China tech giant Baidu’s blockchain launches dApp development

China’s tech firm, Baidu, launched a blockchain-based service on its Xuperchain yesterday, January 6th. According to the company, the service is meant for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and it will allow them to create their own dApps on the company’s blockchain.

Furthermore, according to the local news outlet, STCN, companies will even have the ability to create entire decentralized networks.

Baidu’s goal in launching the new service is to make dApp development easier and more efficient for everyone. The company plans to provide its own developers, as well as smart contract templates, alongside other components that are necessary in order for the process to function properly.

Another noteworthy detail is that the company’s decentralized network supposedly has 3.5 million users to date. Meanwhile, its node managers include multiple reputable firms and institutions, such as Tsinghua University and iQiyi.

Baidu was also quite transparent about its blockchain, open-sourcing its underlying code in May 2019. Its report further stated that the SME-oriented service will also be budget-friendly, meaning that the users can avail it for as little as 1 yuan ($0,14).

Baidu taking the lead on China’s blockchain stage

Baidu itself is quite well-known in the tech industry, which earned it a nickname of ‘Chinese Google.’ And, just like Google, Baidu is quite interested in the potential of emerging technologies. However, the firm is especially interested in AI and blockchain tech.

The company increased its efforts after the country’s president supported the blockchain publicly a few months back. This helped it take the lead in the industry just in time, especially since 197 other firms are developing their own blockchains.