Description
Blockchain technologies are transformational: they can enable enterprises to reinvent processes and business models, and pursue radically disruptive use cases. Many decision-makers and IT professionals don’t understand blockchain; others confuse it with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. This concise, accessible handbook brings clarity and pragmatism to blockchain technologies and opportunities. Written from a business perspective by three of IBM’s leading consultants, it presents real-world examples that demonstrate what blockchain can and can’t do. Drawing on their unsurpassed experience, the authors survey the technology’s current state, introduce industry-specific and cross-industry use cases, review approaches to implementation and governance, and preview emerging capabilities — all with a relentless focus on real business outcomes, and no hype. “I will never be able to adequately express how useful this book will be to my class. In addition to the great chapters on cybersecurity, I loved the Integration Models, especially ‘Coexistence with Systems of Record.’ Legacy integration with Blockchain is a critical barrier, and you nailed it!” – Thomas Doty, JD, LLM – Adjunct Professor, University of New Hampshire Law A team of IBM’s leading blockchain consultants focus on real business outcomes and transformations Understand blockchain technology, ecosystems, business models, implementation strategies, governance, and emerging capabilities Explore a wide spectrum of industry-specific and cross-industry use cases The pragmatic, business-driven guide to driving value and disrupting markets with blockchain technologies A team of IBM’s leading blockchain consultants focus on real business outcomes and transformations Understand blockchain technology, ecosystems, business models, implementation strategies, governance, and emerging capabilities Explore a wide spectrum of industry-specific and cross-industry use cases Foreword xii Preface xvii Acknowledgments xxiii About the Authors xxvii Chapter 1: Introduction to Blockchain 1 Blockchain Beliefs 2 Enterprise Blockchain 3 Why Blockchain Matters 4 The Trailblazers 5 Blockchain for Good 9 Blockchain Questions from Business and Technology Leaders 12 Chapter Summary 16 References 17 Chapter 2: Opportunities and Challenges 19 Disruptive Elements 20 Opportunities 25 Challenges 40 Chapter Summary 47 References 47 Chapter 3: Understanding the Technology Landscape 49 Blockchain: A Technical Perspective 50 Blockchain for Enterprises 56 Essential Maturity Imperatives for Enterprise Blockchain 66 Token Revolution 68 Understanding Digital Asset (Token) Fungibility: Opportunities and Considerations for Meaningful and Sustainable Blockchain-Powered Chapter Summary 85 References 86 Chapter 4: Business of Business Models 87 Path to Blockchain Enterprise Adoption: A Prescriptive Approach 87 Business Modeling and Design 92 Chapter Summary 104 Chapter 5: Developing a Governance Structure for Blockchain Networks 105 Governance Structure and Landscape 109 SCTrustNet 118 Chapter Summary 121 Chapter 6: Building a Team to Drive Blockchain Projects 123 Enterprise Structures in a Decentralized Economy 124 Roles of an Enterprise in a Blockchain Network 126 Building an Effective Team 128 Intraprise Synergy 132 An Example of a Blockchain Project Team 134 Chapter Summary 135 Chapter 7: Understanding Financial Models, Investment Rubrics, and Model Risk Frameworks 137 Understanding Blockchain Project Financial Fundamentals 139 Blockchain Investment Rubric 143 Return on Investment Modeling 148 Risk Modeling 153 Chapter Summary 159 References 160 Chapter 8: Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold? 163 The Network of Networks 164 Blockchain at the Nexus of Technology 167 Blockchain Opportunities and Challenges: What Lies Ahead? 173 Overall Summary 176 References 180 Index 183
