Connecting ecosystems: Blockchain integration
October 22, 2018
October 22, 2018
Innovation around distributed ledger (and specifically blockchain) technology has undoubtedly benefited from competing platforms. Development and engagement on platforms from Bitcoin, Digital Asset, Ethereum, Hyperledger, R3 Corda and more, have resulted in decentralized, vibrant innovation ecosystems delivering rapid development and implementation.
While some forms of interaction and communication are possible today, no best practice has yet emerged that achieves "interoperability" such that we can maintain the efficiencies and simplicity that drives blockchain value.
"The key challenge is to develop the ability to integrate without introducing ‘operational messaging’ between DLT platforms in order to stay true to the principles and value of blockchain."– DAVE TREAT, Managing Director and Global Blockchain Lead
Solving for integration between platforms may seem simple. One platform need only communicate with another the status of a particular data object and/or pass control.
But that apparently simple suggestion reintroduces the need for messaging and data reconciliation—the very thing that blockchain so valuably eliminates. It is possible for leading platforms to work together to develop a common standard against which each platform’s engineers could design and code compatible components. However, early interest in resolving this problem collaboratively between platform providers have been stymied by two primary challenges:
The basis of Accenture’s integration solution is to establish a trusted "interoperability node" that sits between the target DLT systems. This interoperability node is given the appropriate identity and access control capabilities to all in-scope DLT systems.
Industry analysts acknowledge there will likely be more than one successful DLT platform, that different platforms will succeed in different business ecosystems and that over time those ecosystems will see value in connecting with each other. Concern about picking the "wrong system" has been a hinderance in moving the technology forward. Having the ability to "interoperate" DLT systems mitigates some of these concerns.
What is blockchain integration? Asset transfer between platforms maintaining all properties for uniqueness and state. Consistently maintaining a data element on two or more DLT systems. e.g., 'I see what you see'.
An integration protocol requires that the leaders of two or more DLT based ecosystems establish the business rules, policies, standards and governance by which they agree to work together. The business logic resulting from these governance agreements is then used to configure the interoperability node and technical implementation.
Our near-term goals are to continue to test effectiveness with each of the leading DLT platforms and work with clients and partners to expand the possibilities for cross-industry cross-process collaboration. Learn more by downloading the full report.
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