully. This experience has provided insights into the requirements, challenges, and best practices involved in running a pool within the Cardano ecosystem. It further demonstrates their commitment to the network and understanding of the needs and expectations of the community.
4. Financial Management and Accountability: We understand the importance of proper financial management and accountability. To ensure the responsible use of funds, transparent accounting practices will be shared, maintaining clear records of expenses, and provide regular financial reports to relevant stakeholders. This project will adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity and utilize funds exclusively for the intended purposes outlined in the project proposal.

By leveraging our established mining farm infrastructure, technical expertise, pool operator experience, and commitment to financial accountability, our team is confident in our capability to deliver this project with the highest levels of trust and accountability. We understand the importance of managing funds responsibly and ensure that every aspect of the project is conducted with utmost professionalism, integrity, and transparency.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of this project are as follows:

1. Procure Linux Servers instances: the primary objective is to acquire enterprise servers that meet the minimum requirements of the Cardano network per node today, including 24GB RAM, 250GB SSD HDD storage, and a minimum two-core CPU.
2. Establish Cost-Effective Infrastructure: The goal is to provide these servers at an affordable price, estimated to be maximum 50 ADAs per month. This will enable Cardano Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) to access reliable and high-performance infrastructure without incurring exorbitant costs.
3. Ensure Seamless Implementation: The project aims to efficiently set up and integrate the new servers into the existing Adazul pool brazilian company infrastructure. This includes configuring the servers with Ubuntu Linux, fixed IP addresses, and ports, allowing stable and reliable SSH connections.
4. Measure Adoption and Impact: The success of the project will be measured by tracking the number of SPOs adopting the cost-effective servers and their contributions to the Cardano network. Additionally, transparent documentation of the cost savings realized by SPOs and the overall growth of the Cardano ecosystem will serve as indicators of the project's impact.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will employ the following measures:

1. Financial Analysis: We will conduct a detailed financial analysis to ensure the cost-effective pricing of the servers aligns with the project's objectives. This will involve comparing the projected expenses, including server acquisition and operational costs, with the expected benefits.
2. Adoption Rate: We will track the adoption rate of the cost-effective servers among SPOs. A higher adoption rate will indicate the feasibility and attractiveness of the infrastructure we offer.
3. Cost Savings Evaluation: We will gather data from SPOs utilizing our servers to measure and document the cost savings they achieve compared to alternative server options. This will validate the affordability and financial benefits of our approach.
4. User Feedback: Qualitative feedback from SPOs utilizing the servers will be collected to assess user satisfaction, performance improvements, and the overall impact on their pool operations. This will help validate the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing user experience.

By focusing on these measurable goals and conducting thorough financial analysis, tracking adoption rates, evaluating cost savings, and gathering user feedback, we will be able to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of our project in providing cost-effective server infrastructure to support the growth and decentralization of the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Server Acquisition and Setup

• Task 1: Research and identify suitable high-end server options that meet Cardano network requirements (it is already done, but if the project is aproved, we will re-do this step).
• Task 2: Finalize server procurement and shipping logistics (3 days).
• Task 3: Receive and inspect the servers upon delivery (15 days).
• Task 4: Configure the servers with Ubuntu Linux, fixed IP addresses, and necessary ports (2 days).
• Acceptance Criteria: High-end servers are acquired, inspected, and successfully configured according to the Cardano network requirements.
• Timeline: 25 days
• Projected Cost: 60%

Milestone 2: Integration with Existing Infrastructure

• Task 1: Assess the compatibility of the acquired servers with the our curent company infrastructure (2 days).
• Task 2: Establish the necessary network connections and ensure seamless integration of the new servers (3 days).
• Task 3: Perform compatibility tests and optimize server performance within the existing infrastructure (2 days).
• Acceptance Criteria: The new servers are successfully integrated into our computer network without disrupting existing operations.
• Timeline: 7 days
• Projected Cost: 20%

Milestone 3: Testing and Deployment

• Task 1: Conduct comprehensive testing of the new servers to ensure stability, reliability, and optimal performance (2 days).
• Task 2: Collaborate with a selected group of SPOs to conduct beta testing and gather feedback (7 days).
• Task 3: Address any issues or concerns identified during the testing phase (7 days).
• Acceptance Criteria: The servers pass rigorous testing, receive positive feedback from beta testers, and any identified issues are resolved.
• Timeline: 16 days
• Projected Cost: 10%

Milestone 4: Community Outreach and Adoption

• Task 1: Develop comprehensive documentation and tutorials on how to access and utilize the cost-effective servers (7 days).
• Task 2: Establish communication channels, including social media platforms, forums, and dedicated support channels (7 days).
• Task 3: Launch targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness about the cost-effective server offering (7 days).
• Acceptance Criteria: Documentation and tutorials are published, communication channels are established, and marketing campaigns generate interest and engagement from the Cardano community.
• Timeline: 21 days
• Projected Cost: 10%

Project Implementation Plan:

1. Project Initiation: Define project objectives, establish project team roles and responsibilities, and allocate necessary resources.
2. Milestone Planning: Break down the project into milestones, tasks, and timelines as outlined above.
3. Execution: Carry out the tasks and activities outlined in each milestone, ensuring effective coordination and communication among team members.
4. Monitoring and Control: Regularly monitor project progress, address any deviations from the plan, and take corrective actions as necessary.
5. Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough testing and quality checks at each milestone to ensure deliverables meet the required standards.
6. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of project activities, milestones achieved, and any changes or updates throughout the project.
7. SPO Engagement: Engage with the Cardano community, SPOs, and relevant stakeholders through regular updates, feedback collection, and addressing concerns or inquiries.
8. Project Closure: Evaluate project outcomes, finalize documentation, and prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the project's achievements and lessons learned.

