Simplifying Infrastructure for Node Operators and Developers with NodeOps: A Permissionless Node Orchestration Layer

TL;DR:

• NodeOps offers an AI-powered dApp with a built-in lite version of the playground for trying out code snippets. This feature lets developers quickly test and iterate on their smart contracts and decentralized applications directly within the platform, significantly reducing development time and enhancing productivity.
• Their automated node deployment and containerized infrastructure setup simplify the technical groundwork, significantly reducing development time and enhancing developers’ productivity. This streamlined process empowers developers to focus more on innovation and less on operational complexities.
• EigenLayer AVS allows operators to unlock new revenue streams by securing multiple blockchains simultaneously, optimizing infrastructure costs, and boosting profitability. This value capture engine leverages its existing staking positions to enhance security and diversified earnings through cross-chain activities.
• NodeOps has secured a $5M funding round led by L1D, with contributions from Finality Capital and Blockchain Founders Fund, among others. The company is gearing up to launch an AVS on EigenLayer, aiming to create a value-capture engine for developers and node operators.

Web3 development differs from traditional web development because it doesn’t use centralized servers and databases. Instead, it relies on decentralized systems. As a result, developers working with Web3 need to use particular technologies such as smart contracts, blockchain networks, and distributed storage solutions like Interplanetary File System or IPFS.

Web3 protocols are essential technologies that underpin the decentralized web, enhancing interoperability, security, and privacy. These protocols include peer-to-peer networks, decentralized file storage, blockchain, and other Web3 technologies, facilitating decentralized data sharing and communication. These foundational elements are crucial for building a more open, secure, and user-empowered internet.

Each of these technologies has its own set of tools and frameworks that developers must learn to use. However, developing these comes with its own unique challenges. These include the complexities of writing, testing, and deploying code because it can’t be easily changed once it’s on the blockchain. This permanence demands high security and efficiency, as any mistakes are irreversible and could have serious implications.

A Struggle for Newcomers

For developers, venturing into Web3 development presents a steep learning curve, primarily due to several key challenges.

• Unmaintained Documentation: Developer documentation is crucial for working with new protocols and tools. However, this lack of maintenance can leave developers without the guidance they need to use the technology, leading to confusion and errors.
• Complex Configuration: New developers frequently encounter challenges with configuring and troubleshooting the systems they work with. The complexity of these processes can be daunting, making it difficult to get systems running smoothly and efficiently troubleshoot them when things go wrong.
• Limited Activity and Use Cases: There’s often a shortage of active development and practical use cases to learn. This limitation makes it challenging for new developers to see the technology’s applications in real-world scenarios and can stifle innovative thinking and practical problem-solving.
• Data Aggregation Issues: For Node Operators, collecting and interpreting the vast amount of data necessary to make informed decisions can be overwhelming. Efficient data aggregation is vital for monitoring and optimizing performance, and without it, NodeOps can become a bottleneck rather than an enabler.
• Lengthy Setup: The time and effort required to start a new protocol can be substantial. This initial setup phase is critical as it lays the foundation for future development work. However, the complexity and length of this process can act as a barrier to entry for new developers, potentially delaying or deterring development progress.

Making Life Easier for Node Operators and Developers

NodeOps offers AI-enabled infrastructure tailored for developers and node operators, streamlining the development and operation of Web3 protocols. This platform is dedicated to simplifying the entry into the Web3 space by providing tools and services that make it easier to develop, deploy, and manage blockchain protocols.

Their mission is to provide developers and Node Operators with the most simplistic environment to get started with Web3 protocols. They also offer an on-chain incentivization layer that encourages more developers to join and businesses to be onboarded to particular L1s and L2s.

L1s (Layer 1s) and L2s (Layer 2s) are essential to improve network scalability and performance in blockchain technology. L1s are the foundational layer and include main blockchain protocols like Bitcoin and Ethereum, where changes to enhance scalability are made directly to the base protocol. L2s, on the other hand, are additional layers built on top of L1s that handle transactions off the main chain to reduce burden and improve transaction speed and cost efficiency without altering the underlying blockchain.

Imagine you’re a builder, but instead of hammers and nails, you use code to construct digital worlds on the blockchain. That’s what developers and node operators do in the Web3 space.

