Blockchain Applied: Practical Technology and Use Cases of Enterprise Blockchain for the Real World

Length: 292 pages
Edition: 1
Language: English
Publisher: Productivity Press
Publication Date: 2021-09-08
ISBN-10: 0367677369
ISBN-13: 9780367677367
Sales Rank: #0 (See Top 100 Books)

Blockchain is an emerging technology for organizations to almost instantaneously make and verify transactions, streamlining business processes, saving money, and reducing the potential for fraud. This book covers the application of blockchain technology to the enterprise world, it describes the opportunities and challenges for adoption of DLT (Digital Ledger Technology) in a corporate environment, and specific use cases that may benefit from a decentralized and distributed trustless network. There are many books on blockchain, the new de-centralised ledger technology made famous (or infamous) by Bitcoin, Onecoin and others. But as cryptocurrencies and stock markets rise and fall with surprise volatility and the world economy emerges changed by coronavirus and the resulting economic crash, many in industry are looking again at the powerful features of blockchain and how these may help them adapt. This new book sets out the core features of blockchain and uniquely describes, in natural language and in real-life scenarios, how de-centralised ledgers may affect industries as varied as virus-tracking apps, finance, investment and healthcare.

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1 The Blockchain Age
	What Is ‘Blockchain’?
	History in the Making: Blockchain Technology
	Blockchain in the Real World
	Blockchain Forecasts
	Blockchain Applications
	Blockchain in Distribution
	Blockchain in Sales Management
	Blockchain Benefits
	Blockchain Challenges
	Blockchain Business Model Design
	The Future of Blockchain Technology
	Notes
Chapter 2 Bitcoin: Blockchain V1.0?
	The First Transaction
	Getting Started With Bitcoin
	Bitcoin Mining
	Bitcoin Wallets
	Bitcoin Value
	Bitcoin Transactions
	Bitcoin Security and Privacy
	Bitcoin: Still Experimental
	Bitcoin Is Decentralised
	Bitcoin Advantages
	Bitcoin Definitions
	How Cryptocurrencies Work
	‘Hashes’ and Trust in Cryptocurrencies
	How Hashes Work
	Bitcoin Transactions and Hashes
	Blockchains Build Trust
	How Bitcoin Is Different
	Bitcoin Rewards
	Bitcoin Transaction Fees
	Bitcoin Transaction Volumes
	Bitcoin: Reaching Consensus
	Bitcoin Consensus Explained
	Bitcoin: Trust and Consensus
	Bitcoin as Capital Investment
	Bitcoin Bubble?
	Bitcoin’s Value Prospects
	Should I Own Bitcoin?
	Bitcoin Basics
	Notes
Chapter 3 Blockchain 2.0 and Smart Contracts
	Smart Contracts
	How Smart Contracts Work
	A Smart Ledger: A Single Truth Source to Build Trust
	Good for Business, Good for Society
	Internet of Things (IoT) Technology Empowering the Supply Chain
	Trusted and Legitimate Digital World
	The Boundaries Are No Longer Barriers
	Defining Smart Contracts
	How Smart Contracts Impact Your Life
	Why Smart Contracts Are Desirable
	Notes
Chapter 4 The Next Generation of Enterprise-Ready Blockchain
	Releasing the Confidential Consortium Framework for Blockchain Networks Integrated Enterprise
	Simplifying the Blockchain Adoption for Enterprises
	An Open Approach
	Define Enterprise Blockchain
	What Is Promoting the Blockchain Revolution Worldwide?
	Is the Opportunity Vast?
	Is Enterprise Blockchain Ready?
	The Blockchain Technology Features for Enterprise Utilisation
		Peer-to-Peer Network Ensured By a Decentralised System
		The Working of Client-Server Structure
		To the Rescue: Blockchain’s Decentralisation Is Coming
		Eradicate Corruption With Immutability
		Consequences of an Attack
	Improved Transparency Boosts Responsibility
	Tracking Products
	Good Savings Because of Cheaper Costs
	Financial Institutions Cutting Cost
	Efficiency Is Enhanced With Faster Networking
	How Businesses Use Blockchain
		Blockchain for Customer Relationship Management
		Blockchain Network for Customer Experience
	Productivity of Blockchain
	Fundraising By Blockchain
	How Blockchain Will Disrupt Industries
	When Blockchain Is Good for Your Business
	Six Questions to Verify Whether Blockchain Is a Good Option for Your Business
	Power of Trust
	The Power of an Immutable Asset
		Reduced Risk
		Reduced Cost
		Improved Customer Experience
	Putting Blockchain Into Action
	Notes
Chapter 5 Governance and Security
	Blockchain Networks Security
	Types of Blockchain
	Blockchain Protection
	In-Built Security
	Typical Security Traits
	Determine Cyber-Attacks
	Network Protection
	Conclusion
Chapter 6 The Convergence of IoT, AI and Blockchain
	How Blockchain Is Developing Business
	What Is Holding Blockchain Back?
