VISTA-IBC Codebase: Supporting Cardano-Cosmos Interoperability

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Vista Foundation

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

6

[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 optimize and sustain the IBC codebase management for Cardano-Cosmos interoperability, reducing operational costs and enhancing long-term maintainability.

[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.”

No dependencies.

[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

The VISTA-IBC Codebase project is open source so everyone can see, use, and improve the code. This helps keep the project transparent, lets the community get involved, and makes sure the code can keep up with new tech changes. By sharing the code openly, we encourage more developers to jump in and help make it better, which can also save on future costs.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The rapid evolution of blockchain technologies require constant updates and management of interoperability solutions like the IBC codebase. Without efficient management, the costs can become prohibitive, and the system may not keep up with new technological advancements, risking obsolescence and reduced functionality.

Approach

• Code Optimization: Refactor and optimize the existing code to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency.
• Cost-Effective Development Practices: Implement agile development practices that focus on minimizing waste and maximizing value in codebase updates and maintenance.
• Maintenance Protocol: Establish a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline for regular updates and testing, ensuring the codebase is always operational and secure.

Engagement

This project will engage experienced blockchain developers, DevOps specialists, and a project management team, all of whom have a proven track record in similar high-stakes blockchain environments.

Impact Demonstration

We will demonstrate the impact through reduced operational costs, increased efficiency in handling transactions across chains, and enhanced user satisfaction due to improved performance and reliability.

Uniqueness and Benefits

Our solution is uniquely positioned to handle the complexities of blockchain interoperability by focusing on the backend sustainability of the IBC codebase. This not only ensures the longevity and reliability of Cardano-Cosmos transactions but also sets a precedent for managing other interoperability protocols within the blockchain sector. Stakeholders, including developers and businesses leveraging this interoperability, will benefit from more reliable and cost-effective blockchain interactions.

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

Quantitative

• Transaction Success Rates: Monitor and report the increase in successful cross-chain transactions between Cardano and Cosmos, aiming for a measurable improvement in transaction completion without errors.
• User Adoption Rates: Track the number of new users and projects utilizing the interoperability functions, aiming for a growth percentage over a set period.
• Performance Metrics: Measure improvements in transaction speeds and reductions in failure rates compared to baseline metrics taken before implementation

Qualitative

• User Satisfaction Surveys: Conduct surveys with developers and end-users to assess satisfaction with the reliability and ease of use of the interoperability features. Look for improvements in user confidence and reduced frustration with system operations.
• Community Feedback: Gather and analyze feedback from the Cardano community forums and social media channels to evaluate the community’s perception of the improvements.
• Developer Testimonials: Collect detailed testimonials from developers who actively use the IBC codebase in their projects, focusing on their experiences with the enhanced system’s stability and functionality.

Sharing Outputs

Community Engagement: Results from both quantitative and qualitative assessments will be shared with the community through regular updates in community forums, webinars, and at Cardano community events.

Documentation and Reports: Publish detailed reports on the improvements and ongoing management strategies of the IBC codebase, including technical documentation for developers and periodic impact reports for stakeholders

[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?

Our team comprises seasoned professionals with expertise in blockchain development, standards authoring, and strategic leadership, making us well-equipped to deliver this project with a high degree of trust and accountability. Members bring a collective wealth of experience from successfully undertaking and delivering complex projects within the blockchain space, demonstrating technical proficiency and a proven track record.

Team Experience:

• Blockchain Expertise: Our developers have extensive experience in designing and implementing blockchain solutions, including prior work on interoperability projects which have significantly enhanced blockchain ecosystems.
• Standards and Governance: Some team members have authored critical standards for blockchain operations, ensuring that our projects align with global best practices and contribute meaningfully to the broader technology landscape.
• Strategic Leadership: Our leaders have held pivotal roles in global organizations, driving innovation and strategic initiatives that have had significant impacts on the tech industry.

Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Proven Track Record: We have a history of contributing to the advancement of blockchain technologies, collaborating on impactful projects that showcase our technical proficiency and success in complex environments.
• Innovation Contributions: Beyond the blockchain sector, our team members have made significant contributions to global organizations, which highlights our commitment to innovation and strategic leadership.

Project Validation and Feasibility:

• Prototype Development: We have developed a small in-house prototype that serves as proof of concept for the proposed enhancements to the IBC codebase. This prototype has provided valuable insights and has allowed us to refine our approach effectively.

Thorough Testing and Verification: Leveraging our combined technical expertise, we will conduct extensive testing and implement stringent verification processes to ensure the highest standards of quality and functionality.

