Cloud Provider Xunlei Launches Blockchain File System

Chinese technology company Xunlei Limited, known to some as the BitTorrent of China, announced Friday that it has launched a new distributed file system aimed at supporting blockchain platforms.

The ThunderChain File System (TCFS), as well as three ThunderChain Request for Comments (TRC) standards, will help support blockchain development, the company said in statements. The new file system, in particular, aims to combine features of existing platforms like IPFS and filecoin, while adding new security and flexibility tools.

The news came out during a ceremony hosted in Shenzhen, China, right before the company unveiled the winners of an international blockchain application competition it also sponsored.

Xunlei first announced it was launching ThunderChain in April, when the company claimed its new blockchain would be able to provide "processing capacity in the millions of transactions per second," as previously reported by CoinDesk.

The new TCFS, according to Friday's release, is built specifically for blockchain platforms like ThunderChain. The TRC standards are aimed to help build up the ecosystem by allowing third parties to build upon the company's blockchain.

Xunlei CEO Lei Chen said in a statement that the company "is committed to amplifying the power of individuals through technological innovation."

He added:

"That is why we introduced ThunderChain File System and other new initiatives as we continue to help developers unleash the real value of blockchain. We are also delighted to see a large number of practical blockchain projects developed during the challenge and would like to thank everyone for their great contribution."

Notably, the company entered the blockchain industry last October, as CoinDesk previously reported, but also has since been subject to two ongoing class action lawsuits over an alleged initial coin offering (ICO) from its investors.

Xunlei's website image via Shutterstock