	Why It’s Tough to Believe Blockchain
	Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Together
	Your Data Belongs to You
	Trusted and Reliable AI Models
	Elaborating AI Decisions
	Blockchain and the Internet of Things
	New Technology’s Nexus
	The Shift of Blockchain Development Towards Practical Applications
	Acceptance of Technology Will Continue to Rise
	The Expected Rise in Employment
	Stablecoins to Gain More Prestige?
	Government Agencies to Integrate Blockchain Into Operations
	More About Supply Chains
	Dynamic Supply Chains
	Wrapping It Up
	Notes
Chapter 7 Trade Finance Use Case
	Summary
	Chapter Overview
	Trade Finance in More Detail
		Trade Finance Software
		Trade Finance Policy
		Trade Finance in the Real World
		The Role of Banks in Trade Finance
		Blockchains in Trade Finance
	What Is Trade Finance?
		Request
		Request for Quotation
		Quotation
		PO
		Goods Receipt
		Supplier Invoice
		Release Payment
		CN/DN Adjustment
	Key Trade Finance Concepts
		Legal Entities
			Buyer
			Supplier
			Bank Or Finance Provider
			Receiver
		Actors in Trade Finance Stack
			Project Manager
			Auditor
			Bookkeeper
		Types
			Payment On Delivery (Also Known as ‘Payment Versus Delivery’)
			Payment By Rolling Line of Credit
			Payment On Account
		Models
			Internal Trade Finance
			Externally Outsourced Trade Finance
			Ad Hoc Or Project-Related Trade Finance
			End-User Computing Trade Finance
		Stresses in Trade Finance
			Credit Note/Delivery Note
			Fraud in Delivery and Payment
			Change of Supplier/Third Party
		Challenges More Generally
			Cross-currency and Cross-Border
			Government Procurement Rules
			Changes of Ownership
		Summary and Opinion
	How Trade Finance Uses Ledgers Currently
	How Trade Finance Would Be Different Using Blockchains
	Finance System Comparison
	Trade Finance Demonstration Problems and Use Case
		Caselet 1: ‘Some of Our Concrete Is Missing’
		Caselet 2: ‘Improved Credit Management, Lower Risks and Costs’
	Summary and Conclusion
	Before You Go On
	Note
	Further Reading
Chapter 8 Healthcare Software and Data Use Case
	Summary
	Chapter Overview
	Healthcare Software and Data in More Detail
		Healthcare Software
		Healthcare Software and Data Policy, Past and Present
		Healthcare Software and Data in the Real World
			The Role of Physicians and Nurses in Healthcare Software
			The Role of Patients in Healthcare Software
			The Role of Hospitals and Surgeries in Healthcare Software
			The Role of Pharmaceutical, Diagnosis and Testing and Records in Healthcare Software
		Blockchains in Healthcare Software
	A Day in the Life of Healthcare Software
		The Patient
		The Appointment
		Doctor
		The Diagnosis
		The Nurse
		The Hospital
		The Medicine
		The Follow-On Appointment and the Results
		The Long-Term Recovery
	Key Healthcare Software and Data Concepts
		Healthcare Software
			Software Used
			Applications
			Operating Systems
		Healthcare Data
			Privacy
			Security
			Trust
			Access
		Healthcare Software and Data Transactions
			Physician Updates
			Prescriptions
			Treatments
		Healthcare Software and Data Outcomes
			Hospital Discharge
			Long-term Health
			Clinical Research
		Specialisations
			Surgical
			Paediatrics
			Gerontics
		Breaks in the Healthcare Software and Data Model
			Wrong Diagnosis
			Lost Data
			Wrong Prescription
		Healthcare Software and Data Challenges More Generally
			Litigation
			Transparency
			Portability
	How Healthcare Software and Data Are Used Today
	How Healthcare Software Would Be Different Using Blockchains
	Healthcare System Comparison
	Healthcare Software Demonstration Problems and Use Case
		Caselet 1: ‘Accident & Emergency’
		Caselet 2: ‘Exercise Saves Lives?’
	Summary and Conclusion
	Before You Go On
	Note
	Further Reading
Chapter 9 Retail Investments Use Case
	Summary
	Chapter Overview
	Retail Investments in More Detail
		Retail Investments Software
		A General View of Retail Savings and Investment Policy, Past and Present
		How Retail Investments Work in the Real World
			The Investor
			The Adviser
			The Portfolio Manager
			The Investment Manager
		Blockchains in Retail Investment
	A Day in the Life of Retail Investments
		The Inheritance
		The Adviser
		The Onboarding
		The Appointment and Portfolio
		The Portfolio Performance
		The Annual Meeting
		The Supply Chain
		The Follow-On Appointment and the Results
	Key Retail Investments Concepts
		Retail Investments Software
			Software Used
			Applications
			Operating Systems (OS)
		Retail Investments Data
			Privacy
			Security
			Trust
			Access
		The Retail Investments Stack
			The UX Layer
			The Individual Account and Advice Layer
			The Portfolio Administration Layer
			The Depository Layer
			The Nominee Layer
			The Custody Layer
			The Cash Layer
			The Transaction/Counterparty Layer
		Specialisations
			Algorithmic Trading
			Predictive Analysis and AI
		Automated Advice
	Breaks in the Retail Investments Model
		Cash Break
		Stock Break
		Reverse Transaction
		General Challenges
			Speed and Latency
			Incumbency
			Portability
	How Retail Investments Operates Today
	How Retail Investments Would Be Different Using Blockchains
	Retail Investments Comparison
	Retail Investments Problems and Use Case
		Caselet 1: ‘Cutting the Cost of Advice’
		Caselet 2: ‘Augmented Advice’
	Summary and Conclusion
	Before You Go On
	Notes
	Further Reading
Chapter 10 Real Estate and Land Registry Use Case
	Summary
	Chapter Overview
	Land Registries in More Detail
		Land Registry Software
		Land Registry Policy
		Land Registries in the Real World
		The Role of Banks in Land Registries
		Blockchains in Land Registries
	What Is a Land Registry?
