3 ms·

Just off the top of my head: * Why use a blockchain rather than a database? * Why do you require blockchain rather than some other approach? * Are you positi

Just off the top of my head: * Why use a blockchain rather than a database? * Why do you require blockchain rather than some other approach? * Are you positing this as open to the hostile world? If so, why? If not, why use a blockchain? * If you're open to the hostile world: what's your threat model, and how are you addressing it? * How do your defences stop this from being the next Tay?

trentmc 10y ago
As the article discusses, it's not an either-or. Blockchains are simply databases with specific properties; if some of those properties help your app, consider using one. They are sometimes deployed to the public, sometimes private, with appropriate models. Something like Tay would be higher in the stack - we're gonna see a lot more, some good, some bad, some ugly.
cesnja 10y ago
Regarding "hostile world," I recently learned that on private networks where all participating nodes are authenticated, blockchains can substitute proof-of-(work|stake|...) for faster and more efficient algorithms for reaching consensus [1] (I only remember raft something). What's the use case then? At least for older data (in blocks far away from the current one), blockchain in an immutable database. On the other hand, it's fun operating with buzzwords. [1] http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7467408/?reload=true http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7467408/?reload=true
- davidgerard 10y ago
  Pretty much none. The very funniest one is Intel's "Proof of Elapsed Time", which might as well be called Proof of Buying An Intel CPU. Rather than have miners compete to produce the next block, a timer running in an environment secured by a DRM mechanism built into your Intel CPU picks if you get to do the next block. The white paper is an extended advertisement for Intel® Software Guard Extensions™ (SGX™). Also, they only have a simulated Proof of Buying An Intel CPU mechanism as yet. https://intelledger.github.io/introduction.html https://intelledger.github.io/introduction.html This doesn’t provide any security against malicious participants; the excuse is that private blockchains need speed over security. You might think that at that point you don’t need a blockchain at all, but you’re hardly going to sell any consultant hours with that sort of thinking.

trentmc 10y ago

As the article discusses, it's not an either-or. Blockchains are simply databases with specific properties; if some of those properties help your app, consider using one. They are sometimes deployed to the public, sometimes private, with appropriate models. Something like Tay would be higher in the stack - we're gonna see a lot more, some good, some bad, some ugly.

cesnja 10y ago

Regarding "hostile world," I recently learned that on private networks where all participating nodes are authenticated, blockchains can substitute proof-of-(work|stake|...) for faster and more efficient algorithms for reaching consensus [1] (I only remember raft something). What's the use case then? At least for older data (in blocks far away from the current one), blockchain in an immutable database. On the other hand, it's fun operating with buzzwords. [1] http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7467408/?reload=true http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7467408/?reload=true

davidgerard 10y ago
Pretty much none. The very funniest one is Intel's "Proof of Elapsed Time", which might as well be called Proof of Buying An Intel CPU. Rather than have miners compete to produce the next block, a timer running in an environment secured by a DRM mechanism built into your Intel CPU picks if you get to do the next block. The white paper is an extended advertisement for Intel® Software Guard Extensions™ (SGX™). Also, they only have a simulated Proof of Buying An Intel CPU mechanism as yet. https://intelledger.github.io/introduction.html https://intelledger.github.io/introduction.html This doesn’t provide any security against malicious participants; the excuse is that private blockchains need speed over security. You might think that at that point you don’t need a blockchain at all, but you’re hardly going to sell any consultant hours with that sort of thinking.