Blockchain is a revolutionary piece of ledger technology that has transformed and improved the efficiency and security of transactions. It is increasingly being implemented in various industries, making learning and understanding how it operates crucial. But why learn Blockchain? Let’s explore why it is essential to master the revolutionary technology.

The History of Blockchain

The concept behind Blockchain is traceable back to 1982, in a dissertation by David Chaum named “Computer Systems Established, Maintained and Trusted by Mutually Suspicious Groups.” 

The work was furthered in 1991 by Stuart Haber and Wakefield Scott, who sought to create a system of document timestamps that could not be interfered with by integrating Merkle trees into its structure.

About two decades later, in 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto actualized the idea into a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. It featured an improved design and method to timestamp blocks without the sign of a trusted party. The structure was implemented a year later as a component of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, where it acts as a public ledger recording all the network’s transactions. 

Technological Improvements Using the Blockchain

Although Blockchain was initially designed to serve Bitcoin transactions, its introduction is greatly influencing how business gets conducted in various fields.

The technology is a shared encrypted database with entries authenticated by peer-peer networks. It is akin to a Google document being shared across multiple parties.

Let’s look into some Blockchain-related technological improvements.

Record Management

Collecting and maintaining records is essential to running a business or organization. While there are existing systems for recording transactions or storing information on employees and clients, Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize data management.

Unlike traditional centralized systems, Blockchain could expand key management processes, improve efficiency, and enhance data protection through secure encryption. In addition, this cost-effective technology can simplify data management, making information more accessible and easier to share.

Auditing

The enhanced data security offered by blockchain technology makes it the perfect tool for accounting and auditing data. It reduces the possibility of human error and enhances the integrity of records since no one can change account records once encrypted using Blockchain technology.

The only downside to this improvement is that many people may lose their jobs since auditors may become obsolete.

Data Collaboration and Control

There is often tension when managing collaborative data as it is unclear who controls it. In some cases, companies or people may work together drafting a contract or consolidating data, only for one party to make unauthorized changes that compromise the authenticity.

However, through Blockchain collaborative databases, such as SQL, collaborative parties can store data in an uncompromisable and auditable form.

Industries Using the Blockchain

Various industries have incorporated Blockchain technology into their operations and are reaping its benefits. 

Let’s explore some of them to see how Blockchain is influencing multiple industries, making it all the more vital to learn Blockchain:

Banking

Let’s face it; no one likes bank transactions’ time-consuming and expensive nature. You typically pay a hefty transaction fee and must wait each time you send money or make payments via your bank account. 

However, Blockchain technology presents an opportunity to improve the end-user experience. The technology eliminates transaction fees by incorporating a secure peer-to-peer system through apps that enable transactions with low fees. 

Healthcare

Data storage and security in the healthcare sector have long presented problems in the industry. Blockchain technology has revolutionized record storage by making it easier to locate data. The records are stored in connected blocks across secure blockchain nodes, making them accessible and incorruptible. 

Supply Chain Management

Supply chains use Blockchain technology to track and verify items throughout the product line. Players in the industry also use blockchain ledgers to trace the origin of products and their transfer process. 

So, if any problems occur in an ordered product, verified and authentic information needed is readily available using Blockchain. 

Cyber Security

Cyber attacks pose a significant threat to companies as a single data breach could paralyze their operations. Blockchain technology has stabilized the industry and provided a viable layer of defense. 

The technology delivers a decentralized system where valuable data and information are stored in an encrypted verifiable blockchain network, leaving no room for cyberattacks. 

Current Market Trends

Corporate entities have opened up to incorporating Blockchain technology to improve their systems and operations. Research shows that 81 of the world’s biggest companies are investing in the technology, and 27 have functioning systems linked to Blockchain. 

Here are some of these companies and how they benefit from the blockchain:

Abra 

The company uses a cryptocurrency app, providing a safe and secure way to store, transfer and receive digital currency transparently. 

Due to its peer-to-peer cash transfer system, Blockchain technology has eliminated the need for a bank account and hefty transaction fees.

United Healthcare

United Healthcare has utilized Blockchain technology to improve security, medical record accessibility, and customer service. 

Webjet 

By incorporating blockchain ledger technology, Webjet delivers a customer experience free of inaccuracies. The company’s system records all bookings customers make on its blockchain ledger. 

This integration has reduced the chances of lost bookings or missed flights, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Career Opportunities in Blockchain

The growing popularity of Blockchain presents multiple career opportunities as companies and organizations scramble to incorporate the technology. With its increasing role, you can give yourself a great advantage in the job market through Blockchain learning.

While most potential employers seek tech professionals, there are opportunities in indirect roles such as marketing and accounting. Let’s look at the options for people with blockchain knowledge and skills:

• Holding companies: Big institutions with subsidiaries are constantly looking to develop and incorporate Blockchain ledgers to streamline their supply chain network. 
• Startups: Since cryptocurrencies gained popularity, several emerging companies have sought to design Blockchain ledgers to give them an edge in their operations. 
• Government: These collect and manage large amounts of data and records and are increasingly looking for solutions in blockchain technology to handle the data. 
• Tech firms: Large tech firms such as Google and Microsoft are actively looking to leverage Blockchain technology. 

Summary

So, why should you learn Blockchain? With the growing popularity and immense benefits of blockchain technology, it is safe to say that blockchain is the future. The technology’s robust data security and transparency extend its usefulness from cryptocurrency to various industries, which makes learning it a necessity. 

These revolutionary developments have created many possibilities for those with the right skill set. Start learning today to realize the potential Blockchain has to transform your career!