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Blockchain is a tech breakthrough providing significant potential for increasing operational efficiency. However, it is impractical to invest in it with the fear of missing out. It is necessary to have a clear understanding of how a business can benefit from it. Whether Ethereum blockchain development services, Hyperledger solutions, or any other platform-based development will benefit a business depends on the requirements. An experienced blockchain app development company can assist an organization in addressing the challenges of it.
So, with this Blockchain Development Guide, let’sexplore the technical aspect of the emerging technology and its integration applicability into a business.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain, in the language of a layman, is a database that is;
Decentralized
Distributed across a network of nodes with no centralized governing authority
Transparent
Shared across permissioned network participants with access to information stored on the database
Immutable
Once added, nobody can change the encrypted data residing on the network. It requires a consensus to add information to a block in the chain and then to change it.
Auditable
Any authorized individual or organization can access records for authentication or auditing purposes
Essentially, It stores digital information (transactional information) with a hash function in blocks and chains them to each other. For example, a current block will have a hash code of the previous entry, and the current block hashcode will be in the consecutive one. This process ensures that a blockchain solution serves the mentioned characteristics.
From a market viewpoint, it is a network of exchanges for the transfer of value from peer to peer. The process involves the approval of a transaction and, without requiring any intermediary, making it legitimate from the legal perspective.
Also, read | What is Blockchain Technology and How Does it work
Now, let us explore the technical side of the emerging technology, aspects of blockchain-based app development, and various prerequisites that go into the development of blockchain applications. We will start with types
Types of Blockchain
There are two types of blockchains primarily; private and public. There are, however, also several variations, such as Consortium and Hybrid blockchains.
Public Blockchain
A public blockchain is a distributed ledger network that is non-restrictive, with no permit requirement. Anyone with Internet access can join the network and become an authorized node.
Private Blockchain
A private blockchain is a blockchain that operates with restrictions or permissions only in a closed network. Private blockchains come in use usually within an organization or enterprise were participants of a blockchain network are only selected members. The level of security, permissions, permissions, accessibility is in the control of an organization.
Consortium Blockchain
A blockchain consortium is a semi-decentralized system, where a blockchain network gets operated by more than one organization. It is contrary to what we saw in a private ledger, which only one company controls. In this type, more than one organization can act as a node and exchange information or do mining.
Also, read | A Comprehensive Guide To DLTs and Types of Blockchains
Blockchain Development Platforms
There are more than 20 platforms for developing blockchain solutions, the top blockchain platforms commonly considered for development of blockchain / DLT are:-
Hyperledger Projects
Provide new capabilities over traditional business technologies with various tools, frameworks, and libraries
Ethereum Blockchain
Develop new decentralized economies, token mechanisms, and transactional processes in compliance with predefined business and regulatory requirements
Stellar Blockchain
Facilitate quick, traceable, and secure cross-border transactions and payment infrastructure for diverse financial institutions
EOS Blockchain
Develop efficient, high transaction capacity enterprise applications for industries such as gaming, networking, and smart contracts.
NEM Blockchain
Enhance data protection, secure records, and improve control of decentralized applications with NEM for industries like education and supply chain.
Corda Blockchain Development
Discover the extensive application of decentralized, scalable, and interoperable solutions across diverse industries such as healthcare and supply chain.
Also, read | Blockchain Platforms for Efficient Blockchain Solutions
Visit this page to know more about other blockchain platforms suitable for business solutions.
Platform Selection
Now, have a look at factors one must consider to choose the right platform for developing a blockchain-based application.
Platform Type
Although some blockchain systems are focused on cryptocurrency, others rely on smart contracts. Assessing which model suits ensure the faster and easier creation of Blockchain applications.
Smart Contracts
Assess whether or not your business requires smart contract solutions. A smart contract is a self-executing protocol that executes, validates, or enforces any trigger-based acts while storing them on the ledger.
Consensus Mechanism
Various blockchain technology systems operate on various consensus protocols. They include Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and more. Experts recommend identifying the right platform based on the consensus protocol.
Network Type
Assess which type of network your business requires, one in which anyone is free to make a join or one in which only approved users can participate. Pick the platform based on the decision and begin building a blockchain application.
Cryptocurrency
One must consider when planning to build a blockchain-based app, whether or not the business requires the use of cryptocurrencies in the application. It plays a crucial role in finding the right blockchain platform.
Programming Language
There are numerous blockchain programming languages that one can consider when during blockchain application development. They can either continue with traditional ones like C++, Python, Go, and Java, or switch to advanced blockchain-specific ones such as Simplicity and Solidity.
Industries that can use Blockchain for achieving operational efficiency
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Supply Chain
- Video Streaming
- Education
Visit this page to know more about other industries suitable for business solutions
Blockchain Application Implementation In Business
With its unprecedented ability, Blockchain finds applications in different ways in current business processes, like:
Blockchain as a Service
Blockchain can provide quicker, more efficient, and safer cloud storage facilities for customers. However, it will require to opt for a trusted BaaS provider such as Oodles for the same.
Supply Chain Management
Since the structure of the supply chain involves the sharing of components across different sources, a single point of failure can impact the entire process.y The blockchain technology tackles this situation by distributing the cop permanent auditable records shared with stakeholders.
Digital Identification Management
Blockchain can give us permanent, unquestionable, and stable digital identities, leading to lesser fraud and streamlined sign-in experience.
Rewards and Loyalty Programs Management
Blockchain based- loyalty management system can assists retailers in cost-effectively engaging their customers with gift cards, rewards, and other incentivization mechanisms.
Business Contracts and Transactions
A business can use a smart contract solution to automate financial transaction execution with security, trust, and immutability.
Transactional Efficiency
Blockchain technology in the absence of intermediaries will not only speed up the process but also efficiently facilitate the fund transfer service cost-effectively and securely.
You must have started planning to design and develop your blockchain app with all the mentioned details and examples. At Oodles, we will like to listen to your idea and contribute to it.
About Author
Mudit Kumar (Writer)
Mudit has been working with Oodles since 2017. He writes about technologies that not only disrupt the digital space but also influence the physical world. Initially, he explored revolutionary technologies like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and AI (Artificial Intelligence). Now, he focuses on unfolding the elements of blockchain technology, given its potential and edge over others.
