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Founded by the Linux Foundation in 2015, Hyperledger’s aim is to provide organisations the framework for “robust, industry-specific applications platforms and hardware systems”, geared at supporting business transactions by creating enterprise-grade distributed ledger frameworks and code bases.

The 11 new members spanned companies from the US, Europe, Asia, with a “major wave” of new collaborators from China, read the announcement, including Beike Finance, BGI Shenzhen Co., Bit Game Foundation, Circulor, JD.com, Kyra Solutions, Lenovo and NuCypher.

Comprising 10 business blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) as a “multi-project, multi-stakeholder effort”, Hyperledger is on a winning streak right now, and according to the group, this is much to do with the market in China, where a “blockchain explosion” has driven a new pace of adoption and innovation in the market.

‘Big family’

According to Hyperledger, 20% of its membering companies and 10% of its contributors are Chinese, with executive director, Brian Behlendorf, commenting; “it’s been exciting to see the rush of innovation in China and other Asian countries, where we have a large and growing base.”

According to head of blockchain technology, Dr. Pei Jian at JD.com, where blockchain technology has been used in products for anti-counterfeiting traceability, the e-commerce group is pleased to join Hyperledger’s “big family”.

“JD.com will make full use of its own advances in big data, cloud computing and well-established bonds with enormous suppliers worldwide to build a blockchain-based ecosystem and accomplish new commercial values. Currently, blockchain has been used in the products of anti-counterfeiting traceability in JD.com for promoting and securing high-quality products,” said Pei Jian.

Meanwhile, Lenovo’s chief technology officer and senior vice president, said; “Becoming a member of the Hyperledger community helps us explore all the possibilities blockchain opens up across industries.

“We have identified this emerging technology as a key element in our investment strategy for cloud-enabled technologies. Along with other members, Lenovo will help drive the development of Hyperledger as well as blockchain technologies and to build a global blockchain ecosystem so that this technology can benefit customers and the industry.”

Far from localised, however, the member base now spans some 30 countries and a hugely diverse range of applications, with companies looking to blockchain to transform healthcare, financial services, supply chain management, digital identity management and other online and cloud-based businesses and services.

Hyperledger training

In the same week, the Linux Foundation launched enrollment for a free blockchain-based training source, offered through the edX training platform, to provide individuals a way to learn about the impact of the emerging tech and “a means to demonstrate that knowledge”.

The course, LFS170x – Blockchain: Understanding Its Uses and Implications, offers an introduction to to blockchain DLT and how it’s impacting how businesses operate.

“In the span of only a year or two, blockchain has gone from something seen only as related to cryptocurrencies to a necessity for businesses across a wide variety of industries,” said Linux Foundation general manager, training & certification, Clyde Seepersad.

“Providing a free introductory course designed not only for technical staff but business professionals will help improve understanding of this important technology, while offering a certificate program through edX will enable professionals from all over the world to clearly demonstrate their expertise.”

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