Avalanche9000 Launch Reduces Costs and Simplifies Blockchain Development  

• Avalanche9000’s Etna upgrade significantly reduces blockchain deployment costs, slashing validator fees by 99.9% and C-Chain fees by 96%.  
• The upgrade enables independent layer1 blockchains, simplifying validation processes while giving developers greater control over staking and token economics.  
•  Built-in Interchain Messaging enhances cross-chain communication, allowing seamless transfer of tokens, NFTs, and data across Avalanche’s blockchain ecosystem.  

The Avalanche Foundation announced the activation of Avalanche9000, its most significant upgrade, aimed at reducing blockchain deployment costs and improving efficiency. The Etna upgrade, launched on Dec. 17, addresses high validator fees and staking requirements that previously challenged developers. Consequently, this update allows developers to create and run independent layer1 blockchains outside Avalanche’s primary network. 

Simplified Validation for Layer1 Blockchains  

Under the previous model, every new blockchain on Avalanche required validation from the primary network, involving upfront staking fees of at least 2000 AVAX tokens approximately $100,000, and specialized hardware. However, with the Etna upgrade, validators are no longer obligated to validate the primary network. Instead, layer 1 blockchains can operate independently with their own validator sets.  

This independence reduces operational and upfront fees significantly, offering a simplified process for emerging layer 1 projects. Moreover, this innovation empowers developers by lowering barriers, encouraging more blockchain projects to flourish on Avalanche.  

Major Reductions in Costs  

Avalanche has highlighted dramatic cost reductions due to the upgrade. Layer1 deployment expenses have been cut by an impressive 99.9%, while C-Chain transaction fees are down by 96%. This substantial decrease not only makes blockchain development more accessible but also enables developers to bring their projects to market faster, promoting innovation within the network.  

Enhanced Developer Customization  

Besides reducing costs, Avalanche9000 introduces greater flexibility for developers. They now have enhanced control over their layer1 blockchains, including adjustments to staking parameters, token economics, gas fees, and governance structures. These features are tailored to foster diverse blockchain solutions, catering to varied use cases across the ecosystem.  

One of the key advancements brought by Avalanche9000 is its built-in Interchain Messaging (ICM). This feature simplifies communication between the Avalanche C-Chain and other layer1 blockchains within its ecosystem. Developers can now send cross-chain Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) messages seamlessly, supporting tokens, NFTs, oracle data, and more.  

This functionality ensures greater interoperability, enabling blockchains to exchange information effortlessly while maintaining security and efficiency. The feature applies to both existing and newly launched layer1 blockchains, further expanding Avalanche’s capabilities.  

Avalanche first announced the Avalanche9000 upgrade on Dec. 2, branding it the most significant development since the protocol’s inception. Its activation coincides with a period of growth, as demonstrated by rising quarter-on-quarter metrics for the Avalanche network during Q3 2024.