7Block Labs’ Vision for Enterprise-Grade Sidechains

Your pilot is blocked by real constraints, not “web3 vibes”

So, you want to get those regulated workflows--like loyalty programs, supplier finance, settlements, and carbon credits--on-chain, huh? Well, here's the scoop:

Man, L1 fees really vary a lot, don’t they? Some days, things are totally under control, but then the next day is a whole different story! That “super affordable today, crazy expensive tomorrow” game is really frustrating for the Procurement and Finance teams. It makes it tough for them to get those long-term budgets approved when prices keep bouncing around like that. So, EIP-4844 really did a solid job of lowering those Layer 2 data costs with blobs. But here’s the catch: those blob fees can bounce around depending on demand, so they’re not exactly stable. Plus, they don’t stick around forever--after about 18 days, they get pruned. Absolutely! When it comes to budgeting, it really needs to be grounded in some serious MB/day modeling--none of that wishful thinking stuff. (ethereum.org).

• Security teams really focus on creating a Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) that follows SOC2 guidelines. They're looking for a few things like SIEM integration, controls for data retention, incident runbooks, and the ability to audit any changes. Unfortunately, a lot of appchain templates really miss the mark on these key points.

On the operational side, you've got people focused on making sure there's a solid finality to decisions, having plans in place for disaster recovery, and knowing exactly how to roll things back if needed. In the meantime, the product team is really focused on making sure the user experience is lightning-fast, aiming for that sub-second speed. Plus, they’re also working hard to keep the fees below zero dollars.
01. Talk about conflicting priorities!.

Next up, we’ve got the Legal/Compliance team, and they're pushing for something pretty interesting - they want an option for users to “opt-out from crypto.” So, we're talking about things like fiat pricing, making custody easier to handle, and figuring out where data sits across different cloud services.

• Oh man, don’t even get me started on the architecture choices--they can be a real head-scratcher! You’ve got everything from OP Stack Stage 1 fault proofs to Arbitrum BoLD fraud proofs, not to mention Polygon AggLayer and CDK. And let’s not forget about zkSync’s ZK Stack! Plus, there are a ton of options for data availability to consider, like Ethereum blobs, Celestia, EigenDA, and Avail. Honestly, it’s a lot to take in! Every one of these options can really affect how much it costs, the level of risk involved, and how long it takes to get through the audit process. (docs.optimism.io).

These aren’t just academic trade-offs; they can really mess up your roadmap

• Budget Variance: Without a strong cost model for your DA, running a 9-month pilot can seriously mess with your infrastructure budgets. Seriously, you could end up spending two to three times more if the blob markets go crazy or if an L2 decides to cut down on fees after Dencun. It’s wild out there! Absolutely, L2 fees took a dip after Dencun, but let me tell you--it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride since then! Some networks even bumped up their L2 fee targets when things got really busy. It’s a bit unpredictable, to say the least! (ethereum.org).
• Governance risk: If you choose an optimistic stack that doesn’t have any production fault or fraud proofs, you’re basically putting your trust in the system for withdrawals. Just keep in mind, if something goes wrong, it might take a bit longer to sort out. With stage-1 fault proofs now available on OP Mainnet and BoLD on Arbitrum One/Nova, the whole risk game and how we handle procurement definitely change. You can dodge that pesky “trusted third party” issue when it comes to withdrawals. (docs.optimism.io).
• Vendor lock-in: At first, shared sequencers were an awesome concept. But then some providers pulled the plug on their networks, and suddenly everyone was scrambling to make emergency migrations. Not exactly a smooth situation! Be sure to set up your sidechain with some exit ramps and a few different vendor options. This way, you can avoid getting stuck with a single point of failure. It’s all about keeping things flexible and secure, right? (unchainedcrypto.com).
• Interop debt: You know, when the cross-chain user experience goes sideways, it can throw a wrench in your SLAs. That’s when liquidity and messages start getting all mixed up and jumbled. It’s a real headache! Polygon's AggLayer just launched some cool features, including pessimistic proofs and a bunch of iterative upgrades (v0). 2 → v0.

3. You’ve got to think about how various stacks will collaborate under a single policy layer. It’s all about making sure they play nicely together! (polygon.technology).

• Missed deadlines: Let's face it, spending months debating “rollup vs validium vs sovereign” really isn’t getting us anywhere productive. Procurement is aiming for a 90-day pilot instead of dragging things out with a long 9-month discussion.