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

Milestone 1: Codebase Assessment and Planning

Milestone 2: Codebase migration and Initial Testing

Milestone 3: Community and developer Feedback

Final Documentation

Milestone 5: Closeout Report

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

Adam Dean: Adam Dean is a seasoned developer with a wealth of experience in the dynamic field of blockchain technology. His expertise extends to the Cardano blockchain ecosystem, where he serves as a standards author, contributing to the development of protocols that underpin this cutting-edge platform. Known for his passion for innovation, Adam excels at being on the ground floor of new projects, consistently seeking ways to optimize existing processes. As a seasoned professional, he brings a visionary outlook to the integration of blockchain into our daily lives, striving for a future where technology is not just groundbreaking but also user-friendly and accessible to all.

Lloyd Duhon: Lloyd Duhon is a husband, father of 8, Grandfather (“Pop-Pop”) to 2, and a 100% service connected disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the 1990s. Lloyd was deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope in 1992. After suffering a brain injury due to a toxic exposure, Lloyd left the military to focus on a career in Information technology.

This 25 year career spanned Internet Service industries and Medical industries. Lloyd was named Chief Technology Officer for several Internet Startups. Lloyd was the Director of Information Systems for a medical transcription company that employed 1200 Medical Transcriptionists. Lloyd later founded an information technology lifecycle management and e-waste disposal service, Computer Heaven of SWFL. Due to complications from the brain injury, Lloyd was forced to close Computer Heaven, and focus on his healing.

Lloyd and his wife Melannie watched the pandemic unfold and saw the significant issues of disruption of the supply chains and the resultant food insecurity that was exacerbated by these conditions. Seeing an opportunity to better safeguard their family and community, Lloyd and Melannie built several iterations of systems to grow produce indoors at home. After finding the nutritional aspects of microgreens, and an inexpensive, repeatable, easy to manage process for growing them, Lloyd and Melannie founded Living Greens Urban Farm and began marketing both live microgreens and growing kits to the Southwest Florida area. By combining technology, sustainability practices, and community resilience, the Duhon family hopes that Living Greens Urban Farm will be an answer for food insecurity now and into the future.

Paul Spata: As a seasoned Full-stack Software Developer, ML Architect, DevOps Engineer, and Development Director, Paul brings over two decades of expertise to the dynamic intersection of technology, business, and science. An innovator, strategist, and entrepreneur, Paul has consistently delivered proven results across diverse technical domains. Notable among his recent accomplishments is being named the "Client of the Year" at the 2017 SCORE Tip of the Mitt awards, alongside developing a cutting-edge SDK for real-time driver tracking and visualization for an industry-leading client. His prowess extends to winning two awards in the 'Best App Ever' competition in the Social Networking and Reference categories.

Paul is adept at independently designing, coding, administering, and managing software development, utilizing modern tech, time-proven patterns, and best practices. His true passion, however, lies in collaborative teamwork, where he excels in agile leadership techniques, solid planning, and iterative progress. Connected with a roster of skilled technicians, Paul is poised for the next ambitious opportunity.

John Valdez: John Valdez is a seasoned leader and strategic advisor with extensive experience in the blockchain sector. His work has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of blockchain technologies. John has also collaborated with international organizations, applying his expertise to further their missions effectively.

His tenure as a Chief Marketing Officer showcased his ability to lead innovative campaigns and launch successful NFT collections that advanced digital engagement and community growth, generating substantial revenue. John's strategic vision and leadership have consistently driven technological innovation and community development, showcasing his commitment to enhancing industry standards and contributing to societal progress

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

Milestone 1: Codebase Assessment and Planning: 40k ADA

Milestone 2: Codebase Migration and Initial Testing: 40k ADA

Milestone 3: Community and Developer Feedback: 40k ADA

Milestone 4: Final Documentation: 40k ADA

Milestone 5: Closeout Report: 40k ADA

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

The budget allocated for the VISTA-IBC Codebase project represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. Our financial plan has been meticulously designed to optimize resource utilization while maximizing the benefits derived from improving Cardano-Cosmos interoperability. Here’s a detailed justification:

Efficient Resource Use:

• Development Costs: We have negotiated competitive rates with experienced blockchain developers who offer high-quality services at cost-effective rates. This ensures that the majority of the budget directly enhances the codebase rather than administrative overhead.
• Testing and Implementation: By using automated testing tools and continuous integration processes, we reduce the need for extensive manual testing, thereby lowering the costs of these phases.

Scalability and Sustainability:

• Long-Term Maintenance: By investing in creating a robust and maintainable codebase now, we reduce the future costs associated with updates and maintenance, ensuring the sustainability of the interoperability features.
• Open Source Contribution: The project’s outputs, including all documentation and code improvements, will be made available on GitHub. This transparency not only ensures that the Cardano community can verify the value received but also allows for ongoing community contributions, which can further reduce future development costs.

Strategic Impact:

• Enhanced Ecosystem Interoperability: By improving the interoperability between Cardano and Cosmos, we open up new opportunities for developers and users, potentially increasing the transaction volume and network participation, which can lead to greater token utility and value.
• Community Growth and Engagement: The project will engage the Cardano community through updates and open discussions on improvements, fostering a more vibrant and active ecosystem.