Blockchain- Creating a Reliable Future!

Blockchain technology is a promising new world without a central authority. With its wide acceptance and rampant growth, it is set to help businesses across various industries. The benefits these industries might gain are manifold, including increased transparency and traceability. It is revolutionary.

What is Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain technology is the bedrock of the crypto world. It is primarily a digitally distributed ledger or database of transactions shared across computer network nodes. It is a system of recording information in a way that makes it impossible to hack, change, or manipulate the system, which makes the technology commendable.

Simply put, a it is a shared ledger where pieces of data are stored in structures known as blocks. While it enables the recording and distribution of digital information, it does not allow editing. So, if a user tries to edit or delete transactions, the system will automatically reject it, making blockchain infidelity-proof.

We owe the hype of blockchain technology to the underlying issue of trust. The innovation of blockchain revolves around making data infidelity-proof and guarantees security without the need for third-party intervention. Blockchains came into light and became well-known for their critical role in crypto ecosystems, like Bitcoin, for securing and decentralising the record of transactions.

Difference between Regular Database and Blockchain

The point of differentiation between a regular database and a blockchain lies in the structuring of the data. A blockchain gathers information in groups, known as blocks, and these blocks hold sets of information. However, each block has a certain storage capacity, and the block is closed when it is up to the brim. Then a new block is formed and linked to the previously filled block, and the process continues, forming a chain of blocks known as the blockchain.

A database typically structures the data into tables. However, just as the name suggests, a blockchain structures the data into chunks and strings them together.

How Does A Blockchain Work?

It is the foundation for immutable ledgers that can’t be altered, destroyed, or deleted. Hence, blockchains are also addressed as a DLT- Distributed Ledger Technology. It was first conceptualised as a research project in 1991. The concept soared after its widespread use in Bitcoin in 2009. Ever since, the use of blockchain technology has exploded through various cryptocurrencies, DeFi applications, NFTs, and Smart contracts. Before we proceed further, let us understand all the terms mentioned.

Cryptocurrency, also known as crypto, is a digital currency whose transactions are secured through cryptography. They do not have any central or governing authority issuing or regulating the transactions.

Smart contracts are programs stored on a blockchain that function when certain outlined conditions are met. Smart Contracts are primarily used for the automatic execution of an agreement to ensure immediate certainty of the outcome. It is like an auto-command when specific requirements are met.

NFT is an acronym for non-fungible tokens. It is a digital asset in the form of art, music, real estate, or videos that associates ownership with unique physical or digital items. NFTs are considered to be modern-day collectables. NFT transactions are recorded and secured by blockchain technology and are a one-of-a-kind asset. The technology does not allow any room for alteration or counterfeiting of NFTs.

DeFi is an acronym for Decentralized Finance. This is an emerging financial technology based on blockchain, similar to cryptocurrencies. The system effectively eradicates the involvement of any governing structure, banks, and other financial institutions, and you keep your money safe in digital wallets.

Here is how the blockchain works?

• You enter the new transaction.
• It is then channelled through a network of P2P computers worldwide.
• This network of computers solves complex mathematical problems to verify the authenticity of transactions.
• Once the transaction is verified, it is clustered into blocks.
• The blocks are then chained together, creating a history of permanent transactions.
• Finally, the transaction is complete.

Industries that will benefit from blockchain

By creating a digital ledger for your business, blockchain technology ensures easy access to important information. It allows employees to monitor the company’s inner workings. The increased traceability and transparency will help many businesses be successful. Below are a few industries that can benefit from the advantages of blockchain technology.

Supply chains

It can leverage huge gains by implementing blockchain technology. Supply chains include manufacturers, suppliers, logistic partners, and retailers that deliver the end product to the consumers.  With blockchain, the supply chain can document regular updates about the product, providing complete data visibility. Since the technology is time-stamped and cannot be altered or changed, it becomes the single source of information and truth. It also checks production conditions, transportation, and quality control. It further helps deal with delays, waste, and counterfeit goods.

Banking And Finance

It will benefit from the blockchain with anything associated with third-party payments, currency support, cross-border transactions, and keeping money safe as monetary frauds are on the rise. With hot and cold wallets, digital currency and cryptocurrency can be kept safe with private keys only you can access. This disregards any intervention from third-party. Though it has its weakness, especially in terms of  performance, it is improving.

Healthcare Industry

With blockchain incorporation in this industry it will enable a better understanding of clinical information. It will provide a clear idea of patient history and time spent on each patient, resulting in better outcomes. Blockchain can identify serious mistakes and enable easy exchange and perseverance of patient data.

Higher Education

Institutions can significantly benefit from blockchain technology, as it has the potential to increase efficiency, enhance recordkeeping, expand educational opportunities, and improve security. It can also help with the verification of credentials and prevent forgery. Blockchain will help unify the data and make it standard across platforms. It will further ensure constant auditing.

Retail Chains

It can benefit significantly from blockchain platforms. Also, it can help increase efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, confidence, and audibility. With the rampant rise in consumer interactions online, the retail industry will gain more trust and rise to the occasion of efficiency. Retail units can also use blockchain for loyalty programs and gift cards.

The Bottom Line

Businesses have begun exploring how blockchain can revolutionise cross-border payments, how data secrecy can be enhanced, how identity can be concealed, and how smart contracts can add functionality to mainstream businesses. It is no longer new to the business world, but it is surely gaining momentum in how it can be adopted.