The Polkadot ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth over the past year. Numerous projects have announced plans to launch their own canary networks to integrate with the Kusama ecosystem.
These canary networks serve multiple purposes: they provide a testing ground for deploying unverified new technologies, support governance experiments, and mitigate risks associated with unforeseen events.
For these reasons, Edgeware has announced the launch of Hedgeware—its Kusama parachain and canary network.
What Is Hedgeware?
Hedgeware is designed to complement Edgeware in several key ways:
- It enables experimentation with parachain bonding, cross-chain message passing, and the development of multi-chain Polkadot applications.
- It acts as a canary network for Edgeware’s runtime upgrades, helping identify issues that may not be apparent on testnets.
- It serves as a parachain bridge, allowing Edgeware to access early Polkadot technologies once it goes live on Kusama.
The name “Hedgeware” reflects its role as Edgeware’s canary network rather than a separate standalone chain.
How Hedgeware Functions
The team anticipates that most Hedgeware activities will be conducted through Edgeware or Kusama. Like other Edgeware DAOs, Hedgeware will have its own ownership distribution but will also operate as an independent chain.
Edgeware will continue to be a community-focused smart contract chain, while Hedgeware will serve as a deployment and testing environment for cutting-edge technologies before they are ready for broader use.
Hedgeware Token (HEDG) Distribution
The native token of Hedgeware, HEDG, will be allocated as follows:
- 50% to Edgeware (EDG) holders before the snapshot date (May 1, 00:00 UTC).
- 20% to participants in Kusama crowdloans and parachain auctions. Half of these tokens are expected to be allocated for the first year of Kusama parachain slots, with the remainder reserved for future slots.
- 10% to incentivize greater participation in the EDG community (similar to DOT reserved for KSM).
- 20% to core developers, including Commonwealth Labs and future contributors.
Current Development Status
Significant progress has already been made:
- Code development for Hedgeware is complete.
- A balance snapshot of Edgeware was taken at the designated block height (May 1, 00:00 UTC).
- Testnets incorporating the latest Edgeware upgrades have been launched.
The actual launch of Hedgeware will occur through crowdloans and parachain auctions. As Kusama has not yet finalized the details of its parachain auctions, more information about the exact process will be shared in the coming weeks and months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a canary network?
A canary network is a testing environment that allows developers to deploy and experiment with new technologies in a live setting before launching them on a mainnet. It helps identify potential risks and governance issues.
How does Hedgeware benefit Edgeware?
Hedgeware enables Edgeware to test new upgrades and technologies in a real-world environment, reducing the risk of unforeseen problems when deploying on the mainnet. It also facilitates early access to Polkadot innovations.
Who can participate in HEDG token distribution?
EDG holders before the snapshot date, Kusama crowdloan participants, and active community members are eligible. Developers contributing to the network may also receive allocations.
When will Hedgeware launch?
The launch depends on the scheduling of Kusama’s parachain auctions. Updates will be provided as more details become available from the Kusama network.
What is the purpose of the HEDG token?
The HEDG token is used for governance, staking, and incentivizing participation within the Hedgeware ecosystem. It also facilitates network operations and developer rewards.
Can I transfer HEDG tokens to other networks?
While cross-chain functionality is a core goal, specific details about token transfers will depend on the integration of Hedgeware with Kusama and Polkadot’s interoperability features.