Please describe your proposed solution

The proposed solution is to contract a Rust developer to work half-time over six months, specifically dedicated to the ongoing development and support of the Amaru Cardano node. Amaru is an innovative Cardano node built using the Rust programming language, designed to provide a robust and performant alternative to existing nodes.

The developer will focus on:

• Code optimization: Enhancing the efficiency and performance of the node.

• Feature development: Adding new functionalities that align with Cardano’s evolving ecosystem.

• Bug fixes and maintenance: Regularly updating the node to ensure stability and reliability.

• Community engagement: Collaborating with the Amaru and Cardano community to incorporate feedback and suggestions.

This approach will ensure that Amaru remains a viable and competitive option within the Cardano ecosystem, providing users with more choices and fostering innovation.

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

The impact of this project on the Cardano community includes:

• Improved Network Diversity: By supporting a Rust-based Cardano node, we diversify the technical stack, which enhances the resilience of the Cardano network.

• Increased Developer Engagement: Funding a dedicated developer fosters a more active development community around Amaru and encourages contributions from Rust developers.

• Enhanced Node Performance: Regular updates and optimizations will improve the performance and reliability of the Amaru node, benefiting node operators and end users.

Impact Measurement:

• Development Contributions: Number of pull requests, commits, and new features added to the Amaru GitHub repository.

• Community Adoption: Increase in the number of Amaru node deployments by community members.

• Performance Benchmarks: Improvements in node performance metrics such as block propagation time and resource utilization.

Outputs Sharing: Progress will be shared via GitHub updates and in the Pragma Discord to maintain transparency and encourage further community involvement.

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?

The developer contracted for this project will have proven expertise in Rust programming and experience in blockchain or distributed systems. This ensures they have the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the Amaru project. The contracting process will prioritize developers with a background in Cardano or similar blockchain platforms, enhancing their ability to quickly onboard and make meaningful contributions.

Trust and Accountability:

• Open-Source Contributions: All development work will be conducted in the open, with code reviews and community feedback ensuring high standards.

• Regular Reporting: The developer will provide bi-weekly reports on progress, challenges, and next steps.

• Milestone-Based Payment: Payments will be tied to the completion of specific milestones to ensure accountability.

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

Milestone 1: Initial Onboarding and Codebase Familiarization (Month 1)

• Output: Developer fully onboarded, initial contributions made to codebase.
• Acceptance Criteria: First set of pull requests merged
• Proof of Achievement: Demo video posted to YouTube and a notification on our X/Twitter account

Milestone 2: Performance Optimization and Bug Fixes (Month 2-3)

• Output: Identified and resolved any critical bugs; implemented optimizations.
• Acceptance Criteria: Performance improvements verified.
• Proof of Achievement: Demo video posted to YouTube and a notification on our X/Twitter account

Milestone 3: Feature Development and Community Engagement (Month 4-5)

• Output: New feature(s) added to the node.
• Acceptance Criteria: Feature successfully merged; documented and communicated to the community via Pragma Discord.
• Proof of Achievement: Demo video posted to YouTube and a notification on our X/Twitter account

Final Milestone: Project Completion Report and Handover (Month 6)

• Output: Comprehensive report on project achievements and future recommendations; developer handover.
• Acceptance Criteria: Report published; final review meeting conducted with stakeholders.
• Proof of Achievement: Demo video posted to YouTube and a notification on our X/Twitter account

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

• Developer: Responsible for development, optimization, and community engagement.

• Senior Developer: Responsible for technical architecture and advisory

• Project Manager : Oversees project progress, facilitates communication, and ensures milestones are met.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

• Developer Salary: $45,000 (half-time rate for 6 months)

• Senior Developer Salary: $5,000 (partial rate for support and architecture)

• Project Management: $10,000 USD (Catalyst oversight and coordination)

Third-party Services:

• Code Auditing Services: Periodic audits to ensure code quality and security (part of existing Amaru infrastructure).

No Dependencies

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed budget represents a cost-effective solution for sustaining and enhancing the Amaru node, with funds primarily directed toward direct development efforts. By funding a half-time developer, we ensure ongoing improvements while maintaining flexibility in managing resources. The budget aligns with typical developer rates in the blockchain industry and includes allowances for essential project management and community engagement activities, ensuring comprehensive support for the project.