Cardano, is approaching the implementation of the eagerly awaited Chang hard fork update. This progress follows the release of node validator software version 9.1.0, which includes critical updates necessary for the fork. On July 25, Intersect, an organization dedicated to the ADA ecosystem, announced that Node 9.1.0 is the final upgrade bringing on-chain decision-making capability to Cardano.
What’s Happening on the ADA Front?
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson confirmed this and described the node launch as the last step before Voltaire. Voltaire is the final phase of the network’s roadmap, adding governance and treasury management functionality to the blockchain. Hoskinson commented on the matter:
“This is it, the final node 9.1 Voltaire. Congratulations on upgrading the SPOs. Welcome to Chang.”
According to the upgrade’s GitHub page, Node 9.1 includes more than just bug fixes. It will provide everything needed to integrate the upcoming Chang hard fork, including the Conway Genesis file.
However, the hard fork will only proceed when 70% of validators or Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) have upgraded to the new node. At the time of writing, Cardanoscan reports that only about 3% of the network’s 3,110 stake pools are ready for the hard fork. Therefore, the final date for the hard fork will be set once the community meets the necessary SPO readiness processes.
Details on the Matter
While many in the community see the upcoming hard fork as a significant step toward a new growth period for the blockchain, Philip Lewis, co-founder of the Cardano-based crypto project Empowa, expressed some concerns. He noted that transferring control of such a significant scientific and engineering achievement to the community carries some risks.
Despite his concerns, Lewis remains optimistic about the outcome. He believes the community has developed an exceptional technology stack for decentralized social systems and has fostered a culture that values the potential of blockchain technology:
“Most of our community is striving to produce professional solutions to real-world problems and is not chasing hype to get rich quickly; unfortunately, a counter-culture that has taken over much of the crypto industry. It is this culture that will ensure that decisions to make protocol changes or withdraw treasury funds are made with the same care and diligence we have all learned.”
