Stablecoin issuer Tether has announced plans to open-source its Bitcoin Mining Operating System (MOS), aiming to democratize Bitcoin mining by enabling companies of all sizes to independently access and operate mining infrastructure without relying on costly third-party software vendors. The CEO of Tether, Paolo Ardoino, described MOS as a scalable, modular system built on a peer-to-peer Internet of Things (IoT) architecture.
This system supports a wide array of existing mining hardware, including air-cooled and immersion containers, and integrates electrical components such as thermostats. Expected to roll out by Q4 2025, the move seeks to reduce entry barriers, empower new and smaller mining firms, and help decentralize the Bitcoin network.
Key to MOS's design is its modular plugin system, which allows developers to create custom plugins tailored to specific hardware or site requirements, encouraging collaborative development. Tether also plans to integrate MOS with its internal data platform QVAC, as well as AI tools to optimize mining performance based on data insights.
The initiative aligns with Tether's broader efforts to promote decentralization within the Bitcoin ecosystem, including its recent partnership with the Ocean mining pool to decentralize block building by allocating its hashrate to the protocol.
By facilitating easier participation for smaller miners, especially those using their own renewable energy sources like solar or hydro, Tether’s open-source MOS could expand the diversity and security of the Bitcoin network by enabling more entities to contribute effectively to mining operations.