If you’ve ever tried deploying a blockchain network from scratch, you know it’s not for the faint-hearted. Managing nodes, writing configuration files, spinning up Docker containers—it’s a lot. That’s where Hyperledger Cello comes in.
Cello is a Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) framework under the Hyperledger project umbrella. Its main goal? To make deploying and managing blockchain networks as simple as clicking a button. Originally focused on Hyperledger Fabric, recent updates have expanded support to frameworks like Hyperledger Besu.
Why Use Hyperledger Cello?
Hyperledger Cello automates much of the heavy lifting that comes with setting up a blockchain network. It provides:
- A clean web dashboard for managing networks, nodes, chain code, and system status
- Multi-tenant support, making it ideal for teams or organizations
- Integration with Docker, Kubernetes, and Ansible for flexible deployment
- Templates for deploying Fabric v2.x+ and Besu nodes
In other words, Cello turns blockchain deployment into a cloud-native experience.
How to Get Started
Here is how you can get started.
- Clone the Repo: Start by cloning the Hyperledger Cello GitHub repo
- Choose Your Deployment Mode: Cello supports Docker-Compose (for local testing) and Kubernetes (for production)
- Spin Up the Dashboard: Run the web-based dashboard to create blockchain networks, assign roles, and monitor usage
- Provision of a Network: Select a template (e.g., Fabric 2.2), choose how many peers and orderers you need, and Cello provisions the network automatically
Real-World Applications
Cello is already being used by enterprise developers and in academic projects to rapidly prototype and test blockchain-based supply chains, identity solutions, and smart contract systems. It’s also being integrated with observability tools like Prometheus and Grafana for monitoring performance.
Final Thoughts
Hyperledger Cello might not be as widely adopted as Fabric or Besu yet, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in the ecosystem for cutting down time-to-deploy. Whether you’re experimenting with blockchain or building enterprise-grade infrastructure, Cello gets you from idea to running network—fast.
