Essential Guide
Understanding blockchain: Tutorial for CIOs
In this SearchCIO blockchain tutorial, read recent blockchain news and tips to learn the whats, whys and hows of this emerging technology.
Introduction
Blockchain technology -- which underpins Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies -- could change the nature of financial and other types of transactions. And an ecosystem is quickly developing around blockchain: Startups in this space are raking in venture capital money, global consultancies are developing practices around it, big vendors like IBM and Microsoft are positioning themselves to lead the tech industry in blockchain products and services, and IT organizations are developing proofs of concept and field trials.
While stories of the benefits of blockchain abound in the press, the technology carries with it processing overhead that may make its use impractical in many scenarios, and it brings along many uncertainties in terms of scalability, integration, cultural adoption, privacy, security and regulatory status. IT leaders will be -- or already are -- tasked with determining whether blockchain offers their companies cost savings, productivity efficiencies or competitive advantage. Answering that question will require, at the very least, a thorough understanding of how the technology works, proposals of where the technology might be used and then a discerning eye toward whether blockchain is the right technology, or whether something simpler would suffice.
In this SearchCIO blockchain tutorial, we help CIOs and IT executives get started on the discovery process of understanding blockchain.
1What and why-
What blockchain is, and why CIOs should care
Industry experts say blockchain technology could alter the very nature of financial and other types of transactions. In the first section of this blockchain tutorial, learn how the technology works, what's involved in implementation and how CIOs and other C-level execs will become involved.
Infographic: Blockchain explained
Are you a visual learner? This blockchain explainer features a step-by-step infographic depicting how blockchain works. Continue Reading
A step-by-step guide to blockchain Implementation
To keep up with your competitors, keep up with blockchain. Part one of this two-part primer discusses how to get started with blockchain. Continue Reading
IBM blockchain expert answers three big questions
Blockchain expert Arvind Krishna, senior vice president and director of research at IBM, answers questions about blockchain scalability, how consensus works and data ownership. Continue Reading
Why CFOs should care about blockchain
Blockchain technology is making its way into IT first and foremost through the financial services industry. Get a preview of what chief financial officers can expect from blockchain's use by financial institutions. Continue Reading
2Blockchain benefits and trends-
Reasons to consider blockchain implementation
Blockchain technology is expected to be used in a variety of industries and for a variety of reasons. In this section, flip through a SearchCIO photo story and content from other TechTarget sites.
Photo story: Seven blockchain benefits
The list of blockchain benefits span from lowering transaction costs to making transactions transparent to immutability of records. In this photo story, read seven benefits according to Don Tapscott. Continue Reading
Developer view of blockchain: Best practices and rewards
Software developers have plenty to learn from the manner in which Bitcoins are processed, mined, verified and validated. This report from TheServerSide's Cameron McKenzie explains why. Continue Reading
Blockchain as a service
If your IT department isn't thinking about how to use blockchain and digital payments yet, there is no time to waste. SearchCRM reports from the Microsoft Envision conference. Continue Reading
3Blockchain concerns-
Implementation road blocks: Security and immaturity
Whenever a new technology comes along, the technology community is often faced with difficult questions about potential problems. Blockchain is no different. The technology is immature, and there is uncertainty regarding integration, cultural adoption, privacy, security and regulatory status. Find out more in this section of the blockchain tutorial.
Forrester analyst: Press pause on blockchain implementation -- for now
Some experts are urging CIOs to hold off on blockchain and to look first to existing technology to solve problems. Find out why. Continue Reading
Congress questions blockchain security, cybercrime
Earlier this year a congressional subcommittee heard testimony about blockchain and had a lot of questions about the risk it presents. Continue Reading
Experts shine a light on blockchain security issues
Along with all of the blockchain hype, there have been a lot of questions -- particularly around securing the technology. Read our feature story over on SearchCompliance. Continue Reading
U.S. representative to fintech community: Educate Congress
Visit SearchCIO's TotalCIO blog for Sue Troy's reporting from the DC Blockchain Summit in Washington, D.C. Continue Reading
Experts discuss privacy and digital identity on MIT panel
The very nature of blockchain technology and how it works has raised concerns about digital identity and privacy. Read more reporting from the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium blockchain panel session. Continue Reading
4Blockchain use cases-
Where, how blockchain could be put into practice
As blockchain technology evolves, so does its list of use cases. In the final section of this blockchain tutorial, read coverage from SearchCIO and other TechTarget sites about where the technology does and doesn't make sense.
Blockchain panel members discuss supply chain use cases
Companies interested in blockchain need to carefully consider where the technology does -- or doesn't -- make sense. Read what experts had to say about its use in the supply chain in this SearchCIO feature. Continue Reading
Fixing land title issues in Honduras
Populations like those in Honduras struggle with the corruption of land titles. Blockchain could help prevent land registry hacks and unwarranted title alterations, according to Gartner. Continue Reading
Legal field: Blockchain could virtually eliminate uncertainty in transactions
Editorial director Sue Troy talked to expert Alec Ross about blockchain's implication in the legal space. In this feature, Ross predicts blockchain technology will remove an "enormous amount of friction" from legal processes. Continue Reading
Microsoft homes in on the consumer case
In this blog post, read up on how Microsoft is approaching blockchain for the consumer. Continue Reading
Financial services reaps blockchain benefits
Blockchain is expected to have a huge impact on the financial industry. In this TotalCIO blog post, features writer Jason Sparapani discusses financial and banking use cases. Continue Reading
IoT applications: Blockchain and smart machines
Blockchain use in the internet of things has great potential, but this can't be realized without a big shift in business and economic models. Read more in this blog post by IoT Agenda contributor Jeremy Green. Continue Reading
How blockchain could improve recruitment and other HR concerns
Expert Pam Baker provides an in-depth look at the realities of using blockchain for improving recruitment and other HR processes. Continue Reading
5Blockchain glossary-
Key terms to know
Review commonly encountered terminology to gain a better understanding of blockchain technology.
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