Pre-installed stakepool boxes

Create easy-to-use, pre-configured and pre-installed boxes (hardware + software) to run a stakepool.

I have a MSc in Computer Science and 15 years of active experience in computer programming and system administration.

Core idea

The core idea is to produce 10 all-in-one turnkey stakepool boxes to be distributed to NGOs dedicated to positive change causes all over the world.

Why only 10? Because the price of hardware is extremely high at the moment.

The solution

A single box would contain a cluster of three mini PCs (1x relay node, 1x block producer node) equipped with the hardware needed to run a stakepool for the foreseeable future. They will come packaged in such a way that plugging it in and making it work will be easy.

The cluster computers will have up-to-date, pre-installed and pre-configured stakepool software ready for the SPO to activate.

The ordering process will be made easy through a website where future SPOs will apply and fill out a form which will basically guide them into configuring their stakepool using layman's terms. They will be picked in accordance with Cardano's core values. Even better would be a public vote for ADA holders. Something to consider...

Targeted market

The main target is the various NGOs around the globe (except USA/Canada & EU) which have basic system admin knowledge and would benefit from running a stakepool. The idea is to bring the whole concept of SPO closer to those who could make a difference in the world. And since non-profits generally have little-to-no budget for IT, this could represent a opportunity for them.

Impact on challenge metrics

• dispersion of stakepools around the globe-  10 stakepools will be dispersed around the globe.
• amount of community funds in ada staked to projects/ngo based SPO's  -  the local community of NGOs will start spreading the word of ADA and start staking it as well as the donation-oriented ADA community will be notified of the whole project through different media channels.
• number of verified unique hosting providers/self hosted infrastructures used for SPO's  -  10 self hosted SPOs will go live
• number of stakepools using green energy primarily  -  we will communicate the importance of using green energy to the picked NGOs.

Funding

Hardware:

• 20x Mini PC, 16GB RAM, 1T HDD = (due to price volatility) up to $300 * 20 = up to $6000
• E.g.: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/DP20Z-5M-001BEU-Barebone-System-SO-DIMM/dp/B097PN2J37

Work:

• setting up the stakepools to a working state
• $50 pro hour * 120 hours = $6000

Shipping costs:

• up to $90 * 10 = up to $900
• according to my local post office

Total costs: $6000 + $6000+ $900 = up to **$**12.900

Definition of Success

• after 3 months: hardware is acquired
• after 6 months: NGOs are selected, stakepools are set-up
• after 12 months: stakepools are delivered to the selected NGOs

Expected public launch dates of 10 stakepools: within a year or two from starting the project.