		The Paper Register
		The Plots
		The Survey
		The Land Registry
		Access to the Land Registry
	Key Land Registry Concepts
		Legal Entities
			Land Registry
			Owner/Seller/Landlord and Buyer/Tenant
			Realtor/Real Estate Agent
			Bank Or Finance Provider
			Surveyor
			Local Government
		Actors in Land Registry Stack
			Land Registry Administrator
			Auditor
		Types
			Scenario 1: Administering Existing Plots of Land
			Scenario 2: Setting Up and Administering New Builds
			Scenario 3: Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects
		Models
			Land Registry Model
			Federal Cadastre Model
		Stresses in Land Registries
		Challenges More Generally
			Taxation
			Paper
			Tokenisation
		Summary and Opinion
	How Land Registries Use Ledgers Currently
	How Land Registries Would Be Different Using Blockchains
	Land Registry Demonstration Problems and Use Case
		Caselet 1: ‘Location, Location, Location’
		Caselet 2: ‘Bangladesh Opens a New Cadastre’
	Summary and Conclusion
	Before You Go On
	Notes
	Further Reading
Chapter 11 Central Bank Currency Use Case
	Summary
	Chapter Overview
	Central Banks in More Detail
		Central Bank Software
		Central Bank Policy
		Central Banks in the Real World
		The Role of Other Banks in Central Banking
		Blockchains in Central Banks
	What Is a Central Bank?
		The Treasury
		The Mint
		The Banking Regulator
		Payment Processing and Settlement
		Access to the Central Bank
	Key Central Bank Concepts
		Legal Entities
			Central Bank
			Payment Clearance
			Economic Oversight
			Banking System Regulator
			Government
		Actors in the Central Bank Stack
			Central Banker
			Regulator
			Cashier
			Auditor
		Types
			Scenario 1 – The Inflation Rate Target
			Scenario 2 – Increase Or Reduce the Money Supply
			Scenario 3 – Convergence
		Stresses in Central Banks
		Challenges More Generally
			Challenge 1: Less Cash, But More Digital Cash?
			Challenge 2: Financial Inclusion?
			Challenge 3 Tokenisation?
		Summary and Opinion
	How Central Banks Use Ledgers Currently
	How Central Banks Would Be Different Using Blockchains
	Central Bank Demonstration Problems and Use Case
		Caselet 1: ‘A Day in the Life of Pounds Sterling’
	Summary and Conclusion
	Before You Go On
	Notes
	Further Reading
Chapter 12 Fund Management Use Case
	Summary
	Chapter Overview
	The Fund Management Industry in More Detail
		Fund Management Software
		Fund Management Policy
		Fund Management in the Real World
		The Role of Business in Fund Management
		Blockchains in Fund Management
	What Is Fund Management?
		The Fund Management Company
		The Mutual Fund
		The Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)
		The Hedge Fund
		The Fund Management Regulator
		Fund Management Processing and Settlement
		Managing Funds
	Key Fund Management Concepts
		Legal Entities
			The Fund Manager
			The Fund
			The Fund Shareholder/Unitholder
			The Underlying
			The Investment Manager
			The Custodian
			The Bank
		Actors in the Fund Management Stack
			Business Architecture
			Data Architecture
			Application Architecture
			Technical Architecture
		Types
			Scenario 1 – Net Asset Value (NAV)
			Scenario 2 – Fund Rebalancing
			Scenario 3 – Corporate Action
		Models
			Model 1 – Active Fund Management
			Model 2 – Passive Fund Management
		Stresses in Fund Management
		Challenges More Generally
			Challenge 1
			Challenge 2
			Challenge 3
		Summary and Opinion
	How Fund Managers Use Ledgers Currently
	How Fund Management Would Be Different Using Blockchains
	Fund Management Demonstration Problems and Use Case
		Caselet 1: ‘The NAV Is Wrong – Often’
		Caselet 2: ‘We’re Advisers – We Need Accurate Information’
	Summary and Conclusion
	Before You Go On
	Notes
	Further Reading
Chapter 13 Conclusion
Index