Building an infrastructure’s infrastructure
We are excited to announce the ssv.network Mainnet launch has finally arrived! It’s almost time to experience ETH staking on the first-of-its-kind DVT Network.
From humble beginnings to testnet milestones, we’ve built a robust infrastructure tackling fundamental Ethereum validator challenges, including fault tolerance, security, zero-coordination, and diversity.
Today we’ll share our rollout plan to provide transparency about our schedules for going live on Ethereum. Keep an eye on this space and join in the revolution shaping the staking industry.
TL;DR
- Mainnet Rollout Plan
- Synchronizing all the moving parts
- Launching an Ecosystem
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle.
Building and shaping the ssv.network has echoed these words. Creating something so intricate takes time and consistent effort. After more than two years of testing and refining, the ssv.network is ready to roll out.
The ssv.network Mainnet Rollout Plan
Since our inception, the purpose has been clear: to align with the core principles of Ethereum and empower its validation layer. This shared ethos has driven us to develop ssv.network, a decentralized and permissionless network that invites everyone to join in shaping a more robust ecosystem. By embracing this vision, we aim to bolster Ethereum’s resilience and empower developers to help build and decentralize the network.
We will start the first phase of the mainnet rollout in early Q2 2023. There are four phases, each with its own goals and provisions. By Q4 2023, the network will be ready for its full permissionless launch. This is a complex process and the timelines are not set in stone. With that in mind we are ready to change the future of staking.
There are various important reasons for following a phased approach compared to doing a fully permissionless launch off the bat. By following these rollout stages, we aim to ensure a smooth and progressive launch of ssv.network mainnet, gradually expanding participation and inaugurating its rich ecosystem.
Launch Phases Explained
Stage 1: Pre-Launch
During this initial stage, the main goal is to ensure all mainnet parameters are correctly configured. The focus is on running a few permissioned validators and operators as a sanity check to ensure a smooth launch. The risk of staking ETH on the Ethereum mainnet is limited to only the core team during this phase. We want to ensure users don’t lose their ETH if something goes wrong.
Stage 2: Limited Launch
When we are sure the network is stable for the next phase. The objective is to introduce a complete set of verified operators. Verified operators are tried and tested node runners, ensuring high performance for validators. The primary goal is to ensure the active participation of these verified operators.
Stage 3: Launch
Here we introduce the builders utilizing ssv.network infrastructure, a.k.a Mainnet Partners! These are some of our grant recipients and the staking projects that have pledged to launch alongside us. Publicly staked ETH will be introduced via these partners, allowing broader participation. During the launch stage, the focus shifts to onboarding whitelisted non-verified operators, including up to 100 operators.
Stage 4: Permissionless launch
In the true spirit of SSV, the final stage is the permissionless launch. The objective is to achieve a fully operational ssv.network launch for everyone to join. This includes the registration of permissionless operators and validators to the network. From here on, everyone can use the open protocol to build or stake. An important milestone to moving all staked ETH through DVT.
For more information on the rollout phases, check out our Mainnet Call #1 on Youtube.
The Complexity of Launching a DVT network
Launching ssv.network mainnet is similar to building a highrise building. Each phase is essential and builds upon the completion of the previous one.
Taking a phased approach to roll out a DVT Network is necessary to ensure the many actors and stakeholders in the network are aligned. Launching a network comes with a considerable amount of complexity. And facilitating validators’ trustless and permissionless operation on a meshlike network is no easy task.
Orchestrating Decentralization
For a successful launch and continued growth into the future, we need to ensure the cohesive operation of all the moving parts inside the ssv.network. Establishing a robust flow between various parties has been the key to building a strong ecosystem.
- The SSV DAO — The DAO is the driving force of the protocol. Making decisions that align with the vision & purpose to facilitate the ecosystem’s continued growth and success. It is built up of globally diverse community members that share the same vision as we do, Decentralize Ethereum…
Together they ideate, propose, vote, and implement various initiatives that have brought us to where we are today — a bustling ecosystem with innovation in all directions. We’ve recently started working on the incorporation of the SSV DAO Foundation. This will allow the DAO to make critical decisions and carry out actions outside the digital realm.
- Core team — The team behind ssv.network. The protocol builders, product wizzes, and marketers that have played an instrumental role in bringing us to where we are today.
- Builders — The architects of the ecosystem. There are 30+ builders developing various innovative applications on the ssv.network, ranging from institutional liquid staking services to tooling and explorers for the staking industry.
- Verified Operators — Node operators inside the ssv.network that have a proven track record and adhere to the operational standards set by the DAO. They have made their services available to anyone using the network. We have spent many hours working alongside each other to improve and customize the network with the help of their feedback.
- Operators — Permissionless operators that join the network and become part of the meshlike network that supports Ethereum’s validation layer. They make part of the free market that constitutes the ssv.network and underpins our ethos of openness. Anyone who runs an SSV node can become an operator and help secure Ethereum, and get rewarded for doing so.
- Community and Ambassadors — The lifeblood of the ecosystem, for without them, we would be building an arena for no one. These people and projects believe in our vision as much as we do. Ambassadors support the network by participating in discussions, spreading the word, and partaking in essential community activities.
- Auditors — Collaborating with auditors, the likes of Quantstamp that have ensured the safety and correctness of our smart contracts. As well as others that have audited the SSV Spec and SSV Node.
- Internal testers — Thanks to internal and external teams of testers and QA engineers that fine-comb each new version and feature. Ensuring that we can send out the best version into the wild.
Thank you to each individual and organization that has made this launch possible. The people that have taken this over a two-year journey with us and built an ecosystem ready to change the staking game, each playing an essential part in our shared success. It’s been a fantastic ride, and we’re just getting started.
Summary
From configuring mainnet parameters to onboarding operators and enabling public TVL, each stage brings us closer to a robust and decentralized network. Join us as we shape the future of distributed ETH staking and become part of an ecosystem that is set to revolutionize the industry.
The countdown to the mainnet launch has begun, and we can’t wait to have you on board.
We’re not only Launching a Protocol but an Ecosystem
We aren’t just launching a tech solution but an entire self-sustaining ecosystem. Together, we are forging a more robust future where collaboration and innovation thrive. Stay tuned for the incoming phases.
In the meantime! Join the future of staking and test the tech before we move into the wild. We’ll be releasing more info on how to get ready and join closer to launch day.
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