Will the Rollup summer arrive? A look at RaaS overview, ecosystem, and future outlook
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Will the Rollup summer arrive? A look at RaaS overview, ecosystem, and future outlook
This article analyzes the overview, ecosystem, and future development of RaaS, aiming to gain partial insights by connecting the dots, extending from lines to broader perspectives.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: Cynic Leo
TL;DR
Blockchain has an impossible trinity—security, decentralization, and scalability cannot all be achieved simultaneously. Bitcoin and Ethereum prioritize the first two at the expense of scalability, leading to network congestion and high transaction fees during periods of heavy traffic.
The Bitcoin ecosystem was the first to propose scaling solutions, aiming to build a virtual second layer atop Bitcoin for transaction processing, with the main chain handling settlement. Ethereum experimented with State Channels, Sidechains, and Plasma for scaling, but results were unsatisfactory. On September 5, 2018, Barry Whitehat introduced the concept of Rollup on GitHub. Ultimately, Rollup technology gained community recognition, with the Ethereum Foundation calling it the only true Layer2 solution.
Five years have passed in the blink of an eye. Recently, the most watched Ethereum Rollups have frequently announced new developments around RaaS (Rollup as a Service). Are we about to enter a summer of Rollup? This article analyzes the current state, ecosystem, and future development of RaaS, attempting to piece together a broader picture from individual insights.
Overview of RaaS
Technical implementation of Rollups is complex, requiring high expertise and development capability. The high barrier to launching a Rollup contradicts blockchain’s permissionless ethos.
Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) packages Rollup functionality into a service, offering enterprises, organizations, and individuals a more user-friendly and simplified deployment experience—similar to Cosmos SDK or Polkadot Substrate.
Just as Layer1 chains offer tools for launching new blockchains, RaaS provides general-purpose SDKs that allow developers to configure and deploy their own customized Rollups easily. Customizability ensures project sovereignty. Some RaaS projects even offer no-code, one-click deployment, enabling users without programming skills to launch their own Rollups.
Rollups are highly modular—components like the Sequencer and Prover can be independently upgraded. Within RaaS, some projects specialize in designing and developing these components, providing services to all Rollups.
RaaS enables the following transformations:
1. Cheaper, more efficient, yet equally secure app-specific chains: Rollups move expensive computation off-chain, making transactions cheaper and faster. By using the base public chain as the data availability (DA) layer and verifying proofs via smart contracts, they achieve the same security level as the underlying chain.
2. A testing ground for innovation: Rollups use the same virtual machine environment as the base chain but at lower cost, serving as battle-testing environments. Community proposals can be thoroughly tested on Rollups before migrating to the base chain.
3. Higher interoperability: Rollups built on the same RaaS stack share identical technical architectures, allowing them to define message-passing rules natively. This enables direct cross-Rollup communication without bridges, achieving high interoperability.
RaaS Ecosystem
Broadly speaking, any project contributing to Rollup deployment belongs to the RaaS ecosystem. Based on modularity principles and structured bottom-up, this article divides the RaaS ecosystem into four layers: DA (Data Availability), SDK (Software Development Kit), Sequencer, and No-Code deployment.
Some projects offer services across multiple layers; they will be discussed comprehensively upon first mention and not repeated later.
2.1 DA (Data Availability)
In theory, any public chain can serve as a DA layer storing Rollup transaction data. However, without a stable and correctly functioning DA layer, Rollups cannot verify the reliability of state transitions.
Rollups have two options. One is Smart Contract Rollup—the model adopted by most current Rollups—which relies on the base chain for both settlement and data availability. The other is Sovereign Rollup, which separates data availability from settlement, relying only on the base chain for DA while handling settlement independently.
The former typically chooses EVM-compatible chains, Cosmos-compatible chains, or full-featured public chains like Solana. The latter has given rise to dedicated data availability projects such as Celestia, EigenLayer, and Avail.
Celestia
Celestia is a PoS chain built using the Cosmos SDK, employing a modified Tendermint consensus algorithm and Reed-Solomon (RS) coding for block data encoding. Leveraging data availability sampling, Celestia significantly reduces verification costs for light nodes—these nodes only need to download partial block data to confirm availability.
Additionally, for detecting whether blocks are correctly encoded, Celestia uses an Optimistic mechanism: it initially assumes correct encoding, and unless a fraud proof is submitted within a time window, the block is deemed valid. While this improves runtime efficiency, it introduces slight delays.
Avail
Avail is a project backed by Polygon Labs, using the BABE+GRANDPA consensus algorithms and also implementing data availability sampling. Unlike Celestia, Avail uses validity proofs—specifically KZG commitments, which are more efficient than Merkle proofs—to verify correct block encoding.
