SAIB: Buriza.Desktop - A Secure, Dedicated Desktop App for Buriza Wallet

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Clark Alesna

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

No Additional applicants

[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)

Buriza.Desktop is a secure app for managing Cardano wallets, running independently to avoid browser risks. It allows both full and light node wallet capabilities while maintaing dApp access regardless

[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

Everything about Buriza will be open source under the Apache Open-Source License, which can be found in the project repository.

[METADATA] Horizons

Wallet

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

This proposal is part of a family of proposals that collectively aim to create Buriza, a comprehensive Cardano wallet software suite spanning mobile, browser, and desktop applications. Buriza, named after the Japanese word for Blizzard, will be designed to be the best open-source, fully decentralized, and cross-platform Cardano wallet. It will empower users with maximum control over their entire wallet infrastructure. By combining open-source transparency, backend flexibility, and utilizing a standardized protocol for interacting with UTxO-based blockchains through the UTxO RPC standard, Buriza will enable users to self-host, choose their backend servers, self-verify and install the software itself and fully customize the wallet’s security, privacy, and functionality to meet their specific needs.  

To power Buriza, this proposal will focus on Buriza.Desktop which offers a secure, standalone desktop application for managing the Cardano wallets. Unlike browser-based wallets, Buriza.Desktop will provide enhanced security by operating independently of the browser, mitigating risks such as browser vulnerabilities. With features like self-hosting and backend server selection, users have full control over their wallet environment, reducing reliance on third-party services and increasing security. Additionally, with integration to Buriza.Core, Buriza.Desktop will leverage its foundational capabilities to retrieve accurate user balances, assets, and other blockchain-related information efficiently, ensuring seamless and secure experience for desktop users.

Buriza.Desktop will uniquely have the capability to run a full node wallet mode.

Problem Statement

There are various Cardano wallets available today, and while they are functional and serve their purpose, they still come with the following significant limitations:  

• Centralized Dependency: Many wallets depend on third-party services or centralized backend servers to access blockchain state, introducing potential security risks and undermining long-term reliability, particularly if these servers go offline or are shut down. 

 

• Closed-Source: The rise of closed-source wallets means users can no longer inspect the code, raising concerns about security vulnerabilities and lack of accountability. 

 

• Limited User Control: Many wallets limit users' control over wallet infrastructure, making it challenging to interact with UTxO-based blockchains in a decentralized manner. This not only undermines user autonomy and privacy but also restricts the user’s ability to customize the wallet according to their individual preferences. 

 

• Poor User Experience: Existing wallets often face issues such as unclear transaction dialogs, confusing account balance displays, and challenges in rendering digital assets like NFTs or media (e.g., audio and books). Additionally, transaction history is often poorly organized, making it difficult for both crypto-native and average users to understand their activities. Furthermore, many wallets are limited to specific platforms—available on mobile but not desktop—resulting in inconsistent user experiences across devices. 

 

• Insufficient Decentralization: Although some wallets allow users to edit the submission node, this is not enough to ensure true decentralization, as many still rely on third-party infrastructure for essential functions like balance and transaction history retrieval. 

 

• Failure to Comply with Standards: Several wallets fail to comply with Cardano Improvement Proposal (CIP) standards, limiting interoperability, security, and compatibility within the ecosystem. 

To highlight these differences, a comparison table between existing Cardano wallets and Buriza will be provided to illustrate how Buriza will overcome these limitations.

(view image here)

Key Features 

Despite the security limitations of browser-based wallets, Buriza.Desktop will offer a more robust and secure solution by incorporating the following key features: 

• Standalone Application & Enhanced Security: Buriza.Desktop will operate independently from browsers, eliminating the risks associated with browser extensions. Unlike browser-based wallets that are vulnerable to potential browser hacks (e.g., if a browser is compromised, there’s a risk of exposing seed phrases), Buriza.Desktop will ensure that all wallet interactions are securely handled within the dedicated desktop app. This separation enhances user security and reduces the chances of third-party attacks. 

 

• Built-In Browser and Seamless dApp Access: To provide users with a seamless experience, Buriza.Desktop will include an integrated browser and will also allow users to interact with Cardano dApps directly from the application itself. This avoids the need to rely on external browsers and ensures that security is controlled within the app itself, minimizing exposure to vulnerabilities in traditional web browsers. 

 

• Full Node Capability: One of the primary use cases for Buriza.Desktop is for users who prefer to run full node wallets, enabling them to maintain their own copy of the Cardano blockchain. With full node functionality, the server runs directly on the user's machine, allowing them to independently verify transactions without relying on third-party providers. This not only ensures full control over wallet security but also enhances privacy and aligns with the decentralization ethos of blockchain technology. 

