Shimmer has unveiled ShimmerEVM, a smart contract software introduced to the testnet, aiming to serve as a staging area for decentralized applications (dApps) on IOTA. This staging area allows developers to thoroughly test their dApps before deploying them on the main network, ensuring any project limitations or foundational issues are addressed prior to public release.

Shimmer Network, known for its continuous efforts to implement new features, is an ideal platform for this development. ShimmerEVM, dubbed as the inaugural ISC chain (IOTA Smart Contracts), has been presented to the community. However, users have been advised to use caution as the software is still in its developmental stages.

Key features of ShimmerEVM include compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), expanded EVM functionality for NFT and native asset interactions, MEV protection, node support covering various types of nodes, and native support for L1 assets. Additionally, ShimmerEVM facilitates seamless token transfers within its ecosystem via Firefly Wallet, eliminating the need for specialized bridges.

Other ISC features include metadata functionality, a custom API, and governance features for the chain, showcasing IOTA's commitment to collaborating with Shimmer to enhance its role as a staging area. Users can initiate transactions on ShimmerEVM by updating connection details and using Firefly Wallet to transfer SMR tokens from the Shimmer Network.

Shimmer plans to focus on monitoring, improvement, developer experience, evaluation, and decentralization in the next stages of the project's development.