Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2017
Blockchain and Distributed Ledgers
Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger in which value exchange transactions (in bitcoin or other tokens) are sequentially grouped into blocks. Each block is chained to the previous block and recorded across a peer-to-peer network, using cryptographic trust and assurance mechanisms. Blockchain and distributed-ledger concepts are gaining traction because they hold the promise to transform industry operating models. While the current hype is around the financial services industry, there are many possible applications including music distribution, identity verification, title registry and supply chain.
«Distributed ledgers are potentially transformative but most initiatives are still in the early alpha or beta testing stage,» said Mr. Cearley.