Metaplex unveils indexing and data availability network for Solana

• Metaplex Foundation announced the Metaplex Aura Network on September 23, 2024.
• Aura is a decentralised indexing and data availability platform designed to extend the Solana and Solana Virtual Machine networks.
• MPLX price rose 12% amid the news and overall crypto market surge.

The Metaplex Foundation, the non-profit supporting the Metaplex Protocol, has announced a new decentralized indexing and data availability layer for Solana (SOL).

Metaplex Aura Network is the new platform that Metaplex Foundation introduced on Sept. 23, revealing that the new platform complements the Solana Virtual Machine and the Metaplex Program Library with a decentralised network for real-time data availability.

1/ Introducing Metaplex Aura, a decentralized indexing and data availability network for @solana and the SVM, powered by $MPLX.

SVM + MPL + Aura = the full stack for decentralized applications 🦾

Learn more 👇 pic.twitter.com/AvoyggawKj

— Metaplex 🦾 (@metaplex) September 23, 2024

The Aura Network allows Metaplex to expand its developer solution, giving builders access to three key network components – data availability, multi-program indexing and elastic state management. Major benefits include flexibility, optimization and scalability.

Native Metaplex token MPLX will power the Aura nodes.

Metaplex adopted community approach to launch

According to the details in a blog post, the Metaplex Foundation opted for a “community-driven approach” as it looked to bring the Metaplex Aura Network to market. This included engaging Solana and SVM developers, who offered feedback and a chance for the Metaplex team to explore early implementations.

Moreover, the rollout saw more than 25 unique projects participate, from NFT marketplaces, game development, infrastructure providers and launchpads to creators and SVM layer 2 networks. Metaplex will open-source the Aura platform’s code to allow developers from across the globe to contribute as well as benefit from available tools and protocols.

MPLX, which traded near $0.36 early Monday, rose more than 12% in 24-gains. These gains pushed the token’s price above $0.42. Daily volume was up 87% to over $2.8 million amid buyside pressure catalysed by broader market gains.

Overall upside momentum had helped Aave price hit a two-year high in early trading. Arkham also spiked as AI tokens soared.