By following this project management approach and adhering to the proposed milestones, tasks, and timelines, we ensure a systematic and efficient implementation of the project, delivering each milestone within the specified timeframe and budget.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Server Acquisition and Setup

• Deliverables: Acquired high-end servers, inspection report, server configuration documentation.
• Outputs: High-end servers are successfully procured, inspected, and configured to meet the Cardano network requirements.
• Intended Outcome: The new servers are ready for integration into the existing mining farm infrastructure, improving the performance and capacity of the network.
• Measurement: Successful acquisition, inspection, and configuration of the servers will be measured through documentation, reports, and confirmation from relevant stakeholders.

Milestone 2: Integration with Existing Infrastructure

• Deliverables: Compatibility assessment report, network integration documentation.
• Outputs: Seamless integration of the new servers into the existing mining farm infrastructure
• Intended Outcome: The new servers become an integral part of the existing infrastructure, powered by clean energy
• Measurement: Compatibility assessment report and confirmation of successful integration from the local team.

Milestone 3: Testing and Deployment

• Deliverables: Testing documentation, beta testing feedback report, resolved issues log.
• Outputs: Thoroughly tested servers, positive feedback from beta testers, addressed issues and concerns.
• Intended Outcome: The new servers demonstrate stability, reliability, and optimal performance, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
• Measurement: Testing documentation, beta testing feedback report, and resolved issues log will track the progress and outcomes of this milestone.

Milestone 4: Community Outreach and Adoption

• Deliverables: Documentation and tutorials, established communication channels, marketing campaign materials.
• Outputs: Published documentation and tutorials, active communication channels, increased awareness and engagement from the Cardano community.
• Intended Outcome: The Cardano community is informed about the cost-effective server offering, leading to increased adoption and usage.
• Measurement: Number of documentation views and downloads, engagement on communication channels, feedback from the community, and growth in server usage will be used to measure the success of this milestone.

Additionally, the project will focus on tracking and measuring the level of interest and participation from Cardano Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) in the program. The intended approach is to monitor and publicly disclose the number of SPOs that express interest and actively join the server acquisition initiative. This measurement will provide insights into the project's impact on the Cardano ecosystem by gauging the adoption and acceptance of the cost-effective server offering among the SPO community.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Budget Breakdown:

Hardware Acquisition: 60%

• High-end servers
• Networking equipment
• Power backup systems (already present in the infrastructure)
• Cooling infrastructure (already present in the infrastructure)

Installation and Setup: 20%

• Server installation and configuration
• Networking setup and optimization
• Power and cooling system installation:

Project Management: 10%

• Project management personnel
• Coordination and communication

Documentation and Reporting: 5%

• Creation of project documentation
• Reporting to the Cardano community

Community Engagement:

• Publicity and promotion 5%
• Community outreach and engagement

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem. While some costs have been outlined, it is important to emphasize that the overall investment from the community will be relatively low compared to the potential benefits and future opportunities.

Justification of Costs:

• Hardware Acquisition: The costs for linux servers and networking equipment are based on market research and competitive pricing. We have sought to ensure that the hardware costs are reasonable and in line with industry standards. By acquiring these resources, we can provide a reliable and efficient service to the Cardano community.
• Installation and Setup: The costs for server installation, configuration, and networking setup are reflective of the time and expertise required to ensure a seamless and optimized infrastructure. These costs are justified by the need for proper implementation, which guarantees a high-quality and secure environment for the users of the infrastructure
• Project Management: The allocation for project management personnel and coordination is essential for efficient planning, execution, and monitoring of the project. The costs associated with project management ensure effective resource utilization, timely decision-making, and successful coordination among team members.
• Documentation and Reporting: The expenses related to creating project documentation and reporting to the Cardano community are crucial for transparency and accountability. By providing clear and comprehensive documentation, we facilitate knowledge sharing and enable stakeholders to assess the project's progress and impact.
• Community Engagement: The budget allocated for publicity, promotion, and community engagement ensures effective communication and outreach to potential users of the service. While the costs for marketing may be relatively low, they play a significant role in raising awareness, attracting Cardano adopters, and fostering long-term relationships.

The costs have been carefully considered to strike a balance between providing quality services and minimizing expenses. We believe that the investment required represents value for money as it lays the foundation for a sustainable and scalable solution. Additionally, the potential for a larger investment in the future exists, given the anticipated interest from numerous SPOs who could benefit from this service.

It is important to note that the costs have been determined by considering market rates, competitive pricing, and the specific requirements of the project. The aim is to ensure that the Cardano community receives a valuable and cost-effective solution that aligns with industry standards and expectations.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept