Pocket Pool - One click solution for launching a stake pool on Ubuntu

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Richard Vickers

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Stephanie Craft

Miguel from Nexus Pool

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

10

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will build a simple point and click tool to install a functioning stake pool, relay or node on any viable Ubuntu system in minutes. Basic server hardening steps, update tools are included.

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

Yes

[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.”

There are so many tools already created by people in the community. Some have offered to let us use them when building this. We plan on finding the best and with creators permission, implementing them all together with a cool GUI on top. We will be paying outside specialists for parts of the design. As features release, we'd like to add new features like setting up Hydra, Midnight and other modular Cardano systems.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Simplified BSD License

for all stakepool, node, relay setups

TBD for all modular systems

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

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

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG Subgoals

9.b - Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

9.b.1 - Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Introduction:

The Pocket Pool project by Charity DAO aims to create a user-friendly GUI interface for installing a Cardano stake pool or node on the Ubuntu desktop operating system. The goal is to make the process as simple and automated as possible, allowing non-technical people to participate in the Cardano network.

Objectives:

   Script the setup process with known repositories.

   Automate as much of the installation process as possible, requiring minimal input from the user

Design a GUI interface   

Test the interface on Ubuntu operating systems to ensure compatibility

   Provide documentation and support for users who encounter issues during the installation process

Add future enhancements and updates over time for great user experience

Methods:

   Research existing Cardano node installation methods to identify areas that can be automated

   Develop the GUI interface using open-source tools and frameworks

   Use CLI tools to allow hardware wallets to serve as air-gapped machines

   Test the interface on Ubuntu Desktop

   Provide documentation and support for users who encounter issues during the installation process

Checkpoints:

Build a repository for up to date node images   

Create GUI and scripts using GLade Designer or something similar

   Rigorously test the installer

   Release for open-source use and integrate as a feature for donation recipients from the Charity DAO

Create a network of SPOs willing to add Pocket Pools to their relay to help new SPOs

Budget:

   The estimated budget for this project is $100,000.

   This budget will cover the costs of development, hardware, testing, designing and documentation.

Conclusion:

The "PocketPOOL" project will greatly improve the accessibility of the Cardano network for everyday, non-technical people, thus increasing the participation and decentralization of the network. It will be part of the package of Dapps provided by Charity DAO to non-profits when donating. We want to encourage charities to opt into Cardano and be part of the ecosystem instead of just cashing out. The project is expected to be completed within the estimated budget and will be open-sourced for the benefit of the Cardano community.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our solution will change the way stake pools are set up forever. The amount of SPOs can grow exponentially with such an easy and secure way to participate in the ecosystem.

As our product matures, new features like monitoring, specialized P2P connections and other enhancements can be implemented.

Cardano can be the most user friendly blockchain on the planet. We can make it so literally anyone can run their own pool, either at home or on the cloud with a few clicks.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Together with our individual expertise and that of skilled coders we hire, we can build this much needed tool. Especially with the open source work already done in the community so far.

Fund management is important and we will follow all recommendations or guidelines. We will keep wallet info public and record all transactions. Our GitHub will show a record of progress made. Public help will be welcome since it is open source. We can live stream the tests and provide incremental releases for public testing.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Node image repository - Dedicated repository of various Cardano Nodes and tools. These will be used when the app connects during the build process.

Build the software - Write an efficient script that can build input dependent fully operating stake pools. This will need to include Ubuntu hardening steps, OS and build update scripts with links to the repository

Design GUI - Create a graphic interface for users to be able to get the information they need to get started, and begin the setup process to suit their needs. Specific information like IP address, Pool name, settings and other options will be selected at the start of the process and with one click the rest is automated. Lots of work

Launchpad - Create website for tool to be downloaded. Partner with SPOs to rent or share Relays.

promotional content to get the project known to the public. Live showcase of the product and future updates.

Node image repository - is it online and accessible with info in GitHub? if yes, then Woot we did it!

Build the software - On GitHub with updates and downloads? Woot again.

GUI- Should also have GitHub updates etc. Maybe a design contest on twitter?

Launch - Website will be online with downloads, all fully tested. Access to relays will be in some form, as well as the ability to use the tool to make your own. Maybe a YouTube video and twitter posts about the release. Happy to talk to anyone about the process. Introduce next phase of modular add-ons like Hydra and Midnight.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Richard Vickers - founder of Cardano Community Charity Coin https://linktr.ee/CCCCoin.io

Miguel - founder of Nexus Pool and proof of Cardano https://nexuspool.org/ https://twitter.com/ProofOfCardano

Raymond Mata - Founder of GROW pool

We are hiring a GUI developer with experience in building UI on Ubuntu with python3.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

hardware costs including physical servers($11100), network equipment($5000), facility($10000), backup power($7400), internet service etc. $40k total

Promotional costs - Youtube spots and boosted twitter posts and possible booth at events $15k

Personnel costs for estimated 6 workers over 10 months $50k

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

We will be the only blockchain in the world that anyone can become part of the infrastructure with ease. They can stake their own coins or run a relay for other SPOs, and eventually run their own modular node to gain income in any number of ways in the ecosystem. When fiat collapses, Cardano will be the only alternative that the average person can join from home.