 

• Self-Host & Backend Flexibility: Like the broader Buriza ecosystem, Buriza.Desktop allows users to choose their backend servers or self-host their wallet infrastructure, ensuring full control over their data. Additionally, Buriza.Desktop operates as a full node, meaning the server runs on your machine, eliminating the need to rely on third-party providers for wallet security, transaction history, or blockchain synchronization. This flexibility enhances decentralization and provides users with the option to avoid reliance on third-party providers for wallet security and transaction history. 

 

• Tailored User Experience for Desktop: The desktop version of Buriza will offer a unique workflow and interface tailored specifically for desktop environments. This user experience is different from what is offered on mobile or browser-based platforms, ensuring that the desktop app takes full advantage of its platform’s capabilities, providing an intuitive and feature-rich experience. Buriza.Desktop will also address common issues seen in existing wallets, such as unclear transaction dialogs, confusing account balance displays, and challenges in rendering digital assets like NFTs or media (e.g., audio and books). It will also provide a well-organized transaction history, making it easy for both crypto-native and average users to track and understand transactions and their details. 

 

• Cross-Platform Integration: While Buriza.Desktop is a standalone app, it seamlessly integrates with other Buriza platform components, including Buriza.Mobile and Buriza.Browser, ensuring a consistent and unified experience across devices. This cross-platform compatibility allows users to manage their wallets and assets regardless of the platform they choose, with data and security handled consistently. 

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

• Enhanced Security: By operating as a standalone desktop application, Buriza.Desktop avoids the security risks associated with browser-based wallets, offering users a safer way to manage their assets. 

• Supporting Full-Node Users with dApp Access: Buriza.Desktop empowers users who prefer full-node wallets, allowing them to maintain their own copy of the Cardano blockchain while still being able to interact with decentralized applications. This feature bridges the gap between users who value complete control and those who want easy dApp access, enhancing the overall flexibility and utility of the platform.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: The app will provide seamless wallet management across devices, making Cardano more accessible to a broader range of users. 

• Promoting Wider Adoption and Engagement: Buriza.Desktop includes an integrated browser for interacting with decentralized applications on Cardano, encouraging wider engagement with the ecosystem. Moreover, by offering a secure, flexible, and user-friendly experience, Buriza.Desktop will foster greater adoption of Cardano, contributing to the growth and resilience of the network. 

• Promoting Decentralization: The app promotes decentralization with its features such as giving users self-hosting capabilities and supporting both wallet configurations, which will allow users to choose based on their preferences and technical needs thus, promoting decentralization. 

[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?

With over fifteen (15) years of full-stack development experience across diverse platforms such as cloud, gaming, mobile, and server environments, I can confidently say that my comprehensive and diverse background uniquely qualifies me to lead this initiative. As the founder of SAIB Inc., a company specializing in blockchain technologies, I have successfully spearheaded several innovative projects on the Cardano platform. My collaboration with key entities such as TxPipe, dcSpark, Crashr, Coinecta, Levvy, and the Cardano Foundation highlights my strong understanding and deep commitment to the Cardano ecosystem.  

In addition to my leadership role, I bring hands-on experience as the operator of the ADAPH stake pool, and I have contributed to the development of open-source Cardano tools—further advancing the platform's functionality and accessibility. Our team's successful funding in Project Catalyst's Fund 12 demonstrates our ability to undertake projects with transparency and accountability. This ongoing work further reinforces my commitment to driving innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. For more details, you can learn about our project here: https://github.com/SAIB-Inc/Argus 

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

Milestone 1: UI/UX Design (Month 1-2) 

Objective: Design the user interface and user experience for Buriza.Desktop, ensuring a seamless, intuitive, and desktop-tailored workflow. The design will focus on enabling easy access to core functionalities, dApp integration, and full node management. Special attention will be given to visualizing transactions, balances, and assets, ensuring clarity and ease of use. 

 

Deliverables: 

• Wireframes and mockups for extension screens (e.g., sending, receiving assets, viewing balance and assets, transaction history, full node setup, and dApp access, etc.).
• Report covering design decisions, usability considerations, and accessibility features. 

Milestone 2: Implement the Design (Month 3-4)

Objective: Develop the Buriza.Desktop interface and functionality as per the UI/UX design. This includes building the front-end for key wallet interactions. Integration points for blockchain interaction and backend options (self-hosting) will also be built. 

 

Deliverables: 

• Source code for front-end UI components and interaction flows. 
• Integrated design for key features: sending, receiving assets, viewing balance and assets, transaction history, full node setup, and dApp access, etc. 
• Report outlining implementation progress and any issues encountered. 

