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Blockchain: Ten Use Cases You Need To Know

analyticagh |
Technology & Gadgets
Being one of the biggest Innovations in the technology landscape in the early 1990's, applications using Blockchain Technology is being pushed to its limits by developers and researchers because of its ability to provide security, speed, immutable and irrefutable record of transactions.
Disruptive effects is being seen in various sectors from financial to manufacturing, education as well as art.

Blockchain Technology
A blockchain is essentially a digital ledger of transactions that stored and distributed across the entire nodes or network of computer systems.
Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of the transaction is propagated to the each participant’s ledger.

The decentralized database managed by multiple participants is referred to as the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). With this, the transactions are recorded with an immutable cryptographic signature called a hash, thus denying users without the hash access.
As research in this area expands, more use cases will be realized and it is possible to reach high scalability and adoption. However, some the technology in its current state has been tipped to provide solutions in the following areas.

Below are a Ten(10) use cases of the Blockchain technology:
Payment settlements: The Blockchain allows for the processing financial transactions speedily at minimal cost. This is possible because there is no trusted intermediary involved and settlements are instant based on agreed consensus. e.g. Ripple.

Insurance: The blockchain in insurance can be used to uniquely identify and register details of physical assets in the blockchain. Diamond certification and its history can be verified when recorded on the blockchain e.g. Everledger.

Notary Public: The blockchain can also be used to verify the authenticity of documents using proof of ownership, proof of existence and proof of Integrity in notary services. e.g. Stampery, Viacoin.

Pharmaceutical: The blockchain can be used as an anti-counterfeit measure to combat in production of fake and sub-standard drugs. each batch, serial and product details are verifiable in the blockchain, fake items can be easily identified. e.g. Pfizer and Others.

Land Registry: The blockchain can be implemented to transfer titled property together with details ownership, location, and size. In the blockchain upon meeting a consensus algorithm (using smart contracts), records will thereby be made in the ledger. It enhances trust and reduces fraudulent practices, extended legal litigation, easy access in validating land titles e.g. Land Layby Holdings.

Banking: The technology can serve as a trusted and reliable source which can withstand fraud, security and scalability issues. verification of customer identity, customer credit checks and facilitating trade finance using smart contracts are some of its usefulness. E.g. ICICI Bank, American Multinational Investment Bank, Central Bank of Canada and Singapore.

Law/Crime: The technology can be used to maintain records of legal proceedings, judicial precedence, case studies criminal records and other records that can aid to expedite the deliverance of justice devoid of secrecy and unverified information e.g. blockchain law group.

Music: The music industry can also benefit immensely when the blockchain technology is put to use. Artists and owners of music rights can receive fair royalty for their creative work. consensus algorithms can be incorporated in music streaming for fair compensation. E.g. Open music initiative, Choon.

Healthcare: With information decentralized and distributed using the blockchain, patient health records can be easily accessed to provide quality healthcare. Also, accountability will be enhanced because every action (lab results, scans, diagnosis) undertaken by a doctor or healthcare facility can be traced on the block. eg. Groves Medical group using medical chain platform, VitalHub.

Telecommunications: Intercarrier settlements, revenue leakages, fair taxes, customer billing, intercarrier mobile payments will be enhanced greatly seamlessly due to the security, visibility and immutability and irrefutable of transaction records of the blockchain e.g. CBCcom, Sparkle.

Blockchain: Simple Answers to Common Questions

Blockchain, often associated with cryptocurrencies, is a revolutionary technology that goes beyond just digital currencies. Let's break down some common questions about blockchain in easy terms:

1. What is Blockchain in Easy Terms?
Blockchain is like a digital ledger or record-keeping system that is decentralized and secure. Imagine it as a chain of blocks, where each block contains information, and they're linked together in a way that makes altering the information extremely difficult. It's transparent, tamper-resistant, and applicable to various industries beyond just finance.

2. How Can I Open a Blockchain Account?
To interact with blockchain, you don't exactly "open an account" like you would with a traditional bank. Instead, you create a digital wallet. Think of it as your personal vault for storing digital assets. You can use various platforms or apps to create a wallet, and it typically involves setting up a password or private key.

3. Is Blockchain a Wallet?
No, blockchain itself is not a wallet. As mentioned, blockchain is the technology, and a wallet is a tool or application that allows you to interact with the blockchain. The wallet is where you can store, send, and receive digital assets that exist on the blockchain.

4. What are the Barriers to Blockchain Adoption?
While blockchain holds immense potential, several barriers hinder its widespread adoption.
These include:



Complexity: Understanding and implementing blockchain can be complex, deterring many from diving into its intricacies.



Regulatory Uncertainty: Governments and regulators worldwide are still figuring out how to regulate blockchain, causing uncertainty in its legal landscape.



Scalability: Some blockchain networks face challenges in handling a large number of transactions quickly and efficiently.



Interoperability: Different blockchain networks often struggle to communicate and work seamlessly together.



Perception and Education: Misconceptions about blockchain, particularly its association with cryptocurrencies, can create a barrier. Educating the public is crucial for wider acceptance.

Blockchain's potential reaches far beyond its initial application in cryptocurrencies. As you explore this innovative technology, keep in mind that it's like a digital ledger, your wallet is the tool to interact with it, and several challenges still need to be addressed for broader adoption. Welcome to the world of Blockchain – where transparency and security reign supreme!