7Block Labs’ Enterprise Sidechain Program

At 7Block Labs, we’re all about building those “boring-reliable” sidechains that your CFO, CISO, and PM can totally get behind. Here’s the deal: we choose our tech stack with a lot of thought, design the economics of decentralized applications, set up strong security and compliance protocols, and ultimately, we make sure to deliver results that you can really track and measure for your business.

1) Architecture Choices That Align with Procurement and ROI

- Execution Stacks We Productionize:

• OP Stack Stage 1 (fault proofs are live): In this stage, we have the ability to make permissionless withdrawal proofs, plus there are some emergency controls in place from the security council. This is just what businesses need if they're looking for a dependable Layer 1 settlement solution that’s also super easy for developers to work with. Check it out here.
• Arbitrum Orbit + BoLD: This cool combo offers permissionless validation and keeps the dispute time pretty reasonable--roughly double that of a 6. 4-day challenge periods). You’ve got the option to toggle between permissioned and permissionless modes, which is pretty cool if you’re trying to dip your toes into the world of decentralization. It’s a great way to ease into things at your own pace! If you want to dive deeper into the details, you can check it out here. There's a lot of useful info waiting for you!
• Polygon CDK + AggLayer: If you go with this option, you'll enjoy multistack connectivity, which even includes the OP Stack configuration. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of pessimistic proofs right on the mainnet. You’ve got some cool options to choose from: zk-rollup, validium, or sovereign modes. And on top of that, there’s a handy AggKit to help you get non-CDK chains up and running smoothly. It's perfect for multi-brand portfolios that want to keep things running smoothly when it comes to liquidity and enforcing policies. Discover more here.
• ZKsync ZK Stack (Hyperchains): With this stack, you can tweak your base token (think USDC) to fit your needs. Plus, it’s got some cool privacy features, a validium mode, and awesome scalability for proof capabilities. This is a fantastic option if you're looking for a payment experience. It offers Ethereum-like finality in just a few minutes, plus it comes with privacy options that let you keep things under wraps at the user level. Check out all the juicy details right here!

- Data Availability (DA) with Cost Envelopes:

• Ethereum blobs (EIP-4844): So, these blobs come with solid Layer 1 security and usually stick around for about 18 days before they get pruned. Keep in mind that pricing can change depending on the blob base fee. So, when you're budgeting, it's a good idea to consider the historical data and plan around the cost per MB. Learn more here.
• Celestia: Think of this as a data availability solution that runs on a DAS-based system, and the cool part is that it has its own independent pricing. A bunch of analyses seem to show that it’s actually cheaper per MB when we compare it to blobs. Plus, we've got some fallback policies and monitoring set up to make sure our service levels stay solid. If keeping costs down per transaction is really important to you, this is a solid choice. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your funds being tied up in case there’s a data delay. If you're looking for more info, check this out here. It’s packed with insights!
• EigenDA: It made its big debut on the mainnet in April 2024! This cool data availability solution, which is backed by restaking, offers some great options for high throughput and even has free-tier windows for users. Go for this option if you're looking for security aligned with Ethereum but need to boost your throughput a bit. Read more here.
• Avail: This is a cool, flexible solution that launched on the mainnet back in July 2024. It’s not tied to any specific chain, which makes it pretty versatile! It's got this awesome roadmap that hints at a ton of blobspace, which makes it a great choice for those high-scale app chains that need different settlement options. Find out more here.

- Shared Sequencing Reality Check:

• We're really focused on creating designs that work independently of any sequencer. "So, what we have here is a mix of primary and warm-standby sequencing. We can also switch to self-sequencing if needed, and we've laid out a solid exit strategy in case a shared sequencer decides to call it quits." The recent shutdown of some services really highlights why this is so important. Hey, if you're interested, you can find all the details here.

A DA-First Cost Model Your CFO Will Actually Approve

We like to start by checking out costs per megabyte rather than sticking to the usual "transaction" method. This way, we can get a clearer picture of UX pricing and make better decisions.

So, after Dencun came along, rollups made a pretty significant change--they switched from using calldata to blobs. Now, the fees you pay are all about the supply and demand for blobspace. It’s interesting to see how these shifts can impact the whole landscape! L2 fees have taken a noticeable dive lately! If you're looking to plan things out accurately, just remember to multiply your MB per day by the cost per MB. That way, you'll get a clear picture of your expenses. (ethereum.org).

