Provide ongoing support to build a variety of Cardano binaries statically, especially cardano-node and cardano-cli, so any SPO who uses aarch64 devices can benefit from timely updates.
Static binaries for Cardano are not readily available for Linux on aarch64 devices used by SPOs and other users who run their Cardano-related operations using low-powered SBCs, like the Raspberry Pi.
Please describe your proposed solution
By providing the latest statically built Cardano binaries for aarch64, SPOs and developers can leverage cheaper and more accessible hardware to run their stake pool operation or development platform. Additionally, the project aims to support the aarch64 user base as this architecture has a strong SPO/developer presence as represented by the Armada Alliance members.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
Users can experiment running stake pools or carry out development tasks using hardware like the Raspberry Pi which are cheaper to own compared to an equivalent AMD64 system.
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?
I have been uploading the latest binaries for cardano-node, cardano-cli, cardano-submit-api and cardano-wallet, as well as a few additional Cardano-based binaries, which I was asked to help provide from time to time since 2021. Since mid-2023, all newer binaries are statically linked, so users do not need to worry about which Linux OS or dependencies are required to make them work on their own aarch64 systems.
What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?
Milestone 1: Host the latest versions of cardano-node, cardano-cli, cardano-submit-api and cardano-wallet aarch64 static binaries.
Milestone 2: Provide updates for cardano-node, cardano-cli, cardano-submit-api and cardano-wallet for the next 12 months in a timely manner (within one week) of an announcement of a new version on IntersectMBO's GitHub repository.
Final Milestone: Have the latest statically built binaries for cardano-node, cardano-cli, cardano-submit-api and cardano-wallet at the end of the 12 months of this support project.
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Equipment needed for development and maintenance of aarch64 static binaries:
Mac Mini M2 (24GB) - $1,099
Debug and binary building - 2 hours x 3 days x 52 weeks x $30/hour = $9,360
Total cost = $10,459
Updates from IntersectMBO and Cardano Foundation for software such as cardano-node, cardano-cli, cardano-submit-api, cardano-wallet and more.
How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?
The typical hourly wage for an entry-level software developer is within the 20-40 USD range. With that, $30/hour is a reasonable request for the upkeep of statically built aarch64 binaries. 3 days a week would be dedicated to ensuring the latest aarch64 static binaries are curated on the GitHub page.
I will also provide the development of additional Cardano-related aarch64 binaries requested by members of the Armada Alliance Telegram group from time to time. Other means of communication (my handle on X is ADASRN1) are also welcome for Cardano-related aarch64 binary builds.
The aarch64 (ARM) binaries are available to anyone interested in using Cardano tools on this architecture, regardless of their membership status with the Armada Alliance.
