From S1 to S5: Side Protocol’s Path towards a Modular Future

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29 Feb 2024

Side Protocol aspires to function as the foundational exchange and liquidity layer for Web3, providing a modular infrastructure to facilitate omnichain and full-stack asset exchange in a growing multi-chain landscape. Realizing this ambitious vision requires rigorous research and significant engineering endeavors. Thus, we introduce this initial roadmap, outlining priorities that may evolve based on our progress, recognizing the potential need for adjustments as we move forward.

This roadmap will be segmented into 5 stages, spanning from S1 to S5.

S1

S1 introduces a Cosmos-SDK based testnet which is initially launched in a permissionless manner. Community members who have eagerly awaited the opportunity to operate as validators are now invited to utilize this testnet in preparation for the upcoming incentivized testnet launch and mainnet launch. Side Station is released as the front-end dashboard for staking, governance, bridge (IBC Transfer) and faucet.

For anyone interested to operate a node, please refer to the docs: https://docs.side.one/infra-and-app/side-blockchain/join-testnet.

Join our Discord if you need technical support or if the web faucet doesn’t work for you.

S2

S2 will feature the first incentivized testnet, designed to thoroughly stress-test the network and applications, and prepare the SIDE blockchain for the genesis event. This testnet will introduce a Cosmos SDK chain hosting Side Protocol’s in-chain module and inter-chain WASM contracts for AMM and P2P-based exchange. It will facilitate both native and non-native token exchange and liquidity provision within the Cosmos ecosystem by leveraging the IBC Protocol. Two applications will be released for user testing, bug reporting, and submission of improvement suggestions.

A point system will also be implemented to monitor users’ engagement and contributions. These points will serve as criteria for future airdrop eligibility. Users are required to obtain the “Insider” role in our Discord community to participate in the incentivized campaign.
The timing of S2 will soon be announced on Twitter and Medium.

S3

S3 will mark the launch of SIDE V1 mainnet, the token generation event including a massive token distribution. In-house built applications will also launch their mainnet version concurrently with the SIDE blockchain mainnet launch.

S3 strategically prioritizes integration within the Cosmos ecosystem. Following the mainnet launch in S3, Side Protocol will persist in its evolution towards realizing its ultimate vision: delivering omnichain and full-stack solutions for the broader Web3 ecosystem. This journey extends through the subsequent stages: S4 and S5.

S4

In S4, SIDE V2 will be introduced, taking the chain abstraction approach and featuring the Cross-chain Account functionality on the SIDE blockchain. This TSS-based architecture will enable an app-specific communication layer to aggregate multi-chain accounts across every chain that the protocol supports. This layer empowers SIDE users to seamlessly trade tokens across all chains using just one account, thereby realizing true omnichain capabilities within our protocol. This approach abstracts blockchain interactions, such as bridging, away from users, thus lowering the barrier to entry and minimizing trust assumptions across different ecosystems.

S5

Following the introduction of V2 to the SIDE chain, S5 will unveil a fully on-chain orderbook DEX powered by the Cross-chain Account feature. This initiative will introduce the first-ever omnichain spot trading orderbook to the crypto space, delivering a user experience comparable to centralized exchanges. Additionally, S5 will expand existing products to enable interoperability with ecosystems and chains beyond current Cosmos.