Article Summary- Blockchain has disrupted industries with its decentralized ledger, global reach and safer transactions. Blockchain apps are making the technology more accessible & easy to use.
Bitcoin revolutionized the game with block chain and proposed a thought experiment for people across industries. Can the structure of transactions, storage and security be completely remodeled?
Just the existence of this technology was enough evidence of its efficacy and groundbreaking success. Cryptocurrency was the first to take the bait, followed by banking and finance as a whole, and now it has evolved into a decentralized force of progress.
With no charted path, to begin with, it has crossed financial boundaries and has triggered a tsunami of connected links that continue to expand. Businesses have set up designated teams to create blockchain apps and reimagine the magic on phones.
How “Block-chains” bind and liberate
The workings of blockchain are somewhat common knowledge now. A decentralized network of interconnected links that share all data among its peers, keeping a chronological log of each transaction.
Simply put- “Everything that happens in the blockchain network is shared by all members of the network and everyone has a record of it on their individual device”
Hence, in a way these block-chains form a binding link with each other and through this decentralized model of information storage, it liberates from the risk & inefficiencies of having all data stored in one place only.
Blockchain Apps or DApps
DApps or decentralized applications function without any central server to help interact with two parties. Blockchain users operate on mini-servers that work simultaneously to verify and exchange data.
There are 2 kinds of blockchains, segregated on the basis of access and permissions - “Permissionless blockchain” & “permissioned blockchain”. A permissionless network grants full transparency and allows each member to verify transaction details, interact with others while staying completely anonymous. Bitcoin works on a permissionless blockchain.
A permissioned blockchain on the other hand requires authorization and doesn’t allow complete access to all members. This form of the network works best when there are hierarchies amongst users like an organization's seniority structure.
The buzz around Blockchain apps & its major benefits
The application market is booming. From industry giants, startup dwarves, service providers, individual branding, and many more. When everybody is in the same game and chasing a similar prize i.e more users, brand loyalty, increased in-app time, paid subscriptions, then it becomes a challenge to create a unique experience.
This is the space that blockchain has capitalized on, a more secure communication, transparent design and credibility. Top 4 benefits of blockchain apps-
- Simplified Transactions- The conventional financial transactions operate within the limitations of exchange rates, commissions, transactional failure and server issues. A blockchain wallet can be set up in minutes and it operates freely erasing the geographical and currency differences.
- Higher Security- When financial matters are being discussed, tight security and privacy are primary eligibility concerns. Mobile transactions are vulnerable and prone to hacking via MITM or “man in the middle”. Blockchain mobile app security makes it impossible for anybody to steal through this method. Decentralization of records and transactions creates a very impenetrable armor.
- Transparency- The availability of a copy of the transaction is stored in each device on the network but this doesn't mean that everyone has access to that data. Only participating members can access this information and track all transactional history with ease.
- Unadulterated records- There is no means to edit or undo any record over the network. Each communication is recorded and stored as and when it occurs.
How to develop a Blockchain app?
Digital transformation has enveloped the consumer markets, inspiring a mindset of using the latest and best possible technology to cater to customers.
If shifting to blockchain technology is the right option then developing an application is the ideal way to reach customers & attract potential consumers.
Outsourcing the process to a company that specializes in app development could be a smart choice. Go through popular company listings on Clutch, AppDexa or GoodFirms to find one that fits the company's budget, vision and design .
Popular uses of Blockchain Technology
Understanding the existing trend in the blockchain app market can shed some light on the type of industries that can benefit the most from the technology. Let's have a look at the multi-dimensional scope of blockchain technology and its growth in the coming years.
Blockchain smart property
Any asset can be equipped with smart technology and the registered object can be saved on the network as a ledger with complete contract and ownership details.
This smart property is accessed by smart keys which are transferable upon successful transaction over the blockchain network.
The "property" in question can be a house, a vehicle, a patent or even company shares.
Blockchain IoT
As per a research report by Gartner, more than 26 billion devices will be connected to the internet by the end of 2020.
These Smarter, remote internet accessed devices are creating smart homes and redefining day to day lives of humans.
Blockchain steps in to ensure these intimate things that will end up controlling home security systems, cars and all electronic objects accessed by us, remain safe and ward off potential security threats.
Blockchain with its ledger system ensures that only authenticated parties can transact with each other while maintaining meticulous records of all communication between each member. A perfect setting for IoT to flourish. The future of technology is fused with Blockchain & IoT, these 2 revolutionary concepts are crafting a utopian future.
Examples of a Blockchain App in IoT-
- XAGE Security
A cybersecurity company for IoT organizations. It's currently responsible for the security of billions of devices that have the ability to self diagnose and fix any issues.