NodeOps acts like a high-tech assistant, using artificial intelligence to simplify the whole process of building and maintaining these blockchain projects. It’s designed to offer a suite of smart tools that help with the heavy lifting, from the coding phase to the launch, and keep everything running smoothly.

It’s about making the shift to Web3 feel less like a huge hurdle and more like a natural step forward.

Its features are designed to simplify development and infrastructure management; some of these include:

AI-Enhanced Development Space

An AI-enhanced dApps offering an integrated lite playground version. Developers can try out and test their code snippets in real-time with the “Try It” feature, streamlining the process of experimentation. You can see how it works here. When developers can’t find what they need through the standard Developer Command Line Interface (CLI), they can use Archway instead. This alternative provides additional commands and queries, allowing developers to perform more specialized tasks.

Streamlined Setup with Containers

NodeOps simplifies the journey for developers by providing a containerized infrastructure. This setup handles the backend complexities, enabling developers to concentrate on crafting the core functionalities of their decentralized applications (dApps).

One Click Deployment with Ethereum Economic Security Powered by EigenLayer

Proactive Code Monitoring

The platform has advanced monitoring tools for your codebase, designed to send alerts for critical vulnerabilities. One example is NodePad, which offers an integrated marketplace and an intuitive interface that lets users easily browse, purchase, and deploy nodes instantly, starting with partners like CARV. The platform also includes advanced monitoring tools that proactively alert users to critical vulnerabilities, ensuring the security of your codebase without the need for social media updates.

Ready-to-Use Developer Templates

NodeOps presents a selection of preset templates rigorously crafted and tested by a Builders community. These templates include optimized scripts and FAQs, allowing for a seamless start and efficiently addressing common queries.

Reward-Driven Template Creation

Integrating a unique on-chain incentivization system, NodeOps motivates developers to create, refine, and contribute their templates using Archway’s Rewards Module. Developers can earn royalties from their contributions, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem that rewards innovation and supports the platform’s overarching goals.

NodeOps In Action

Presently, NodeOps has 25,000 nodes deployed across its partner chains and protocols, of which HyChain Nodes has the biggest share at 11,000+. The current total AUM (assets under management) amounts to $30.5M (Source).

NodeOps now has an army of unique node operators over 15,000 strong, and about 70% of subscribers have signed up for the 12-month plan for running nodes.

Blockchain Technology Market Landscape

The blockchain technology market, valued at $17B in 2023, is projected to grow to $943B by 2032. As the market grows, the demand for blockchain infrastructure will certainly expand, with a focus on specialized services that support blockchain technology and facilitate various practical applications and uses.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly recognizing blockchain technology’s potential and actively implementing supportive policies and regulations to promote its widespread adoption. For instance, the European Union introduced the EU Blockchain Strategy, while China launched the Blockchain Service Network (BSN). These initiatives are designed to create a favorable blockchain development and usage environment.

Recent Developments

NodeOps secured a $5M funding round led by L1D, with participation from Finality Capital and Blockchain Founders Fund, to name a few. It is also preparing to launch an AVS on EigenLayer. The aim is to establish a value capture engine for developers and node operators, further enhancing economic security and engagement through an on-chain, permissionless infrastructure.

The Team behind NodeOps

The NodeOps team is led by experts in blockchain and digital design. Naman Kabra, the Co-Founder and CEO, is a seasoned Business Development and Product Growth strategist with extensive experience in the Web3 and NFT space and has been at the forefront of decentralized technology since 2017. Pratik Balar, Co-Founder & Infrastructure Lead, began as a DevOps engineer and later specialized in blockchain DevOps within the Cosmos environment, contributing significantly to Asset Mantle. Chudasama Jagdish, Co-Founder & Full Stack Engineer with a master’s in Computer Applications, has developed his career from computer science tutoring to specializing in UI/UX design at Asset Mantle, now focusing on creating user-friendly platforms at NodeOps.

Conclusion

NodeOps is making blockchain technology more accessible by leveraging advanced AI tools and focusing on user-friendly design. This approach is opening up the blockchain world, making it more welcoming and accessible for developers and those who manage network nodes.

By simplifying complex processes, NodeOps encourages more people to adopt and innovate with this technology. As it continues to improve and expand its services, NodeOps is shaping the future of blockchain in an increasingly digital world.

References

This is a repost of Pione3rs — Issue #13 written by Aly Madhavji on Medium on July 2, 2024.