Is IBM is on path to bring blockchain to the masses?

[bitsurfer2014]

Now the key question here is deciphering whether blockchain is really necessary, or whether it is just some fancy nice to have, with a publicity edge to it (trendy, alleged transparency with end-consumers, etc.). The software implementation for traceability here could just as well have been implemented on conventional software (tailored ERP for example).

So where is the added value and need? (this is the dual core question to ask for any blockchain implementation).

I think there is little significance on some IBM projects that uses blockchain technology when all the while they had been providing excellent solutions similar to those projects even  without the need to implement this emerging technology!

Thus I think its a little bit redundant and unnecessary that I agree with your opinion that IBM is just riding this blockchain tech trend but in reality, some of its blockchain projects are just developed aesthetically and maybe to give the impression that they are also at the forefront of providing solutions through blockchain technology and assert its position as one of the top solutions provider. Imho.

[clickerz]

I think there is little significance on some IBM projects that uses blockchain technology when all the while they had been providing excellent solutions similar to those projects even  without the need to implement this emerging technology!

Thus I think its a little bit redundant and unnecessary that I agree with your opinion that IBM is just riding this blockchain tech trend but in reality, some of its blockchain projects are just developed aesthetically and maybe to give the impression that they are also at the forefront of providing solutions through blockchain technology and assert its position as one of the top solutions provider. Imho.

Indeed, blockchain technology is new and we know there is an opportunity. Big tech companies are  "racing" to develop a systems that will have significant uses. To be a pioneer in the industry is something that can be proud of and becoming a leader in it.IBM is partnering already with other companies for the adoption and application of its blockchain technology.

[Hydrogen]

<…> Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be anything done with blockchain by IBM over the last 2 years. <…>

Not quite so really. IBM has been doing things (as have many other large Consultancy firms and corporations) over these past few years. For example, Nestlé and Carrefour (supermarket chain) recently announced that they are implementing traceability of infant milk using IBM Food Trust. (See: https://beincrypto.com/nestle-is-putting-baby-formula-on-the-blockchain).

IBM rolled out a basic blockchain based ledger system in 2017. That was back when many private sector companies like kodak and atari announced vague sounding blockchain proposals in an effort to boost their stock price. Since then, IBM hasn't done anything new or innovative with blockchain technology even though it is very easy to envision other roles under which blockchain can be utilized.

You've used "transparency" and "traceability" to describe advantages blockchains have when utilized as ledgers. There's another key aspect where blockchains offer advantages as well. Namely "maintaining data integrity". This lies at the foundation of the "traceability" aspect you mentioned.

Questions have been raised about voting machines since day 1. One obvious and potential future use of blockchains is being incorporated inside of a voting machine system, to ensure legitimacy of votes. And create something like a "paper trail". There are many other projects a large corporation like IBM could easily pursue if they were truly inclined to develop blockchain technology further. That's simply not something we've seen much of since 2017 when many US corporations were announcing vague blockchain proposals in efforts to artificially inflate their market value.

[audaciousbeing]

Its not going to be a surprise for me that IBM is developing something because its important that they make the announcement whether they are really developing or not the reason is that technology companies are known to place themselves in the future even though they might start copying each other depending on the first that launch so they make the announcement so that they can hide under that as a way of developing while while waiting for others to make headway considering that they might looking at the cost and other factors. I have also read about SAP developing something related to blockchain without leaving out Microsoft and other companies. Blockchain would be massive eventually which would then spread to crypto currency.

[alyssa85]

I think it's very useful that the whole supply chain is on BC (from raw material to product). I doubt they will use the XLM platform. Maybe they will do their own BC.

I think it's pretty much nailed on they'll use their own blockchain with their own token.

They don't seem to be interested in the tech for moving money, but instead for storing data in a way that cannot be tampered with unless someone reverses all the blocks.

[Yatsan]

<…> Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be anything done with blockchain by IBM over the last 2 years. <…>

Not quite so really. IBM has been doing things (as have many other large Consultancy firms and corporations) over these past few years. For example, Nestlé and Carrefour (supermarket chain) recently announced that they are implementing traceability of infant milk using IBM Food Trust. (See: https://beincrypto.com/nestle-is-putting-baby-formula-on-the-blockchain).