• Here are some handy reference points to help guide your RFP: After the launch, the price of Ethereum blobs usually goes up and down depending on how much demand there is. So, we've looked into some practical studies, and it turns out that the cost per megabyte can really differ from one L2 to another. To keep things straightforward, we’ve decided to go with a cautious blended range for our Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models. (conduit.xyz). According to some research from Conduit, when you're looking at Celestia DA, you'll probably notice that the cost per megabyte is usually lower than what you'd see with blobs. Since data costs can be one of your biggest expenses, finding ways to make data availability more efficient can really pay off. We're talking about potential savings that could reach double digits in total cost of ownership! Check out this link for more info: (conduit.xyz).

To keep things balanced with the fluctuations in blob/DA costs, we like to play it safe and pad our budgets by an extra 20-30%. On top of that, we whip up sensitivity tables for Procurement to help clarify things a bit.

3) Security, Compliance, and DevSecOps--Mapped to SOC2 Controls

• The Controls We Put in Place Right from the Start:
• SDLC: We start our process with signed builds, branch protections, and the whole 4-eyes deployment thing. It’s all about making sure everything’s in check right from the get-go! On top of that, we make sure everything stays organized with a Software Bill of Materials (SBoM) and have audit trails that connect right into our Splunk/Datadog SIEM.
• Key Management: To handle our sequencer keys, rollup administration, and bridge governance, we rely on HSM/MPC. We’ve got all the rotation and emergency controls laid out and documented to make sure everything stays secure.
• Incident Response: We've put together a handy chain-halt playbook for the situations where it’s needed. Plus, we’ve got procedures in place for making rollup admin changes and updating parameters, and they even include timelocks to keep everything secure.
• Monitoring/SLOs: We’re always keeping an eye on a bunch of things like system liveness, the backlog for blobs and DA, how quickly things get included, the health of our fault/fraud proofs, bridge queues, gas price spikes, and any delays in cross-domain messages. We've got alerts set up to activate according to our on-call schedules, making sure that nothing gets missed.
• Third-Party Risk: We've set up RaaS and provider contracts that come with uptime SLAs and “exit clauses” to keep our interests protected.
• Independent Audits and Formal Testing: We always keep our Solidity code up to date, sticking with versions that are 0. or higher.

8. 26 via-IR, by rolling out a new optimizer sequence. We're using MCOPY and a custom-error requirement to cut back on the bytecode and reduce the revert overhead. Plus, we're being smart about using transient storage (EIP‑1153) mainly for reentrancy locks and handling callback contexts. We take a pretty cool approach to testing that mixes things up a bit. We use fuzzing, invariant tests, and property-based specs to cover all our bases. If you want to dive deeper into it, head over to soliditylang.org for all the details! And just to make sure we’re covering all our bases, we complement our internal reviews with external audits using our security audit services. It really adds that extra layer of confidence!

4) Performance Engineering with Enterprise “Money Phrases”

• “Lightning-fast user experience with guaranteed outcomes”: Both the OP Stack and Arbitrum have really come a long way with their advanced proofs, like those Stage-1 fault proofs and BoLD. It’s impressive to see how they’re evolving! They’re working on reducing some of the assumptions we’ve come to rely on, all while making sure to hang onto those classic EVM operations we know and love! Check it out here. By the way, Polygon AggLayer has just launched some pessimistic proofs! This new innovation makes it a lot easier and safer for different chains to work together. The latest update, v0.

3. 5 is all about blending hybrid security with AggKit, which is just what big companies need when they're trying to manage a mix of different infrastructures. It's a game-changer! If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check it out here. There's a lot of interesting stuff packed into that link!

• Gas Optimization and ZK Cost Controls: You can definitely snag some nice improvements at the compiler level--just look at things like MCOPY and the via-IR optimizer! Plus, there are some really clever tricks up for grabs, such as structured storage layouts, calldata packing, and selectively using EIP-1153 wherever it’s available (but, you know, after Dencun drops, of course). If you want to dive deeper into the details, just check out the link here. You’ll find all the info you need! When you're diving into ZK/validity stacks, it's a good idea to go for provers that provide both aggregation and recursion. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later! Make sure to really dig into the costs of proofs compared to data availability. It’s key to keep those transaction costs down!