- Filament
Filament makes microchip hardware and software to let devices operate on blockchain technology.
Money Lending with Blockchain Smart contracts
The system of borrowing & lending money is being reshaped to mimic a simple transaction without complicated credit reports & lengthy verification forms.
With smart contracts in play, ownership of collateral can be temporarily transferred in exchange for money. Smart property can be exchanged for money across the blockchain network and the recorded transaction, proof of exchange.
This makes it easier for low-credit holders to get loans from all over the world & does away with frivolous paperwork.
Blockchain & Financial services
Blockchain originated to solve a financial problem and finance still remains its key area of success and revolution.
Blockchain disrupted the financial market by -
- - Making transactions cheaper
- - Fixing the payment failure problem
- - Keeping safety at its core by strengthening individual units.
- - Transcending global payment barrier
It is important to note that cryptocurrency proved that online payments should not be constrained by geographical boundaries because there are no boundaries online.
Before cryptocurrency, global transactions used to take days, cost a lot more and went through multiple channels before reaching its final destination.
Example of Blockchain in Fintech
Ocular
This California based company has created an anti-money laundering platform with end to end encryption and a perfect log of communication. With its biometric system, ocular verifies individuals before they apply for government id's licenses e.t.c.
Blockchain Smart contracts
Digital contracts with IFTTT code are smart contracts, they are like a checklist that triggers automatic action when all criteria are met. IFTTT- "if this, then that''
Blockchain is brilliant at using these smart contracts in simplifying the trade of seemingly complicated conditions. Handling insurance premiums, property agreements etc is made easy with these digital treaties.
Blockchain Healthcare & Smart Contracts
The medical records of individuals demand a high level of privacy and security while being easily transferable between insurance companies & the hospital. Blockchain hits both these marks with ease.
Smart contracts take it a step further, surgery and treatment details can be auto-sent to the patient's insurance company on completion and from the insurance to hospital/patient.
Example of Blockchain in Healthcare
BurstIQ
This blockchain-based company lets patients and doctors transfer medical records safely. Smart contracts regulate what will be sent, to whom and when.
Government & smart contracts
Ever since the installation of electronic voting machines, there have been constant claims of tampering and cheating by the losing party.
Blockchain ledger maintains encrypted information that would safeguard votes & the distributed network makes sure the votes aren't consolidated till they need to be.
Accountability of elected candidates- Smart contracts can be used to hold the candidates accountable for their pre-election promises.
Example of Blockchain for Governments
Follow my vote
A secure online voting platform using a digital ballot box powered by blockchain technology. It has created a secure voting system to increase confidence in the democratic process.
VOATZ
A mobile voting platform functioning on blockchain technology. A secure mobile app that allows remote voting to registered voters from anywhere in the world.
Blockchain Identity
An encrypted digital identity card that keeps the identity safe by securing it from fraudulent schemes and scamsters.
Passport- In 2014, Github launched a blockchain-powered passport. Stored on the network ledger, given a public and private encoded key. This identity card is one example of highly sensitive data that can be safely used online.
Personal Certificates that prove the ownership of a financial instrument, a birth certificate, a wedding certificate among others can be recorded with ease through Blockchain ledger and its added encryption.
Example of Blockchain in Safeguarding Identity
Civic
A financial security company with a blockchain ecosystem. Users get in a smart contract for their data privacy and have an option to control who can view their personal information.
Any breach or attempt to access the user's personal information alerts them immediately.
How to Align a blockchain app with Business operations?
There is little doubt about the efficacy of decentralized apps but it is important to identify which areas can benefit from the blockchain.
The top 5 ways to identify and align blockchain with company functions-
1) Means of Transaction
If the target audience of the company is open to a new means of transaction, then cryptocurrency can be integrated in no time. These transactions can be auto-tracked and easily initiated with an app.
2) Supply Chain
There are multiple tangents in supply chain management depending on the company's core operations. In scenarios of numerous dependencies and intricate connections, blockchain shines.
3) Storage
Decentralized storage reduces the load on one device resulting in increased speed and refined user experience. Another plus point about blockchain storage is easy access to data because of cloud storage.
4) Safety
If a company relies heavily on safeguarding the important financial and personal information of customers then it is legally obligated for safety. Blockchain's encrypted ledger & decentralized storage is perfect for privacy & security.
5) Authentication
Blockchain provides great control over access. Companies that operate on varying levels of access and usage can control authentication with a permissioned blockchain.
In Conclusion..
The examples, benefits and uses of blockchain as a technology and for mobile applications are plenty. The real question is whether it can be aligned with the company's operations, objectives and long term direction. Entering into the blockchain space right now, could help any company in establishing itself in the industry and re-shuffling the market pie.
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