IOHK, the blockchain research & development firm behind Cardano has announced plans to launch the decentralization of the network’s stake pool operator (SPO). Cardano’s (ADA) performance in 2021 has been nothing short of stellar with the cryptocurrency starting the year out at only about 17 cents before touching its new all-time high of $1.82 on May 9.

Cardano Plans to Launch Decentralized SPOs

On May 11, IOHK, the R&D division behind the Cardano blockchain announced its plan to launch a decentralized Stake Pool Operator (SPO) just weeks after giving the community full control of block production.

Before decentralization of the stake pool operator, the Cardano network needs to be enhanced with the activation of the peer-to-peer (P2P) governor, deployment of the connection manager, and releasing a private P2P testnet.

Currently, the team is testing the engineering testnet before deploying a semi-public P2P testnet for a selected class of SPOs.

The SPOs currently has been operating on relay nodes globally to generate their configuration for linking with peers. Upon achieving decentralization, SPO will support automatic node communication without relay nodes.

The announcement release states:

“The activation of the peer-to-peer (P2P) governor, along with the deployment of the connection manager, enabled the release of a private P2P testnet in late April. We are now assessing this engineering testnet before deploying a semi-public P2P testnet for a group of invited SPOs to help us test and tune.”

Decentralization is the Core Aim of Cardano Blockchain

A month ago, Cardano completely handed over control to Cardano’s distinct network of over 2,000 community stake pools.  As a result of the decentralization, IOHK will no longer produce any blocks on the platform.

The company added that the transition from a centralized block production network to a decentralized, SPOs-controlled network was essential in the blockchain mission towards complete decentralization.

The network’s decentralization puts the power in the user’s hands and enables every participant in the network or ADA holder to have a stake.