As a first step, the validating node software operated by the system’s stake pool operators, or SPOs, needs to be upgraded to the latest version. Then, the blockchain will evolve into a backward-incompatible version, a process known as a hard fork, and in doing so, enter a new era known as Voltaire. Cardano is currently in its Basho era.
![Cardano Is on Track for Voltaire Upgrade This Month, Co-Founder Hoskinson Says Cardano Is on Track for Voltaire Upgrade This Month, Co-Founder Hoskinson Says](https://www.coindesk.com/resizer/6wjvQpZ-TwqI1C9QiLIeL70as6k=/1200x628/center/middle/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/coindesk/UWIBTUDOP5F7BBRHCTACIMAYPA.jpg)