In an exclusive conversation with Cointelegraph during Paris Blockchain Week, Daniela Barbosa, the executive director of Hyperledger, shed light on the indispensable need for open-source blockchain technology within global institutions. Barbosa, who also holds the position of general manager at the Linux Foundation, emphasized that the transition of critical financial infrastructure to blockchain networks necessitates open-source protocols and governance structures.

Hyperledger, a leading provider of open-source blockchain solutions, offers a diverse range of tools designed for governments, organizations, and financial institutions seeking to harness the potential of blockchain technology. Operating under the umbrella of the Linux Foundation, Hyperledger ensures not only open-source technology but also fosters open development and community engagement, vital components for sustainable innovation.

Barbosa underscored the importance of organizations selecting Hyperledger's suite of solutions due to its association with the Linux Foundation, renowned for its commitment to open governance and development. Highlighting the risks associated with proprietary software, Barbosa stressed the need for infrastructure built on open-source foundations, safeguarding against dependencies on single entities and potential licensing hurdles.

In addition to promoting open-source ethos, the Linux Foundation focuses on nurturing diverse and inclusive communities around its projects. Barbosa drew parallels with the widespread adoption of Linux Kernel and Kubernetes, illustrating the pervasive influence of open-source infrastructure across various computing systems and cloud computing environments.

While acknowledging efforts by organizations to open-source their software, Barbosa questioned the depth of openness achieved solely through platforms like GitHub. She emphasized the role of the Linux Foundation in fostering genuine open governance and collaboration, enabling competitors in the banking sector and tech giants like Accenture and IBM to collaborate on shared initiatives.

Looking ahead, Barbosa highlighted the long-term significance of open-source development, particularly as regulatory scrutiny intensifies. As regulators delve into ownership and underlying code structures, open-source frameworks offer transparency and resilience, mitigating risks associated with proprietary systems.

Barbosa delved into the evolution of Hyperledger's blockchain tools, notably Hyperledger Besu, a Java-based Ethereum execution client. With support for public and private networks, Hyperledger Besu stands out as a critical infrastructure offering within the Ethereum ecosystem. The collaboration between Hyperledger Foundation and Ethereum Enterprise Alliance marked a pivotal moment, driving interest from institutional players.

Notably, Hyperledger Besu boasts a significant user base, with approximately 12% of Ethereum mainnet users utilizing the platform. This adoption underscores the growing traction of open-source solutions within the blockchain landscape and reflects the broader trend toward interoperability and collaboration across blockchain networks.