Upgrade Akash Network's Terraform Provider to new Akash API

[cloud-j-luna]

Proposal to Upgrade Akash Network's Terraform Provider to New API

Executive Summary

Akash Network, a decentralized cloud computing platform, is undergoing a major network upgrade with breaking changes to its core API. To ensure seamless integration and compatibility for developers using the Terraform Provider, we propose a 3-month initiative to modernize and develop new features to the Terraform Provider for Akash Network. This upgrade will address critical compatibility issues introduced by the network's new version, enabling developers to deploy and manage infrastructure reliably. It will also include a more structured IaC interface for deployment creation.

What is Terraform and Why It Matters

Terraform is an open-source Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that allows developers to define and manage cloud infrastructure using declarative configuration files. Instead of manual setup, users write code that Terraform automatically provisions and manages.

For example, an AI company needing GPU instances for inference workloads could define their entire Akash deployment—including GPU requirements, container specifications, and networking—in a single Terraform configuration file. This enables them to spin up identical inference clusters across different environments with a simple terraform apply command.

Terraform is critical because it's the industry standard for infrastructure automation, used by enterprises and startups alike for reliable, version-controlled deployments across multiple cloud providers. For Akash Network, robust Terraform support is essential to attract enterprise users who expect professional DevOps tooling—without it, potential users may choose competing platforms with better integration.

Current State

The Akash Terraform Provider is still a used tool despite its outdated codebase and API.
The provider had over +13,000 downloads prior to donation, as this projects was donated to the Akash Network.

The current version has over +3,000 downloads which with proper marketing and education, could bring Akash Network to new users.

Challenge

The Akash Network's rapid evolution has led to significant architectural changes in its latest release. These changes, while enhancing security and scalability, have introduced breaking API changes and protocol updates that render the current Terraform Provider incompatible. This incompatibility jeopardizes the user experience for developers who rely on Terraform for infrastructure automation, risking adoption and operational stability.

Key challenges include:

• API Breaks: New network endpoints and resource models require reworking Terraform resource definitions.
• Compatibility Gaps: Existing provider configurations may fail or behave unpredictably with the updated network.
• Community Impact: Without timely updates, developers depending on the provider may delay adoption of the new network, slowing ecosystem growth.

Proposal

We propose a 3-month initiative to upgrade the Terraform Provider to align with the new network version. This effort will ensure:

1. Full Compatibility: The provider will support all new network features and APIs.
2. New Implementation: A new, optimized implementation for improved UX and maintainability.
3. Enhanced Documentation: Clear guides and examples for developers using the updated provider.

Responsibilities & Requirements

The team will:

• Develop & Test:
  • Rewrite Terraform resource schemas to match new network APIs.
  • Implement compatibility checks for existing configurations.
  • Conduct rigorous testing across all supported platforms.
• Community Support:
  • Provide documentation updates and tutorials.
  • Address community-reported issues promptly.
  • Maintain open communication via forums and GitHub.
• Repositories to Work On:
  • Terraform Provider: https://github.com/akash-network/terraform-provider-akash
  • API: https://github.com/akash-network/akash-api

Technical Expertise Required:

• Proficiency in Go (Terraform provider development).
• Deep familiarity with Akash Network's architecture and APIs.
• Experience with Terraform provider development.

Budget

The total cost for this 3-month initiative is $44,000.00, funds sourced by the community pool.

Breakdown of Costs

	SWE A	SWE B
Hourly Cost	100	80
Man Hours	240	120
Labor by Category	24000	9600

Tax, Volatility and Overage Subtotal	10400
Labor Subtotal	33600
Total cost	44000

Motivation

The Terraform Provider is a critical tool for developers and enterprises deploying on Akash Network. Without this upgrade, the ecosystem risks fragmentation as users delay adopting the new network version. This proposal aligns with Akash Network's AKT 2.0 vision to prioritize developer tools and ensure smooth transitions during major upgrades.

Limited Market Impact & Transparent Reporting

• Funds Custody: A dedicated, non-commingled wallet will hold the requested AKT.
• Market Sensitivity: Liquidation will be staggered to minimize price impact, following best practices from prior proposals.
• Transparency:
  • Monthly progress reports will detail milestones, code commits, and testing results.
  • All financial records and technical documentation will be published publicly.

Conclusion

This proposal ensures the Terraform Provider remains a reliable tool for developers, enabling seamless adoption of Akash Network's latest network version. Your support will future-proof the ecosystem and accelerate cloud parity for decentralized infrastructure.

We are looking forward to your feedback.

Kind regards,

Luna

@cosyndev

[fenilmodi00]

As someone who works with IaC and cloud deployments daily, I think this upgrade is spot on. Keeping the Terraform Provider in sync with Akash’s new API isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential for reliable, repeatable deployments. I have some experience with Terraform as well, so if there’s any way I can help whether it’s testing, feedback, or anything else let me know. Looking forward to seeing this shipped.

[31trainman]

I fully support this upgrade. And am to lend a hand however I can.

[cloud-j-luna]

Link with recording for steering committee: https://we.tl/t-EqB6QseTGl