IBM rolled out a basic blockchain based ledger system in 2017. That was back when many private sector companies like kodak and atari announced vague sounding blockchain proposals in an effort to boost their stock price. Since then, IBM hasn't done anything new or innovative with blockchain technology even though it is very easy to envision other roles under which blockchain can be utilized.

That was the last thing I heard from the IBM, their first version hyperledger fabric. Not until this year, Nestle announced their partnership with IBM in blockchain based food category, sad part is that it is still on pilot program for determining success however it shows good results. IBM could've enter in some blockchain application which is way near from their expertise that could lead to more innovative products. What happened to IBM?   
 

Questions have been raised about voting machines since day 1. One obvious and potential future use of blockchains is being incorporated inside of a voting machine system, to ensure legitimacy of votes. And create something like a "paper trail". There are many other projects a large corporation like IBM could easily pursue if they were truly inclined to develop blockchain technology further. That's simply not something we've seen much of since 2017 when many US corporations were announcing vague blockchain proposals in efforts to artificially inflate their market value.

I don't know why there are no projects regarding this one, something's fishy on this side. IBM is extremely great technology company and has the power to conquer the technology world if they really want especially with the help of blockchain. Google already announced their latest ace and is yet to come, how about the IBM? what you guys think?

[enhu]

IBM seem to have adopted blockchain already. A lot will adopt blockchain to their systems including these grocery stores and probably even the small companies we know today but the cryptocurrencies will not benefit from all these adoptions unless there will be crypto payments involve.  Just like the Chinese government, they only are interested to blockchain but not the currencies.

Private blockchains of course are just for the record of the companies, its theirs alone we have nothing to do about it. The adoption of cryptocurrency will still be slow compare to the technology behind it.

[AndySt]

I may be wrong but there is a strong impression from the latest news that IBM was more concerned with merging with Red Hat and promoting MacBooks among its employees than promoting blockchain technology to the masses When the topic was fashionable then any company shouting about their developments in this area, but now other topics for their own advertising.

[ecnalubma]

Probably bringing blockchain to large companies. Blockchain if implemented by major companies it will not be felt by ordinary people but for companies using the technology it could bring changes in terms of their operations.

[abhiseshakana]

Talking about private companies means talking about profits or margins. IBM saw and action to get a big cake in the blockchain technology market. IBM's market is a corporate, especially a Fast Moving Consumer Goods company, a product that has a fast turnover, and a relatively low cost. FMCG products have a relatively short shelf life due to their perishable nature. The nature of FMCG is Frequent and repeat purchases & low prices, huge volumes, low contribution margins, extensive distribution networks, and very high inventory turnover.

Throwing blockchain products to the market, of course, IBM class companies do a series of modifications or adjustments according to the dynamics of consumer needs.

Although based on permissioned and centralized peer to peer blockchain technology, IBM as the organizer of the system can choose what information can be shared with partners. Because it uses a business network that is closed (closed network), licensed and confidential. Only those who are given permission can access, process and view data according to the portion of their respective involvement. "Not all business network members can see all transactions that occur in the blockchain system.

[SvonioneFromMangoCoinz]

this may be absolutely true for the future since this ledger can save transactions automatically very quickly and I really appreciate blockchain technology. In most developed countries, blockchain technology is being applied to production services as well as agency transactions. A number of Coca Cola agents did this and surprisingly their productivity increased by over 55% and saved significant labor costs. In the future, as blockchain technology becomes more familiar and easier to operate, it becomes even more popular.

[Triffin]

this may be absolutely true for the future since this ledger can save transactions automatically very quickly and I really appreciate blockchain technology. In most developed countries, blockchain technology is being applied to production services as well as agency transactions. A number of Coca Cola agents did this and surprisingly their productivity increased by over 55% and saved significant labor costs. In the future, as blockchain technology becomes more familiar and easier to operate, it becomes even more popular.

Blockchain is the tool that can improve existing systems to amazing extents. This technology not only provides decentralization but improves security, transparency, productivity and immutability too. All the corrupted systems can be replaced by blockchain systems. It is actually remedy to existing problems. Big companies are already deploying it to save costs and increase work rate.