EigenLayer
EigenLayer originated as a restaking solution, aiming to leverage Ethereum's staking liquidity to provide economic security for new protocols. With EigenLayer, new protocols don’t need to build their own decentralized validator networks—they can inherit Ethereum’s security through restaking ETH. EigenLayer excels in lightweight, permissionless, decentralized scenarios, and under Ethereum’s scaling narrative, its best use case lies in RaaS.
Since DA layers do not execute transactions—only encode and commit to transaction data—the hardware requirements for nodes are low. As PoS chains, their security and availability directly depend on staking liquidity, creating a perfect opportunity for EigenLayer to shine.
EigenLayer exists as a smart contract on Ethereum, using KZG validity proofs to verify correct block encoding. However, EigenLayer currently does not implement data availability sampling—a decision likely tied to Ethereum’s next-phase upgrade roadmap.
2.2 Sequencer
The sequencer’s role is to order user transactions, after which execution and block production follow this sequence. In Ethereum’s architecture, where sequencing and execution are handled by the same entity, validators wield excessive power, leading to issues like MEV and censorship, severely impacting user experience.
Separating sequencing from execution reflects the PBS (Proposer-Builder Separation) principle. Yet, most current Rollups still rely on centralized sequencers, posing single points of failure and censorship risks—highlighting the need for decentralized alternatives.
Astria
Astria offers a shared sequencer solution. User transactions from different Rollups are collected into the Astria sequencer. Rollup nodes can either fetch data directly from Astria for lower-latency soft confirmation or wait for Astria to submit data to the DA layer and retrieve it there for finality.
Since Astria submits data bundles containing transactions from multiple Rollups, each Rollup must filter out invalid transactions—including those from other Rollups—based on its own consensus rules. Astria only provides raw data, leaving consensus decisions to Rollup nodes, preserving Rollup sovereignty.
OP Stack
OP Stack defaults to a single dedicated sequencer. A simple enhancement involves using a permissioned set of sequencers, potentially reducing malicious behavior via PoS mechanisms.
After introducing the Superchain concept, OP Stack made shared sequencing a natural evolution. Shared sequencers enable atomic cross-chain functionality, enhancing interoperability among Superchain members.
Espresso
Espresso aims to harness Ethereum stakers’ liquidity through restaking to deliver shared security. It integrates sequencing and DA, providing Rollups with sequencing results via REST API while abstracting away DA complexity. Security is enforced by L1 smart contracts, ensuring higher reliability.
Saga
Saga initially aimed to play a role similar to Cosmos Hub, offering shared security via its validator set to application chains built with Cosmos SDK.
Amid growing interest in Rollups, Saga partnered with Celestia, leveraging Celestia as the DA layer while converting its validators into sequencers. Using Optimistic Rollup IBC, Saga exchanges information with upper-layer Rollups to provide shared security.
SUAVE
Unlike others, SUAVE targets the MEV market directly. Flashbots dominates MEV extraction, and SUAVE is its proposed product for capturing cross-chain MEV, claiming “The Future of MEV is SUAVE.” Through SUAVE’s shared sequencer, atomic cross-chain transactions become possible, improving capital market efficiency across chains.
EigenLayer
Earlier, we discussed EigenLayer’s use in DA. Decentralizing sequencers is another strong suit.
Since sequencers only order transactions without executing them, node requirements are minimal. The key to decentralization lies in slashing mechanisms that deter misbehavior. EigenLayer offers deep staking pools, leveraging Ethereum’s decentralization to foster decentralized Rollup sequencers.
2.3 SDK (Software Development Kit)
Similar to Cosmos SDK, RaaS-provided SDKs allow developers to reuse software modules and customize Rollups at minimal cost, drastically lowering development barriers.
Rollkit (Optimism)
Initially incubated within the Celestia community, Rollkit is now independent. It uses Celestia as the DA layer and provides ABCI-compatible client interfaces, supporting all ABCI-compatible Rollups (e.g., Cosmos chains).
Currently, Rollkit employs a single centralized sequencer and supports integration with Cosmos SDK, Ethermint, and CosmWasm, letting users choose their preferred execution environment. Future plans include expanding configurability.
Dymension (Optimism)
Dymension splits services into frontend and backend. The frontend hosts customizable RollApps powered by Dymension RDK (a modified Cosmos SDK), while the backend Dymension Hub coordinates the system, managing DA and sequencing.
