Cardano Nodes Rental - Out of the box

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ashley, Jacob

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

100000

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

3

[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)

A one-click rental service for Cardano nodes, using Dedium's computing economy to provide decentralized nodes from independent operators, reducing reliance on centralized cloud providers.

[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

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

No

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

NO

[METADATA] Horizons

Infrastructure

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to integrate a one-click option within Dedium that allows users to seamlessly convert Dedium nodes into fully functional Cardano nodes. This feature will be accessible to anyone, from stake pool operators to individuals or projects wishing to run a Cardano node, without the usual technical hurdles.

Dedium's decentralized computing economy allows anyone to offer their computing power. This creates a more decentralized infrastructure compared to traditional cloud services, which are controlled by large corporations. Our approach leverages the decentralized nature of Dedium, enabling independent node operators to list their resources, while supply and demand determine the pricing, no central authority controls the network.

This integration will engage stake pool operators and developers who want easy, flexible, and decentralized access to Cardano nodes. By offering this as a one-click solution, we will significantly lower the barrier to entry, making it easier for anyone to contribute to Cardano’s decentralization.

Our impact will be demonstrated through the number of users who convert Dedium nodes into Cardano nodes, the engagement of new and existing stake pools, and the reduction in reliance on centralized cloud services. We will also gather feedback from users to continually improve the service and enhance its usability.

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

Our project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by promoting true decentralization. By offering a decentralized option for running Cardano nodes through Dedium, we reduce the network's reliance on centralized cloud providers like Amazon, which pose a critical vulnerability. If a major cloud provider were to experience downtime or restrict services, it could disrupt entire blockchains that rely heavily on their infrastructure.

With Dedium’s computing economy, nodes are distributed across independent operators globally, mitigating this risk and strengthening the resilience of the Cardano network. This ensures that Cardano remains secure, robust, and decentralized, aligning with the ethos of blockchain technology. In the long term, we envision a Cardano ecosystem that is more resilient, community-driven, and independent of centralized infrastructure.

[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 app is already up and running with a proven infrastructure that supports decentralized computing. The next step would be to build a function that allows nodes within our network to easily convert into Cardano nodes. This would involve automating the download of the Cardano CLI, configuring all necessary dependencies, and integrating a dashboard on our website to monitor and manage these nodes in real-time.

From a technical standpoint, this is well within our capabilities. We have the expertise and infrastructure in place to make this happen efficiently. However, while we could undertake this development ourselves, it wouldn’t make sense for us to invest our limited treasury into it purely as a business decision. That said, we believe this would be a valuable feature for the Cardano community, enhancing decentralization and resilience.

By securing funding, we can justify the development costs, ensuring we deliver a reliable and effective solution while maintaining our focus on core business objectives. The feasibility of our approach is strong, with a clear roadmap and technical resources already in place to execute it.

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

Requirement Analysis and Planning

• Outputs: Technical specs, UI wireframe, project timeline.
• Acceptance Criteria: Approved roadmap, wireframe, and timeline.
• Evidence: Documentation and screenshots of approvals.

Node Conversion Development

• Outputs: One-click Cardano CLI installation and dependencies setup.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful tests of node conversion.
• Evidence: Test logs, video of working setup.

Dashboard Development

• Outputs: User dashboard for monitoring and managing Cardano nodes.
• Acceptance Criteria: Fully functional dashboard with real-time data.
• Evidence: Dashboard screenshots or live demo.

Testing and QA

• Outputs: Comprehensive testing, bug fixes.
• Acceptance Criteria: No critical bugs, feedback addressed.
• Evidence: Test results, issue tracking.

Launch and Marketing

• Outputs: Feature release, marketing campaign.
• Acceptance Criteria: Live feature, initial user engagement.
• Evidence: Feature link, user data, marketing materials.

Post-Launch Support

• Outputs: User support, bug fixes.
• Acceptance Criteria: Resolved issues, user feedback.
• Evidence: Support logs, feedback reports.

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

1. Jacob - Project Lead

• Role: Oversees project execution, coordinates with the team, and ensures milestone delivery.

2. Moeen - Developer

• Role: Leads backend development, focusing on Cardano CLI integration and node setup automation.

3. Ashley - COO & CMO

• Role: Manages operations, marketing, community outreach, and launch strategies.

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

1. Development Costs (70k ADA)

• Backend Development (Node conversion, CLI integration): 40k ADA
• Frontend Dashboard Development (User interface for node monitoring): 30k ADA

1. Quality Assurance & Testing (20k ADA)

• QA Testing: Thorough testing of the node functionality and dashboard.
• User Feedback Integration: Gathering and implementing early user feedback.

1. Contingency (10k ADA)

• Reserved for unexpected costs or adjustments during development.

This streamlined budget focuses on development, testing, and ensuring smooth delivery of the project.

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

Our project represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by significantly enhancing decentralization. For 100k ADA, we provide a scalable, one-click solution for setting up Cardano nodes through Dedium, making it easier for anyone to contribute to the network without relying on large cloud providers. This reduces centralization risks, strengthens network resilience, and aligns with Cardano’s long-term goal of decentralization.

The cost is justified by the direct benefits to the community, including increased accessibility to node infrastructure, simplified processes for operators, and an overall boost to network security.