Softstack

Softstack entered the market as a consulting company in 2017 and has expanded its services over time. As a German market leader in Web3 services, it focuses on start-ups as well as established companies that already use decentralised software solutions or intend to use them soon. In addition to providing consulting services, Softstack offers Web3 software development. In this field, Softstack covers the entire cycle, from the initial brainstorming (R&D) to front-end design and back-end development, concentrating mainly on the software development of smart contracts, custom blockchains and dApps.

Due to the increased cyber security risk in Web3, Softstack offers comprehensive services to protect its clients’ products from cyber-attacks and to prepare them for such attacks in advance. Among other things, Softstack develops solutions in the field of dApp penetration testing and code audits of smart contracts, which are carried out by employees with experience in IT security. To date, Softstack has served more than 450 clients and protects over 100 billion US dollars of its clients’ cryptocurrencies through its IT security services.

Softstack has successfully set up a Tezos Baker node on OVHcloud’s Bare Metal Servers, taking advantage of OVHcloud’s infrastructure to contribute to Tezos' mission of sustainability while ensuring high performance and reliability. Tezos is a pioneering Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain, known for its energy efficiency and innovative on-chain governance. With an annual energy consumption of just 0.001 TWh, Tezos has positioned itself as a sustainable alternative to traditional Proof-of-Work (PoW) blockchains.

Hosting a Tezos Baker node requires: High reliability, scalability, security and sustainability

Softstack mainly used cloud products from a large hyperscaler. However, the provider's servers proved to be problematic for hosting the new validator nodes and Baker Nodes, as the provider does not offer unlimited bandwidth and dedicated servers. Unlimited bandwidth and high resilience are crucial when hosting blockchain nodes, as slowed traffic or outages have a direct impact on revenue.

“We needed fail-safe, dedicated servers as quickly as possible without additional costs for high traffic.”

Yannik Heinze, CEO at Softstack

The infrastructure of the hyperscalers that could be considered for this need did not include dedicated servers. The delivery process would have taken several weeks, and the infrastructure could not be used without additional costs. Last but not least, the price-performance ratio plays an important role in staking, as the cost of the servers must be in economic proportion to the proof-of-stake revenues if they are to generate profit in the long term. Softstack wanted to reduce costs and improve the economic ratio to revenues.

Softstack chose OVHcloud’s Bare Metal Servers (Advance-1 Gen 2) as the backbone for its blockchain infrastructure, recognizing their unmatched features designed specifically to meet the demands of this technology. One of the key reasons behind this decision is OVHcloud’s emphasis on performance and reliability. The Advance-1 server is extremely powerful due to the very high frequency of its Hexa Core processor and offers the highest advanced security features, as Intel® SGX security and privacy standards. Their advanced Anti-DDoS protection ensures uninterrupted node operations, safeguarding the network against potential cyber threats and maintaining seamless connectivity. Additionally, the servers come with a 99.99 % Service Level Agreement (SLA), offering the reliability and peace of mind required for the critical and continuous operation of blockchain activities.

Sustainability was another decisive factor for Softstack. OVHcloud’s innovative water-cooling technology significantly enhances energy efficiency by reducing datacenter energy consumption. Furthermore, the infrastructure is built with carefully selected components designed to minimize environmental impact, aligning perfectly with Tezos’ reputation as one of the most energy-efficient, low-carbon blockchains in the industry. This shared commitment to sustainability underscores a forward-thinking approach to technology and environmental responsibility.

In terms of financial considerations, OVHcloud delivers transparent pricing, free from hidden fees or unexpected costs. This clarity, combined with full control over resources, allows Softstack to optimize economic efficiency without compromising performance. The result is a cost-effective solution that meets the high standards required for blockchain operations, for example with Tezos Baker Nodes.

Cloud architecture from Softstack:

The Tezos Baker node is designed to operate with precision and reliability, seamlessly handling the critical task of validating transactions. By participating in consensus mechanisms, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining the network’s security and integrity. This smooth operation ensures that the Baker node remains a reliable component of the Tezos blockchain, contributing to its overall stability and trustworthiness.

Tezos is renowned for its low carbon blockchain, and when paired with OVHcloud’s environmentally friendly infrastructure, the result is a powerful synergy that significantly reduces environmental impact. OVHcloud leverages cutting-edge green technologies, such as a water-cooling system, to optimize energy consumption. This combination not only aligns with modern sustainability goals but also reinforces Tezos’ position as a leader in eco-conscious blockchain technology.

“OVHcloud’s dedicated servers provided the ideal infrastructure for hosting a Tezos Baker node. Their sustainability initiatives align perfectly with the low-carbon ethos of Tezos, and the performance ensures uninterrupted operations. Together, we’re shaping a greener blockchain future.”

Yannik Heinze, CEO, Softstack

Running a validator node requires unwavering reliability, and this is where OVHcloud’s infrastructure excels. With advanced security features protecting against potential threats and robust performance guarantees, Softstack benefits from a 99.99 percent uptime SLA. This high level of reliability provides the confidence needed to operate a validator node without interruptions, ensuring consistent participation in the network and maximizing rewards.

More information about Softstack