This article was originally published at: https://www.blog.duomly.com/what-is-blockchain/

If you're a business owner, you've probably heard the term "blockchain" floating around lately. But what is blockchain, exactly? And what does it mean for your business?

In short, blockchain is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions between two or more parties. This transparency and security have caught the attention of businesses and investors alike.

But what does that mean for your business specifically? In this guide, we'll explore what blockchain is, how it works and what benefits it could offer your business. We'll also look at some potential applications of blockchain technology in the business world. So whether you're just starting to learn about blockchain or you're ready to start implementing it, what you'll find below is what you need to know.

1. What is blockchain?

A blockchain is a data structure that makes it possible to create a digital ledger of transactions and share it among a distributed network of computers. Each transaction in the ledger contains two parts - a "transaction record" or what's called a "block," and what's called a "blockchain."

The blockchain allows digital information to be added but not edited or deleted. And that ability gives the technology some exciting characteristics:

• Helps create a time-stamped historical record of all transactions
• Provides a public ledger to track and verify ownership and titling
• Prevents data tampering
• Makes it possible for multiple parties to interact securely without relying on a third-party intermediary

2. How does blockchain work?

To understand what makes blockchain technology what it is, let's look at how blockchain works. Here are the basics:

Cryptocurrency transactions are amendments or new information to the blockchain. 

When someone wants to make a transaction, they use what's called a "private key" that lets that person approve a transaction or exchange of value without anyone else knowing what it is that they're approving.

An additional level of security is added by what are called "miners." 

Miners are people who have agreed to devote some of their computer's processing power to what's called "verifying transactions." With each transaction added to the blockchain, the miners verify and time stamp it. Once a miner adds a new block of transactions to the blockchain, they use what's called an "open key" or what's known as a "private key" to attach what's called a "hash" - which is like a code or fingerprint of all the information contained in that block of transactions.

The blockchain is what makes it possible to create an un-hackable ledger where every transaction and exchange of value between two parties can be tracked and made visible to everyone instead of relying on an intermediary.

And what this gives blockchain technology are some pretty unique properties that other transaction technologies don't have, including:

• Reduced counterparty risk because it's decentralized. So you don't have to rely on an intermediary to approve the transaction or be responsible for its safety and security.
• Transparency so you can verify transactions quickly and easily.
• A streamlined method of recording transactions and exchanging value.

It also has a lot of potential uses outside what's traditionally been called cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology shows a lot of promise in security, transparency, and efficiency - benefits that could potentially help make business operations more effective from order to fulfillment.

For this reason, blockchain is what many people in the business world call "the second generation of the internet" and what others argue could be what's described as a fundamental way to do what we've always done - and that is trade and exchange value.

3. How can blockchain benefit your business?

Let's look at how blockchain technology might be able to provide benefits for your business. 

So if you're ready to dive in and get a closer look at what blockchain has to offer, let's take a look at three ways it could benefit your business.

Transparency and efficiency: 

What blockchain can make happen In what's been called "the sharing economy," peer-to-peer exchange is what's driving a new way to consume goods and services. But what makes it possible also introduces what some people call "trust gaps" when you're relying on what is called "middlemen" who act as third-party intermediaries. With blockchain, what is called "distributed ledger technology," what's possible is a new way to make the peer-to-peer exchange more transparent and secure.

Decentralized trust: 

When you rely on what are called "third-party intermediaries" like banks or online marketplaces, what you get in return is "centralized trust." But what blockchain can do is give you what's called "decentralized trust" so you don't have to rely on what are called "third-party intermediaries."

What this means for your business: 

If what you're looking for is what's described as a way to reduce the risk and increase the speed of value transfer, what blockchain can potentially do is give you what's called "a more efficient supply chain" that prevents what is called "fraudulent transactions" and makes what's described as "counterfeiting impossible"

Security: 

When it comes to what blockchain technology could provide, one of the most valuable benefits is what's been described as "the elimination of what is called 'counterparty risk,' which occurs when what would happen if the other party in a transaction doesn't live up to their obligations."

4. How can blockchain be used in your business?

Some of the most popular use cases for blockchain technology in business include: 

• Supply chain management: Blockchain keeps track of products as they move through the supply chain. This makes the process more transparent, which reduces costs and risks.
• Peer-to-peer financial services: What blockchain can do is get rid of the need for third-party intermediaries. This happens because it makes transactions quicker, cheaper, and more secure.
• Smart contracts: Blockchain creates a secure way for people to agree to things together. This makes it easier to enforce agreements because they happen automatically.
• Cryptocurrency and financial transactions: Blockchain removes the need for third-party intermediaries from financial transactions. This makes transactions faster, makes fraudulent activities more difficult, and gives you a new way to manage digital assets.
• File sharing and data management: Blockchain technology provides a way to store data securely and distribute files. If there was a breach in the data, blockchain technology would help fix the problem.
• Identity verification: Blockchain creates a way for people to verify their identity without third-party intermediaries. It also includes ideas like the blockchain taking over and what drives it, and what is being used in business.
• Voting: Blockchain technology can help keep track of voting securely. This way, it is ensured that votes are submitted safely and that the records are accurate.

5. How to start using blockchain?

If you're looking to start using blockchain in your business, there are a few things you need to know. 

First, you need to understand what blockchain is and what it can do for your business. 

Then, you need to find a way to implement it into your business. This can be done by finding a blockchain provider or software that can help you get started. 

Finally, you need to learn how to use it and its benefits to your company. 

If you're looking for help getting started with blockchain technology, or if you want to know more about how it can benefit your business, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions and help you get started.

www.labs.duomly.com

Thank you for reading,
Radek from Duomly