How we build it: a pragmatic 6‑workstream plan

• Workstream A: “Stack Fit” Technical Checkup.

Hey there! Today, we’re going to unpack a comparison of some pretty cool technologies: OP Stack Stage‑1, Arbitrum BoLD Orbit, Polygon CDK (which includes zk‑rollup, validium, and sovereign options), and ZK Stack. Let’s get into it! We'll dive into a few key topics, like governance--so think about admin keys and how upgrades work--along with finality, data availability flexibility, and the overall maturity of our runbooks. Also, we'll map out some straightforward L1 settlement options, outline the timeframes for challenges, and put together some backup plans just in case. Take a look at this: (docs.optimism.io). It’s got some pretty cool info!

Workstream B: DA Economics and Capacity Planning

In this section, we’ll dive into the economics of DA and how we’re planning for capacity. It’s all about making sure we have the right resources in place to keep everything running smoothly while also staying on top of our budget. We'll explore all the factors at play and make sure we’re set up for success! We'll be modeling "MB/day" using some practical event sizes, compression ratios, and batching techniques. We're going to run a few simulations to see how fee shocks play out and compare Celestia/EigenDA/Avail to Ethereum blobposting, using the most up-to-date public data we have.
If you want to dive deeper into the topic, check it out here: conduit.xyz. You’ll find some interesting insights!

Workstream C: Sequencer Strategy

So, let’s dive into Workstream C, which is all about figuring out our sequencer strategy. Alright, here’s the plan: we’re going to start off in a permissioned mode--like those enterprise SRE runbooks you’re probably familiar with. As we get more at ease with the risks involved, we’ll have a clear way to transition to permissionless validation (BoLD) or Stage-2 targets. It’s all about taking it step by step! We'll set up warm-standby sequencing and circuit breakers, plus we'll keep a close watch on data availability. Hey, if you want to dive into the specifics, take a look at this link: (docs.arbitrum.io). It’s got all the info you need!

Workstream D: Security & Compliance

In this area, we’re focusing on keeping everything secure and making sure we follow the rules. It's all about protecting our data and staying compliant with regulations. We know how important it is to build trust with our clients and stakeholders, so we're prioritizing these efforts. We're getting things in line with SOC2 standards, working on mapping everything out to ISO 27001. Plus, we're putting together the SIEM pipelines, creating incident runbooks, and handling key rotations. It's a lot, but we're making sure everything's in good shape! We'll make sure to keep our vendor risk register up to date, and we'll be adding chain telemetry into our enterprise observability, too.

Workstream E: Smart Contracts and Integrations

Let's dive into Workstream E, where we focus on smart contracts and those all-important integrations. We’ll be rolling out the ERC-20, 721, and 1155 processes, setting up access control based on user roles, and creating allowlists wherever it's necessary. For stacks that can handle it, like the CDK or ZK Stack, we're planning to bring in "BYOK" gas tokens. On top of that, we're going to set up L1 connectors and bridges with just the basic permissions we need. We'll also connect smoothly with our ERP and IdP systems using SAML and OIDC. Hey, just a quick reminder to tap into our awesome smart contract development and blockchain integration teams. They'll make sure everything goes off without a hitch!

Workstream F: Go-To-Market Strategy & Migration.

So, here’s the scoop on Workstream F. It's all about getting our go-to-market strategy nailed down and figuring out the migration process. We're getting ready to roll out some staged pilots that come with top-notch production monitoring. Our goal is to create a seamless experience for users, so we’re planning to go tokenless and offer pricing in fiat. Plus, we'll ensure a smooth transition for everyone as they migrate over. We'll create some dashboards that make it easy for the CFO to see cost and KPI changes at a glance.

Practical Deployments We Recommend (Patterns with Current Tech)

So, when it comes to rolling out effective solutions, we’ve noticed a few trends that really vibe with the latest tech out there. Check them out!.

1. Microservices Architecture

Microservices are pretty popular right now! They allow you to split your app into smaller, more manageable pieces, which definitely simplifies the process of developing, testing, and deploying. On top of that, you get to choose the perfect tech stack for every service.

