Cardano’s Node 9.1.0 Marks Final Step Before Chang Hard Fork and Voltaire Launch

Cardano is moving closer to implementing its highly anticipated Chang hard fork. 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 that will introduce on-chain decision-making to Cardano.

Cardano’s Stake Pool Operators Are Getting Ready For Chang Upgrade

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson confirmed this, describing the node launch as the last step before Voltaire. Voltaire is the final stage of the network’s roadmap, adding governance and treasury management functionality to the blockchain.

“This is it. End of the line, node 9.1 is Voltaire. Happy upgrading SPOs. Welcome to Chang,” Hoskinson said.

According to the upgrade’s GitHub page, Node 9.1 includes more than bug fixes. It provides everything needed, including the Conway Genesis file, to integrate the upcoming Chang hard fork.

However, the hard fork will only proceed when 70% of validators, or Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), upgrade to the new node. As of press time, Cardanoscan reports that only about 3% of the network’s 3,110 stake pools are prepared for the hard fork. So, the final date for the hard fork will be set once the community meets the required SPO and Exchange readiness thresholds.

Read more: Who Is Charles Hoskinson, the Founder of Cardano?

Cardano Chang Hard Fork Readiness. Source: Cardanoscan

While many in the community view the coming hard fork as a major step towards a new era of growth for the blockchain, Philip Lewis, co-founder of Empowa, a Cardano-based crypto project, expressed some concerns. He noted that handing control of such a significant “scientific and engineering accomplishment” to the community carries some risks.

Read more: How To Buy Cardano (ADA) and Everything You Need To Know

Despite his concerns, Lewis is optimistic about the outcome. He believes that the community has developed an exceptional technology stack for decentralized social systems and fostered a culture that values the potential of blockchain technology.

“Most of our community strive to build professional solutions to real world problems and aren’t chasing hype in order to get rich quick; a counterculture which has sadly hijacked most of the crypto industry. It is this culture that will ensure decisions to make protocol changes or withdraw treasury funds, will be done with the same consideration and care as those we all learnt from,” Lewis stated.