As the Ethereum Network has progressed with the introduction of the beacon chain, we are offering support to two types of customers. The ones who focus on the execution layer (eth1) and those who govern the proof-of stake consensus layer (eth2). It is important for the validators to understand that both customer bases are essential for the company’s long-term development and diversity of the network.
Support Updates for Clients
Execution Layer
In 2021, the Ethereum Foundation has planned to allocate a minimum of $4 million USD to execution layer customer teams. Grants have already been awarded to the following clients: Kiss, Geth (Go Ethereum), Nether mind, Open Ethereum and Turbo Geth. It is clear that the company has attracted and grown due to the customer base. We are reaffirming our support for their efforts in this first step towards sustainability.
Consensus Layer
The Ethereum Foundation has allocated a minimum of $7,000,000 USD to support the consensus layer clients. This is an increase from the $4.5 million spent on customer equipment in 2020. Support for audits, formal verifications, testing, bug bounties, and tools will be provided in periodic investigations. Program for ecosystem support updates will be announced throughout the year.
Currently, there are four clients: Lighthouse, Teku, Prism and Nimbus. They have been stable since the launch of the beacon chain in December. The clients have enabled the beacon chain to be secured with more than 3.5mm Ether and over 110,000 active validators. We are grateful for their accomplishments. The fifth client, Polar Star, provides quality Javascript tools and Beacon Chain Tracking tools and other API standardization.
These five customers are to receive the majority of support in 2021. Additional opportunities are possible as development continues.
Moving Forward Together
In his recent post, Danny Ryan explains, “As a beacon chain participant, you need an Ethereum PoW endpoint to successfully carry out all of your various functions as a validator.” Both types of customers are needed to power the network today and after the merger. The execution layer technology will remain unchanged, regardless of any changes to the consensus, so developers and users do not need to take any action to continue using the app as they have always done. In short, both types of customers are essential for the long-term health, growth and decentralization of Ethereum.
There has been a lot of innovation and interest in this area in recent months and more is possible. With increased network usage, the potential of Ethereum seems even greater and it’s critical to provide sustained support for open-source software at both layers on a long-term basis. We look forward to providing updates on our progress in this area.