• Benefits:
• Scalability: You can scale each microservice on its own, depending on how much demand there is.
• Flexibility: Work with a bunch of different programming languages and frameworks.
• Tools:
  • Docker for containerization.
  • Kubernetes for orchestration.

2. Serverless Computing

Why stress over managing servers when you can go serverless? Seriously, this method lets you dive straight into coding without getting bogged down by all that infrastructure hassle. It's a game-changer!

• Benefits:
• Budget-Friendly: You only pay for what you actually use.
• Automatic Scaling: You can easily adjust your resources to match your workload, whether that means ramping up or dialing it back.
• Tools:
• You can use AWS Lambda to run serverless functions. If you're looking for something similar on Microsoft’s platform, check out Azure Functions!

3. CI/CD Pipelines

CI/CD, which stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment, is super important for making your development process smoother and more efficient. Quickly share your code updates!

• Benefits:
• Speedy Updates: Get your changes out there without the hassle of manual deployment.
• Fewer Mistakes: Spot those pesky bugs early on!
• Tools:
  • Jenkins for automation.
• GitHub Actions makes it super easy to integrate right into your repo.

4. Containerization

Containers are a total game-changer! They let you wrap up your applications along with all their dependencies into one tidy package. How cool is that?

• Benefits:
• Consistency: Make sure you can run the same container in different environments without any hiccups.
• Isolation: By keeping apps separate, you can avoid those pesky conflicts.
• Tools:
• Docker lets you easily create and manage containers.
• Using Kubernetes to keep everything organized.

5. API-First Development

When you take an API-first approach, you focus on creating your API first, before you get into the front-end or back-end stuff. It’s all about laying that solid groundwork! That way, everything’s all linked up right from the start.

• Benefits:
• Better Teamwork: Developers can team up and work at the same time.
• Quicker Launches: APIs really simplify the integration process.
• Tools:
• Swagger for designing APIs.
• I use Postman for testing out APIs and keeping documentation in check. It's super handy!

6. Edge Computing

If you're looking to boost performance and cut down on latency, edge computing is definitely the way to go! When you handle data closer to where it's generated, you can really boost the speed of everything.

• Benefits:
• Lower Latency: You’ll notice quicker response times, making everything feel snappier for users.
• Bandwidth Savings: Cut down on the amount of data you’re sending to the cloud.
• Tools:
• Cloudflare Workers are great for handling edge functions.
• AWS IoT Greengrass lets you handle processing right on-site.

Take your time checking out these options and choose what works best for you! Each pattern has its unique advantages, so feel free to mix and match to craft the ideal setup for your project. Enjoy the process! Happy deploying!.

Pattern 1 -- “Loyalty & Offers Rail” for a Global Retailer

• Stack: We're rolling with Polygon CDK in validium mode, and we’ve added AggLayer to make cross-brand redemption a breeze. We're going to keep using USDC as our main token for gas. Plus, we'll set up some allowlist smart contracts to help prevent any fraud.
• DA: Celestia is going to help us keep our $/MB costs in check as we grow. We're working on adding some monitoring and setting SLOs for blob backlogs. Plus, we've got a fallback policy ready to roll that allows us to use Ethereum blobs when we hit those crucial settlement windows. We've found that the cost per megabyte on Celestia can be much lower than blob costs, and that’s pretty important when it comes to keeping total cost of ownership in check for high-demand workloads. (conduit.xyz).
• Security/Compliance: We're working on getting our SOC2 Type II controls in order and sending our sequencer and bridge logs over to SIEM. Oh, and just so you know, we're also working on a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to ensure that we've got everything covered when it comes to data residency.
• Why It Works: AggLayer’s cautious approach to proofs really boosts cross-chain interoperability security. Plus, with version 0, we're taking things to the next level!

3. With 5’s hybrid security and AggKit in our toolkit, we can effortlessly bring new non-CDK brands into the mix without having to start from scratch. It makes adding to our portfolio a breeze! (polygon.technology).

• 7Block Services: Take a look at our awesome custom blockchain development services, dive into our cross-chain solutions, and explore our dApp development. We’re here to help you out!

