[ONGOING] OP-PIP-124: Express Relay Wind-Down

Proposals
1

Abstract

Formally ratify the sunsetting of Pyth Express Relay (ER). Douro Labs will cease operating the off-chain infrastructure required for ER to function, effectively pausing the product.

PROPOSAL: OP-PIP-124: Express Relay Wind-Down | Pyth Governance

Rationale

Following the failure of CO-PIP-122 and CO-PIP-122.V2 to reach quorum (despite strong YES votes from those who participated), the third-party Solana protocol that had expressed interest in acquiring Express Relay has withdrawn from the transaction.

Without a downstream buyer, the previously proposed acquisition is no longer viable. However, the underlying economics that motivated the sale remain unchanged:

  • Current revenue: <$2,000/month to the DAO Treasury
  • Operational costs: Infrastructure, engineering, and maintenance exceed this revenue
  • Opportunity cost: Resources currently allocated to ER could support Pyth Pro

As outlined in the original acquisition proposal, Express Relay is a net cost to operate at current usage levels.

Proposal

Douro Labs proposes to sunset Express Relay:

  • Douro Labs will stop running the off-chain services required for ER to function
  • The product will no longer be operational after the transition period
  • Engineering and infrastructure resources will be reallocated to Pyth Pro

Constitutional status:

  • The Pyth DAO Constitution remains unchanged
  • ER references stay in place; the Pythian Council retains its delegated powers
  • The DAO continues to own the Express Relay program
  • Should a buyer emerge in the future, the DAO can revisit a sale via CO-PIP

Implementation Plan

Upon passage of this OP-PIP:

  1. Douro Labs will have the right to pause or shut down Express Relay’s off-chain infrastructure at any time

  2. Douro Labs will coordinate with existing users to ensure a reasonable transition

  3. Any accumulated fees in the ER fee account will be transferred to the DAO Treasury

  4. The on-chain program remains owned by the DAO but will be non-functional without the off-chain services

PROPOSAL: OP-PIP-124: Express Relay Wind-Down | Pyth Governance

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