Medalla, the official public multiclient testnet for phase 0 of Ethereum 2.0, goes live. While the Medalla testnet aims to be the final test preceding the main net launch of Ethereum 2.0, the primary objective of testnet is the assessment of Ethereum 2.0’s performance at a multi-client level. 

Anthony Sassano, Product Marketing Manager, SetProtocol, also wrote in an Ethereum-centered newsletter, the Daily Gwei, stating that people are excited about the Medalla testnet, the primary reason being that it would well be the final testnet if no bugs or critical issues are found post the Medalla, testnet. According to the information provided by the Ethereum Foundation, five clients will be a part of the Medalla testnet genesis, namely, Teku, Prysm, Nimbus, Lodestar, and Lighthouse. 

Soon after the launch, Ethereum Foundation began looking for a new block in a bid to monitor any connectivity issues experienced by the validators. While the first block was observed within a few seconds of the launch, according to Ethereum 2.0’s development team, the issue may be resolved within a few hours.

Apart from this, Ethereum Foundation and client developers are also observing other aspects of the Medalla testnet, including monitoring the chain explorers, running local matrices, among others. 

Post the launch, Danny Ryan, Ethereum Core developer, also commented that while the number of validators participating is quite less, the testnet is still working as expected. Addressing the genesis block, he confirmed that the issue will be resolved in a handful of hours.  

Meanwhile, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, hinted that Ethereum 2.0 is designed for easy accessibility, it isn’t just for professionals  but for beginners and amateurs as well.  

To conclude, the first phase of Ethereum may not be live before early 2021. Nevertheless, based on the progress and the results of the Medalla testnet, there are chances for the genesis launch in November 2020.