Pattern 2 -- “Supplier Finance / On‑chain Invoicing” with Deterministic Settlement

• Stack: So, we’ve got the OP Stack Stage-1 up and running on Ethereum for this project. Great news! The permissionless fault proofs are now up and running on the mainnet, plus there's a security council fallback in place just in case. You're going to love the super smooth, lightning-fast experience on Layer 2. Plus, that 7-day withdrawal window fits perfectly with how we manage our treasury. If you want to dive deeper, head over to the Optimism docs for all the info you need!
• DA: To make sure everything is super easy to track, we're opting for Ethereum blobs. We're going to stick with a strong retention strategy by using off-chain archives. Plus, we’ll be able to provide proof once those blobs are pruned. The budget relies on a pretty cool formula that takes the MB per day and multiplies it by the blob's $ per MB sensitivity bands. If you're looking for more info, check out Ethereum's roadmap. It's a great resource!
• Security/Compliance: We really care about keeping everything secure! That's why we're rolling out multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin access. We’re also using hardware security modules (HSM) to protect our keys, and we’ve got some solid SOAR runbooks set up to tackle any weird issues that might pop up. Oh, and just to keep you in the loop, we've also noted down our chain-halt and parameter timelocks. To make everything simpler, we’ve set up automation for gathering SOC2 evidence across GitHub, GCP, and AWS. This way, we can save time and keep things running smoothly!
• 7Block Services: Hey, make sure to take a look at what we have to offer! We've got some awesome web3 development services and really solid security audit services. You won't want to miss them!

Pattern 3 -- “Instant Consumer Payments” with a USDC Gas Chain

• Stack: So, we’re diving into the zkSync ZK Stack hyperchain. It’s pretty cool because we're using a custom gas token--USDC. It's incredibly fast when it comes to finalizing transactions--like just a few minutes compared to Ethereum--and it can manage a really high transactions per second (TPS) rate. On top of that, if you’re looking to keep your data under wraps, there are private and permissioned options out there that let you control who sees what. Check it out here.
• DA: We're rolling with EigenDA because it offers better throughput for our lanes and really makes sense financially. Since going live on the mainnet in 2024, it’s been steadily expanding its integrations. It’s really exciting to see how much it’s growing! We try to keep things efficient by limiting the number of transactions for each proof and carefully sizing our batches. This way, we can keep costs in check, which is definitely a win given how things are moving right now! If you want to dive deeper into it, check it out here. Happy reading!
• 7Block Services: We’ve got some pretty cool solutions lined up for you, like asset tokenization and development of asset management platforms. Whatever your needs are, we’re here to help!

Emerging Best Practices We Apply in 2026 Builds

• Keep It Open for Multi-Stack Compatibility: It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking one vendor has everything you need, but trust me, that can lead to headaches later on. AggLayer's pessimistic proofs are a total game changer! They really amp up the safety when it comes to cross-chain message passing. Make sure to use the usual message formats and keep those exit routes clear. If you want to dive deeper into this, you can find more details here. It's definitely worth a look!
• Stage Decentralization: Begin with validators and sequencers that require permission, but make sure you’ve got a solid game plan for transitioning to permissionless validation (BoLD) once you meet those uptime and monitoring service level objectives. It’s a good idea to set aside some cash for those challenge-window impacts--like those around 6. With BoLD, you can really simplify those 4-day periods on Arbitrum and keep those worst-case dispute times in check. It's a nice little tool for making things a bit smoother! If you want to dive deeper into the details, just click here. You'll find everything you need!
• DA Budgeting > "Gas Math": Make sure to track the cost per MB with different providers. It's super important to keep an eye on that! The team at Conduit has done a great job breaking down their analyses and looking at on-chain data. They've found that data availability (DA) is a big player when it comes to operational costs. So, it totally makes sense to focus on optimizing things like compression, batching, and proof aggregation right off the bat. Check out their insights right here! Click this link to dive in.
• Why Compiler and EVM Upgrades Are Important: Hey there! Just a quick reminder to check that you're using Solidity version 0 or higher.

8. Using version 26 with IR can really help speed up your build process and keep your bytecode size in check. If your chains are set up with Dencun features, try using MCOPY-aware paths and think about using transient storage (EIP-1153). This could really help reduce those annoying reentrancy-lock costs! If you want to dive deeper into that topic, you can check it out here. It has all the details you need!

• Focus on User Experience, Not Just Technical Stats: It’s important to keep an eye on things like how long it takes for users to get included, the time it takes to reach finality, the depth of the blob/DA queue, and how fast bridge confirmations happen. These metrics really give you insight into how users are actually feeling about the performance. These factors play a big role in how well your cart converts and whether payments go through smoothly, so it's really important to keep an eye on them!