Dymension uses an Optimistic model: the Hub initially accepts state updates from the sequencer, rolling back only if a valid fraud proof is submitted. RollApps achieve average 0.2-second latency and up to 20,000 TPS.
Dymension adopts elastic block production—halting block creation when no transactions exist—significantly reducing sequencer operational costs.
Currently under development, Dymension already supports the EVM execution layer but hasn't finalized its DA layer choice.
Sovereign (ZK)
Sovereign SDK offers zk-Rollup as a Service, providing generic blockchain-building modules and a zkVM that abstracts away low-level zero-knowledge proof details. Developers write programs in Rust, which the SDK compiles into zk-friendly formats.
True to its name, Sovereign emphasizes sovereignty—Rollups define their own consensus rules to validate state transitions without requiring validation from the DA layer.
Currently, Sovereign SDK supports Celestia and Avail as DA layers and integrates Risc0’s zkVM, enabling Rollup deployment and demonstrations.
Stackr (Unknown)
Stackr proposes a radical innovation—bringing traditional internet microservices architecture to blockchain via "micro-rollups."
If regular Rollups are like virtual machines, micro-rollups are like containers. With Stackr SDK, developers only need to define data structures and state transition functions; everything else is handled automatically.
Stackr supports multiple execution environments including EVM, Solana VM, and FuelVM, allowing users to select their preferred runtime.
AltLayer (Optimism)
As a decentralized and elastic RaaS, AltLayer provides developers with an SDK and a no-code dashboard for one-click chain deployment.
AltLayer introduces Elastic Rollups called Flash Layers. When demand spikes, a new Rollup can be rapidly deployed; once demand normalizes, it settles on L1 and is discarded—mirroring horizontal scaling in traditional cloud systems.
AltLayer aims to support multi-chain, multi-execution environments and currently supports EVM and WASM.
OP Stack (Optimism)
OP Stack was built to support the Optimism Superchain—a proposed network of L2s sharing security, communication, and development stacks. After the Bedrock upgrade, Rollups built with OP Stack are natively compatible with the Superchain. Components can be customized for specific needs—Base and opBNB are examples of Rollups built on OP Stack.
OP Stack’s security and reliability have been proven by OP Mainnet, Base, and others. However, challenges remain, such as lack of fraud proofs and centralized sequencers. OP Stack is exploring improvements like cheaper DA layers, ZK proofs, and shared sequencers.
Arbitrum Orbit (Optimism)
On June 22, Offchain Labs released tools for launching Arbitrum Orbit Chains. Orbit Chains are Layer3s built atop Arbitrum Layer2, settling on one of three L2s: Arbitrum One, Arbitrum Nova, or Arbitrum Goerli. Users can choose between Rollup or Anytrust technology—Anytrust uses a DAC instead of publishing data on-chain, reducing costs but offering weaker security. Advantages include easy deployment, interoperability with the Arbitrum ecosystem, Nitro’s instant upgrades, and Stylus’s EVM+ compatibility (supporting Rust, C, C++ on WASM). Users can freely customize any Orbit Chain but must settle on Arbitrum L2 unless authorized by Offchain Labs or the Arbitrum DAO.
ZK Stack (ZK)
On June 26, zkSync announced upcoming modifications to its open-source codebase, unveiling ZK Stack—enabling users to build their own customized ZK Superchains. Unlike Arbitrum Orbit, ZK Stack emphasizes sovereignty and interoperability. Chains built with ZK Stack can interoperate without bridges. ZK Stack supports both L2 and L3 construction without restrictions or mandatory settlement on zkSync. In this regard, ZK Stack appears to offer stronger sovereignty.
Starknet Stack / Madara (ZK)
Madara initially aimed to be a sequencer on Starknet. Building on technical expertise, it developed Starknet Stack to help launch application-specific Rollups on Starknet. Settlement occurs on Starknet using Ethereum as the DA layer and leveraging Starknet’s shared prover. In terms of usability, Madara enabled teams to launch Rollups within 24 hours during the PragmaOracle hackathon, complete with video demos—demonstrating higher maturity compared to zkSync’s ZK Stack.
2.4 No-Code Deployment
No-code deployment offers an even lower barrier to entry, giving non-developers one-click chain-launching capabilities—potentially accelerating adoption.
Caldera (Optimism)
Caldera Chain offers a fully customizable, one-click chain-launching solution. For execution, it supports OP Stack and Arbitrum Orbit; for settlement, it allows selection from EVM-compatible chains like Polygon, BSC, and Evmos; for DA, it leverages EigenLayer and Celestia.
