The Cardano network is approaching a significant milestone as up to 72% of its stake pool operators (SPOs) have signaled their readiness for the upcoming Chang hard fork upgrade.
These operators have demonstrated their preparedness by installing the latest Cardano Node 9.1.0 software, an update that is required for the highly anticipated upgrade. This development marks a step toward introducing the Voltaire Era, which aims to decentralize governance within the Cardano ecosystem.
Cardano Node 9.1.0 Update Signals Milestone
Notably, these 72% SPOs’ installation of Cardano Node 9.1.0 highlights the community’s foray into advancing the network’s infrastructure. This update brings essential changes, including a configuration file update from Node 9.0.0. It also ensures compatibility with key components such as GraphQL, Rosetta, Ogmios, and the Cardano wallet.
🔥 UPDATE: #Cardano Node Version 9.1.0 = 72% #ChangHardFork https://t.co/BTayB2J0GU pic.twitter.com/I9ar6DlBqc
— Cardano Feed ($ADA) (@CardanoFeed) August 9, 2024
As a result, the network is better positioned for the Chang hard fork, which seeks to redistribute governance responsibilities from Cardano’s development firm, IOHK, to ADA holders. This shift will empower the community to participate more actively in the network’s growth and evolution.
SanchoNet Govtool Relaunch and Exchange Readiness
In parallel with the Node 9.1.0 update, Intersect, a member-based organization within the Cardano ecosystem, announced the relaunch of the SanchoNet Govtool. This tool allows users to test governance features on the SanchoNet testnet, a critical step in preparing for the forthcoming hard fork.
Chang Hard Fork Bulletin #3 🔧
SanchoNet Govtool is back online! Test governance features on the SanchoNet testnet.
We are also excited to announce that @lace_io and @eternlwallet have upgraded their preview testnet infrastructure with CIP-95 support, bringing the total to… https://t.co/Dmj7PcY2mD
— Intersect (@IntersectMBO) August 9, 2024
Additionally, the organization reported that several major wallets, including Lace_io and Eternl, have upgraded their preview testnet infrastructure to support CIP-95, a necessary component for the Chang upgrade.
Furthermore, the announcement revealed that exchanges such as Bitfinex, Bitmart, and Blockchain.com have made substantial progress toward readiness for the hard fork. Notably, Binance and Coinbase are also advancing their efforts, with other exchanges like Bitget, Gate.io, KuCoin, and MEXC following suit.
Chang Hard Fork Timeline and DApp Integration
As the Cardano network inches closer to the Chang hard fork, the next potential hard fork date is set for August 17, 2024, with a secondary window on August 22, 2024, per Intersect. In preparation for this upgrade, Intersect has intensified its outreach to decentralized applications (DApps) to ensure a smooth transition.
DApps utilizing Plutus V1 or V2 scripts must take note of the new cost models introduced with the upgrade, which will impact transaction fees. Meanwhile, the upgrade’s success is contingent on the continued progress of exchanges and the broader community’s adoption of the necessary software updates.