GTM Metrics Your CFO and PM Will Care About

• Cost: Since Dencun, Layer 2 solutions have experienced a nice drop in fees, all thanks to those blobs! If you set your budget in dollars per megabyte based on how you choose to access your data, you can definitely cut down on your total cost of ownership (TCO) for infrastructure. A perfect example of this is looking at Celestia compared to blobs, especially for those projects that have a lot happening at once. We've put together a sensitivity model with three scenarios (P50/P75/P95) based on the latest market data. This is what we'll be sharing with the Procurement team. Check it out! (ethereum.org).
• Reliability: Thanks to OP Stack Stage-1 fault proofs and Arbitrum BoLD, we're really minimizing the amount of trust we need to place in the system. Plus, we're keeping those dispute times nice and short! This is a move towards that “trust-minimized” language you'll definitely want in your risk assessments. It really helps cut down on governance exceptions and keeps those pesky audit flags to a minimum. More details here: (docs.optimism.io).
• Interop & Expansion: So, the AggLayer mainnet's been rolling out its pessimistic proofs alongside the recent v0 update.

3. With the 5 upgrade, which includes cool features like hybrid security and AggKit, kicking off new business units or chains has never been easier. You can skip the whole re-platforming headache and just get right to business! So, this basically means you can launch new locations or products a lot faster. Want to dive deeper into this? Check it out here: (polygon.technology).

• Throughput and UX: The ZK Stack, along with some really cool data availability solutions like EigenDA and Celestia, is built to deliver high throughput while keeping any fluctuations to a minimum. By adding in a few tweaks at the compiler level, we’re able to deliver user experiences that take less than a second. Plus, we’re making sure that your Finance team has clear and auditable settlement paths. Check out all the details right here: (zksync.io). You'll find everything you need!

What 7Block Delivers in 90 Days

• Week 0-2: We're going to start things off by exploring the architecture decision record (ADR) throughout the stack and the DA. It's going to be an exciting journey! This involves putting together budget ranges, making a risk register, and coming up with backup plans just in case things don't go as planned. Oh, and we'll go ahead and tie the SOC2 control matrix into our build plan.
• Week 3-6: During this phase, we're diving into getting the sidechain up and running. We're talking about rolling up our sleeves and tackling the sequencer, DA wiring, and the bridge. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Alright, so in this phase, we're going to roll out some CI/CD with signed builds and get those SIEM pipelines up and running. We'll get the essential contracts and roles set up, and then we’ll define our baseline load and latency service level objectives (SLOs).

Alright, so in weeks 7 through 10, we're diving into some pretty cool stuff. We'll be linking up our data pipelines with ERP and CRM systems, which is going to streamline a lot of processes. We’ll also work on implementing wallet abstraction, and to top it all off, we’ll be launching some observability dashboards to keep an eye on everything. Exciting times ahead! These dashboards are going to help us get a clearer picture of the DA blob backlog and the finality metrics. We'll also be doing some user acceptance testing (UAT) and throwing in a red-team exercise to make sure everything's running like a well-oiled machine.

• Week 11-12: And just like that, we’ll finish things off with an executive readout.
  We'll be putting together a ROI/TCO model, getting the runbook signed off, and deciding whether to move forward with limited production or not.

Where to Start

Need a little extra assistance? We’ve got you covered! Take a peek at our custom blockchain development services, dive into our web3 development services, or explore our awesome cross‑chain solutions. We're here to help you every step of the way!

• Looking to enhance your current setup? Our awesome teams for security audits and blockchain integration are here to help! We can help you implement SOC2-aligned controls, improve observability, and set up solid incident response strategies for your project. Let’s make it even better together!

Book a 90-Day Pilot Strategy Call

Hey there! Are you excited to start a new project or elevate your ideas? Let’s have a conversation! I’m running a 90-day pilot strategy call where we’ll dig into your goals and put together a personalized game plan just for you. Can’t wait to get started!

Here’s what you can expect:

• Tailored Planning: Let’s get together and come up with a game plan that really reflects your one-of-a-kind vision.
• Expert Insights: Discover some helpful tips and advice that come straight from tried-and-true methods and real success stories.
• Accountability: Let’s map out some milestones and goals together to help you stay on course during this journey.

