Blockchains and Databases: A New Era in Distributed Computing Tutorial

摘要

In the last few years, blockchain (also known as distributed ledger), the underlying technology of the permissionless or public Bitcoin cryptocurrency network, has become very popular for use in private or permissioned environments. Computer companies like IBM, Intel, Oracle, Microsoft and Baidu, and many key players in different vertical industry segments have recognized the utility of blockchains for securely managing assets (physical/digital) other than cryptocurrencies. IBM did some pioneering work by architecting and implementing a private blockchain system, and then open sourcing it. That system, which is now called Fabric, is being enhanced via the Linux Foundation's Hyperledger Consortium. Some of the other efforts in the industry include Enterprise Ethereum, Sawtooth and R3 Corda.