ETH Foundation Launches Open Intents Framework to Boost Cross-Chain Interoperability

Ethereum’s Open Intents Framework has received support from top Layer 2s such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Scroll, and Polygon. 

The Ethereum Foundation has introduced the Open Intents architecture (OIF), a modular and open architecture aimed at facilitating interoperability throughout the Ethereum ecosystem.

Over 30 teams collaborated to create the new standard, which includes Layer 2 networks, wallets, and infrastructure providers. 

Open Intents Framework

According to the official release on February 19th, the major goal of the Open Intents Framework (OIF) is to simplify cross-chain transactions by allowing users to smoothly transmit assets between various chains. 

Central to this initiative are “Intents,” which allow users to specify desired outcomes without handling complex transaction details. However, existing implementations of Intents frequently lack compatibility, making adoption difficult. The OIF overcomes this issue by standardizing important components such as resolution and settlement, allowing developers to integrate and customise solutions without relying on a single vendor. 

This modular approach boosts shared innovation, ensuring different intent solutions can work together efficiently. 

Strong Backing

According to its official website, the Ethereum Foundation, Hyperlane, and Bootnode contributors are leading a “public good initiative” known as OIF. It began with initial funding from Hyperlane, aiming to establish a strong foundation for future community ownership and funding. 

Several prominent Layer 2s, including Arbitrum, Optimism, Scroll, Polygon, zkSync, Linea, Gnosis, and Starknet, also support the standard. The Ethereum Foundation announced that additional advancements and extensions are planned for the near future.

Meanwhile, Uniswap Labs, the team behind the Uniswap decentralized exchange (DEX), highlighted its role in co-authoring ERC-7683, which was established last year to foster ecosystem-wide adoption. In a follow-up tweet after the Ethereum Foundation’s announcement, 

“Last year, we co-authored ERC-7683, a new standard for cross-chain intents that any team can adopt. Today, we’re pleased to see it as a basic feature of the Open Intents Framework. Because the best way to unify Ethereum is together.” 

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