Beyond the Rollup itself, Caldera provides complementary infrastructure: blockchain explorers, testnet faucets, oracles, and Hyperlane-powered bridges—further reducing deployment costs.
Eclipse (Optimism + ZK)
Eclipse offers high customizability. Execution supports EVM and SolanaVM; DA integrates Celestia, Avail, and EigenLayer; settlement currently uses Optimistic methods, with ZK settlement via RISC0 zkVM under development.
Users can further customize access control (permissioned/permissionless), gas tokens, fee policies, MEV allowance, specific opcodes, and block size—offering exceptional flexibility.
Opside (ZK)
Opside’s standout feature is its decentralized ZKP marketplace. Originally considered a separate layer, this category had too few projects. Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) require significant computational power. As zkRollup adoption grows, decentralizing ZKP generation is a major future direction.
Opside uses a permissionless PoW consensus to incentivize miners to generate ZKPs, securing zkRollups without requiring chain operators to manage proving. At the validator level, it uses PoS to lower participation barriers and promote decentralization.
Opside offers customization—users can choose among zkSync, Starknet, Polygon zkEVM, modify economic models, and adjust gas fees.
Future of RaaS
More ZK
Compared to Optimistic Rollups, zkRollups upgrade security guarantees from economic to cryptographic, offering higher security. They eliminate long challenge periods, reducing confirmation latency. They also compress data more efficiently, lowering DA costs.
Although Optimism benefits from technological maturity and early-mover advantage, ZK represents a revolutionary shift destined to play a greater role. Vitalik placed ZK technology on par with blockchain itself in his Montenegro speech, underscoring its significance.
As the technology matures, more zk-Rollup-as-a-Service projects will emerge, broadening user choices.
More Non-Ethereum
To date, Ethereum remains dominant across the blockchain industry. Despite continuous innovation elsewhere, Ethereum’s throne remains unshaken.
But in RaaS, things are shifting. Ethereum’s limited and expensive data storage pushes users toward cheaper DA layers like Celestia, Avail, or Polygon. Ethereum’s monolithic design makes changes difficult, so users turn to highly modular frameworks like Cosmos SDK. EVM’s low execution efficiency drives adoption of faster VMs like Solana VM, Move VM, or CairoVM.
One flower doesn’t make spring; a hundred blossoms bring spring to fullness. Non-Ethereum ecosystems will flourish anew within RaaS.
More Modularity
Modularity serves two purposes: enabling rapid iteration of individual modules to boost development speed, and greatly simplifying customization.
In today’s market, building an all-in-one solution independently is nearly impossible. The pace of holistic innovation can never match that of small, fast-updating modules. Extreme demands for customization will drive finer module decomposition. Projects that fail to modularize themselves risk being disassembled by others—just as Caldera extracted the execution layer from OP Stack and Arbitrum Orbit.
More Customization
As scaling matures, transaction fees drop, and infrastructure strengthens, people finally realize: “Fool, it’s all about the apps.” Each application has unique operational logic and patterns—no one-size-fits-all solution works. We need far greater customization.
From block size to data structures, from fees to latency, from access control to security assumptions, from contract engines to token utility—Rollup customization will deepen, delivering increasingly flexible solutions for applications.
More Interoperability
As noted earlier, Ethereum’s dominance stems largely from its locked-in massive liquidity. In crypto, since each chain operates independently, liquidity cannot exist simultaneously on multiple chains. As Rollup count increases, liquidity fragments further—becoming a serious issue.
Stronger interoperability reduces cross-chain friction, enabling smoother liquidity flow—and even shared liquidity. Aligned with Cosmos’ vision, projects like OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit, ZK Stack, and Starknet Stack aim to build vast ecosystems of app-chains. Rollups built on the same tech stack share native interoperability, eliminating the need for bridges.
More Restaking
Many RaaS services today use PoS models, relying on economic penalties to deter malicious behavior and enhance security. But economic security requires deep staked assets, lowering capital efficiency and increasing startup costs for service providers.
Restaking presents an elegant solution—leveraging Ethereum’s vast staking pool to provide shared security for other services while generating additional yield for stakers, thus improving capital utilization. EigenLayer and Espresso are already pioneering this path. More services will soon rely on restaking for economic security.
In sum, the greatest beneficiaries of RaaS advancement will be app-chains. Concepts like app-chains, first proposed years ago by Cosmos and Polkadot, may now find renewed vigor and explosive growth within the RaaS ecosystem. Only time will tell.
Perhaps only innovation at the application layer can drive a true RaaS explosion. After all, no matter how good the highway, it takes vehicles to prove it’s great infrastructure.
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