Blockchain Beyond Bitcoin: Practical Use Cases
Blockchain Beyond Bitcoin: Practical Use Cases Blockchain is a distributed ledger that records transactions across many computers. It creates a trustworthy record that is hard to alter and easy to audit. While Bitcoin popularized the idea, many teams use it to improve speed, security, and collaboration across partners. Practical areas include: Supply chain tracking: Each handoff is time-stamped and tied to a product batch, boosting traceability and reducing fraud. Digital identity: People own verifiable credentials they can share with consent, simplifying KYC and access control. Secure data sharing: Hospitals or researchers access patient records on permissioned networks with clear consent. Smart contracts: Rules and payments happen automatically when conditions are met. Asset tokenization: Real estate or inventory can become tokens, enabling fractional ownership and easier transfer. Cross-border payments: Faster settlements and lower fees with programmable compliance. Governance and audit trails: Immutable logs help audits and transparency in decisions. Getting started is practical. Start with a small pilot in one department, choose a permissioned platform, and define exactly what data stays on chain. Plan integration with existing systems and measure outcomes before scaling. ...