[go1lo2va3]

Blockchain is the tool that can improve existing systems to amazing extents. This technology not only provides decentralization but improves security, transparency, productivity and immutability too. All the corrupted systems can be replaced by blockchain systems. It is actually remedy to existing problems. Big companies are already deploying it to save costs and increase work rate.

You are saying about it like current systems are full of spies, hacks, problems, inefficiency.
But I think it is more correct to compare current systems vs blockchain as HDD and SSD.
Second one is better, faster etc. but you still can work with first one.

[jrrsparkles]

To be honest we are too late to understand the uses of blockchain technology because blockchain was invented in the 1990s but only in 2009 we used to for cryptocurrency.But blockchain is not limited to any technology or industry it can be used anywhere when we want to store data and access them much faster than a common database. Its good that IBM involved in the adoption but still many government sectors are not aware of this technology so they need to realize its significance if we want mass adoption of blockchain.

[fiulpro]

Not only that the companies mainly the mobile companies are trying to integrate blockchain , like an integrated mobile wallet that it would already be in the mobile when you buy the new set and I think this is also a way that they are planning to bring the blockchain in the market regarding cryptocurrencies because blockchain is not cryptocurrencies it's everything , from hospitals to .. your school it's starting to get used everywhere day by day it's like a software way ahead of time.

[Brunus]

IBM is a great company and has certainly done a great deal for the development of information technology and new technologies.
But it is also a heavy and slow bandwagon, so you can hardly expect innovation and creativity in any sector.
Anyway, we'll see.

[CryptoBry]

They are flipping huge! IBM is one of the only companies that is actively trying to push blockchain technology, and they've been very successful with this sort of stuff, trying to adopt this new technology with everything. IBM is trying to push blockchain technology into a lot of random industries, they are trying to even involve the technology into the food industry, trying to use it for successful tracking of food, etc. Pretty interesting stuff.

I am sure that IBM will not get into the blockchain technology without looking first of the possible market. And just because IBM is not really noisy about the many developments taking place on their business and platform does not mean that IBM has already been on the decline and has given up the whole thing) as what some are insinuating here). We should be thankful that there is a big and well-known brand taking up the blockchain technology seriously so that other companies or organizations can easily venture into the many possibilities of this technology. Maybe we should be demanding that IBM should be updating the things happening with the platform and the many companies already adopting the "Blockchain as a Service" they are offering.

[aBTCd]

I need to say, it's an interesting discussion.
I absolutely agree about IBM being a slow heavy bandwagon, but we are still talking about the first "baby" steps. Companies are still pivoting and trying to find a solid grip, because customers are ones who will pay after all. And yes, blockchain exists for years now, but the same goes with the story of the laser. It needs to become mature.
Mass adoption can appear in many ways but imho it is crucial that big players show their belief in the blockchain. And right now, it seems like they start to care about it.

[Blitzboy]

Blockchain technology will be widespread eventually through various sources including decentralized cryptocurrency and through companies and governments. There will probably be other technologies that develop that may be even better as well.

This is exactly what I mean, Blockchain is not the first option. Recently, I encountered many articles about Blockchain and quantum technology. Google has developed the first quantum computer successfully with unprecedented power, this raises the question of whether iBM or Blockchain still has a foothold? With quantum technology, it can solve everything quickly, if compared in speed, blockchain really cannot compete.

[Hallmader]

Blockchain technology will be widespread eventually through various sources including decentralized cryptocurrency and through companies and governments. There will probably be other technologies that develop that may be even better as well.

This is exactly what I mean, Blockchain is not the first option. Recently, I encountered many articles about Blockchain and quantum technology. Google has developed the first quantum computer successfully with unprecedented power, this raises the question of whether iBM or Blockchain still has a foothold? With quantum technology, it can solve everything quickly, if compared in speed, blockchain really cannot compete.

Does one has to replace the other? I am talking about blockchain and quantum computers. Can we not possibly utilize the blockchain technology on top of quantum computers?

I don't have any issue with blockchain for as long as it sticks to being a public ledger. There are apparently blockchain that are private, the ones that are used by some companies, for example. That would defeat the transparency idea that is supposed to be promoted alongside blockchain.