Milestone 3: Integrate Buriza.Core (Month 4-5)

Objective: Integrate Buriza.Core functionalities into Buriza.Desktop. This involves connecting Buriza.Core’s core features—transaction building, signing, blockchain state queries (balances, assets), and security protocols—with the Buriza.Desktop application. Ensure smooth interaction between the desktop UI and Buriza.Core's API. 

 

Deliverables: 

• Integration of Buriza.Core features.
• Seamless data flow between the UI and blockchain. 
• Report detailing integration challenges and solutions applied. 

Milestone 4: Testing & Performance Optimization (Month 5-6)

 

Objective: Conduct thorough testing of Buriza.Desktop across different scenarios. This includes functional testing to ensure that Buriza.Core integrations work as expected, performance testing under various conditions, and stress tests to simulate high transaction volumes and full node operations. Optimization for performance and resource usage on the desktop platform will also be conducted. 

 

Deliverables: 

• A comprehensive test suite covering functional, integration, and stress testing. 
• Performance benchmarks across various desktop environments. 
• Report covering bugs found, fixes applied, and any performance optimizations. 

Final Milestone: Release (Month 6) 

Objective: Officially release Buriza.Desktop to the public, with all core features fully implemented and tested. This includes preparing the application for distribution, publishing user guides and documentation, and launching community outreach to promote the desktop version. The release phase will also include gathering feedback from early users and the community to plan future improvements. 

 

Deliverables: 

• Public release of Buriza.Desktop on relevant platforms (e.g., GitHub). 
• User guides and setup documentation for desktop users. 
• Launch events and community engagement activities (e.g., webinars, Q&A sessions). 
• Final project report summarizing the release, user feedback, and future roadmap suggestions. 

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

Team Lead:  

• Clark Alesna - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkalesna/ 

Backend Engineer:  

• Christian Benedict Gantuangco - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christan-gantuangco/ 
• Reza Jhay Lacanlale - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reza-jhay-lacanlale-6b8b62107/ 
• John Quinnvic Taboada - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quinnvic-taboada-8801b9275/ 
• Wendell Mor Tamayo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendell-mor-tamayo-41388b298/
• Rico Miles Quiblat - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rico-miles-quiblat-34a6b7298/ 
• Jonh Alexis Buot - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laplace-xd/

 

Frontend Engineer:  

• Stan Kiefer Gallego - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiefer-gallego/ 
• Kathea Mari Mayol - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathea-mayol/ 
• Caitlin Mariel Lindsay - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-mariel-lindsay-7341a3323/ 
• Ivanne Bayer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanne-bayer-a23b30302/

Marketing and Quality:  

• Melissa Naomi Legara - https://www.linkedin.com/in/misai-legara/ 
• Bern Villacura - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbiebern/

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

The project's cost breakdown ensures value for the Cardano ecosystem by focusing on key areas:

Design UI/UX (30,000 ADA): This investment guarantees a user-friendly and intuitive interface, crucial for attracting and retaining users, thereby encouraging wider adoption of the platform.

Developer (60,000 ADA): A skilled developer will handle design implementation, integration with Buriza.Core, testing, and optimization to ensure a seamless, high-performance product release.

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

The costs of this project have been carefully structured to ensure they represent strong value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, while delivering high-quality results.

Here’s a breakdown of how the costs were determined and why they are justified:

Design UI/UX (30,000 ADA):

High-quality design is essential for creating a user-friendly experience that attracts and retains users. The budget for design reflects industry-standard rates for experienced UI/UX professionals. This cost is proportional to the complexity of the project and ensures that the final product will be intuitive and accessible, which is critical for driving adoption within the Cardano ecosystem.

Developer (60,000 ADA):

The 60,000 ADA allocated for development is based on standard market rates for skilled blockchain developers. This ensures that the developer responsible for implementing the design, integrating Buriza.Core, and handling testing and optimization is compensated fairly. The cost also reflects the specialized knowledge required for blockchain development, which is typically higher than general software development.

Competitive Rates & Regional Standards:

The costs listed align with typical freelance rates and average wages for developers and designers in our region, ensuring fair compensation without overinflating the budget. By benchmarking against industry standards, we’ve ensured that the Cardano ecosystem receives top-quality work at competitive rates, making the project cost-efficient.

Long-Term Value:

While the initial costs may seem substantial, they reflect the complexity and importance of delivering a robust, well-designed solution. Investing in quality design, development, and infrastructure will result in a product that can enhance user experience, improve performance, and contribute to the long-term success and adoption of Cardano.

In summary, this project’s costs are aligned with market rates for the expertise required, and the careful allocation of resources ensures the Cardano ecosystem will benefit from a high-quality product that delivers lasting value.