ZKsync will stop supporting its initial Ethereum-based rollup
ZKsync, a popular layer 2 solution for Ethereum, is set to discontinue support for its first Ethereum-based rollup, ZKsync Lite, by 2026. This decision was announced by the developers of ZKsync, who referred to the discontinuation as a planned and organized sunset for a system that has served its purpose and does not impact any other ZKsync systems.
ZKsync Lite was initially launched in June 2020 with a primary focus on enabling payments. The network allowed for token transfers, atomic swaps, and NFT issuance, although it lacked smart contract functionality. Despite these limitations, ZKsync Lite played a crucial role as a testing ground for Ethereum-based ZK technologies.
The developers acknowledged the importance of ZKsync Lite as a proof of concept that confirmed key ideas related to creating scalable ZK systems. They emphasized that the system had fulfilled its purpose of demonstrating what is achievable and paving the way for more advanced solutions in the future.
Approximately $50 million in user funds are still engaged on ZKsync Lite, with fewer than 200 transactions processed daily. The team assured users that their funds are safe and that withdrawals to Layer 1 will continue as usual.
Matter Labs, the team behind ZKsync, halted active development of ZKsync Lite in March 2023 after launching ZKsync Era, a zkEVM that fully supports the execution of smart contracts. This move was lauded by analysts as a significant step in Ethereum scaling, as it allowed existing applications to be migrated without compromising security.
The decision to discontinue support for ZKsync Lite does not affect other products in the ZKsync ecosystem, such as systems based on ZK Stack and Prividiums. The team highlighted the upcoming developments in the broader ZKsync network, indicating a shift towards more advanced and business-oriented private blockchains.
This announcement comes after a series of challenges faced by the ZKsync project, including the suspension of the Ignite rewards program by the ZKsync DAO in response to market conditions. Additionally, Aave, a prominent lending protocol, hinted at potentially withdrawing from its multichain strategy, which could impact support for the Era network alongside other platforms like Metis and Soneium.
In an effort to enhance throughput, the ZKsync team introduced the Atlas update in October, which is aimed at increasing transaction processing capabilities to 30,000 transactions per second. This update demonstrates the team’s commitment to improving the efficiency and scalability of the ZKsync network in the face of evolving market conditions.