How to Book:

1. Just click the link below to pick a time that suits you best! 2. Could you take a moment to fill out this quick form? It'll really help me understand what you're looking for and your goals. Thanks! 3. Just confirm your appointment, and we’ll be good to go!

Schedule Your Call Here!

I can’t wait to help turn your vision into reality! Let’s make it happen together!

References (selected)

• Ethereum Dencun/EIP‑4844: So, this update is really focused on blobs. They stick around for roughly 18 days, plus there’s this neat feature where fees for Layer 2s are decoupled, making things a lot smoother. Check it out here.
• Post-EIP-4844 Fee Dynamics: Let’s take a closer look at how the latest changes are really stirring up the waters when it comes to fees and activity on Layer 2. It’s an interesting time to see how these shifts are impacting everything! If you want to dive deeper into the topic, check it out here. It’s got a lot of great info!
• OP Stack: So, we're currently at Stage 1! We've got those permissionless fault proofs all set up and running. Plus, there are some emergency powers in place for the Security Council just in case. If you want to dive into the nitty-gritty details, check it all out here. It’s a great resource for understanding the ins and outs!
• Arbitrum BoLD: So, this new feature brings in permissionless validation that has a set time limit. We're also excited to share that we've got deployment dates ready for One/Nova! If you're looking for more details, check it out here. It's got some great info for you!
• Polygon AggLayer/CDK: With this latest upgrade, we’re introducing pessimistic proofs on the mainnet, along with a multi-stack CDK that’s set up with OP Stack configuration. Pretty exciting stuff! Hey, make sure you take a look at AggKit for all the non-CDK chains! You can find it right here. Trust me, it’s worth a peek!
• ZKsync ZK Stack: They’re rolling out a customizable gas token, offering various data availability options, and making some pretty bold performance promises, especially geared towards enterprises. If you’re looking for more info, you can check it out here. It has all the details you’ll need!
• DA Cost Comparisons: If you're looking for planning anchors, you can find them on Conduit! Take a peek at the cost comparisons here.
• Heads Up About Shared Sequencer: Just a quick note to let you know about the Astria network shutting down. Feel free to check it out here if you want to dive deeper into it!
• Cool New Stuff in the Compiler and EVM: Check out the latest updates on gas efficiency and performance improvements in the new Solidity versions!

8. You know, for versions 24, 25, and 26, we definitely need to include MCOPY and those custom error features. They’re pretty essential! Read more here.

Book a 90-Day Pilot Strategy Call

Are you ready to get started? Let’s jump into a 90-Day Pilot Strategy Call to help kick off your project the right way!

What to Expect

During this call, we’ll:

Let's chat about what you're aiming for and the big picture you have in mind. What are your goals, and how do you see everything coming together? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

• Figure out what challenges might come up and brainstorm some solutions. Sure! Here's a game plan for the next three months:

Month 1: Getting Started

• First off, we’ll kick things off by gathering all the info we need. Let's dive deep into our current situation and set clear goals.
• I'll spend some time connecting with the team to understand everyone's perspectives and ideas.
• By the end of this month, I want us to have a solid plan in place that lays out our priorities and key milestones.

Month 2: Building Momentum

• Now that we have our roadmap, it's time to roll up our sleeves! We’ll start implementing our strategies and initiatives.
• I’ll check in regularly to monitor our progress and keep everyone motivated.
• We’ll also look for any roadblocks and tackle them head-on together. The goal here is to keep the momentum going!

Month 3: Fine-Tuning and Reflection

• As we wrap up the 90 days, let's take a step back and evaluate how everything went. We’ll analyze what worked, what didn’t, and share feedback.
• This month will also be about celebrating our wins, no matter how small.
• By the end of this phase, we’ll refine our approach based on our learnings and set the stage for the future.

So, that's the plan! I'm excited to see what we can achieve together!

• Feel free to ask me anything that's been on your mind!

How to Prepare

To really get the best out of our time together, here are a few things you can do:

1. Go ahead and write down your top goals. 2. Take a moment to consider any obstacles that might be getting in your way. 3. Feel free to jot down any questions you’d like to ask!

Schedule Your Call

Hey there! Ready to dive in? Just choose a time that suits you on my calendar here. Can't wait to kick things off! Can’t wait to chat!.