(Yicai) July 18 -- Huawei Technologies today opened its first HarmonyOS ecosystem innovation center in central China, the third such hub nationwide to promote the open-source operating system.

The new center in Wuhan aims to become a high-level public service platform, integrating technical services, demonstration experiences, education and training, as well as event promotion, Du Jinbiao, general manager of the company which is responsible for running the center, said to Yicai., said to Yicai. The other two centers are in Shenzhen and Chengdu.

The phonemaker launched its own OS in August 2019, following restrictions in the United States that limited its access to Android, and expanded its usage to more mobile terminals as well as IoT devices.

The center will form a technical team to provide developers with technical guidance and support for upgrades, promoting a move to HarmonyOS, Du explained. It also plans to construct a high-level laboratory to test certification and adaptation services for HarmonyOS devices to drive widespread application in central China, Du added.

Since HarmonyOS became open-source nearly four years ago, more than 600 software and hardware products have passed compatibility assessments, and their application areas are in key sectors such as finance, energy, transportation, healthcare, and education, said Zhu Dongdong, president of Huawei's tablet and personal computer product lines. Over 5,000 native HarmonyOS applications are in the works with plans to launch them to the public next quarter, Zhu added.

Fifteen companies, including software firm Farben Information Technology, signed agreements today to become benchmark projects in the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

Farben aims to expand its market presence in central China by leveraging the HarmonyOS ecosystem, said Luo Xiaofeng, senior vice president of the Shenzhen-based provider of personalized software. The company plans to make good use of Wuhan's local talent and geographical advantages to promote the company's businesses in the region, he added.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine