Author: Mary C. Lacity
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1610757904
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Our book explains the movement to establish online trust through the decentralization of value, identity, and data ownership. This movement is part of ‘Web 3.0’, the idea that individuals rather than institutions will control and benefit from online social and economic activities. Blockchain technologies are the digital infrastructure for Web 3.0. While there are many books on blockchains, crypto, and digital assets, we focus on blockchain applications for Web 3.0. Our target audience is students, professionals, and managers who want to learn about the overall Web 3.0 landscape—the investments, the size of markets, major players, and the global reach—as well as the economic and social value of applications. We present applications that use Web 3.0 technologies to unlock value in DeFi, NFTs, supply chains, media, identity, credentials, metaverses, and more. Readers will learn about the underlying technologies, the maturity of Web 3.0 today, and the future of the space from thought-leaders. This textbook is used by undergraduate and graduate Blockchain Fundamentals courses at the University of Arkansas, the University of Wyoming, and other universities around the world. Professors interested in adopting this book for instructional purposes are welcome to contact the authors for supporting instructional materials.
Blockchain Fundamentals for Web 3.0
Author: Mary C. Lacity
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1610757904
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Our book explains the movement to establish online trust through the decentralization of value, identity, and data ownership. This movement is part of ‘Web 3.0’, the idea that individuals rather than institutions will control and benefit from online social and economic activities. Blockchain technologies are the digital infrastructure for Web 3.0. While there are many books on blockchains, crypto, and digital assets, we focus on blockchain applications for Web 3.0. Our target audience is students, professionals, and managers who want to learn about the overall Web 3.0 landscape—the investments, the size of markets, major players, and the global reach—as well as the economic and social value of applications. We present applications that use Web 3.0 technologies to unlock value in DeFi, NFTs, supply chains, media, identity, credentials, metaverses, and more. Readers will learn about the underlying technologies, the maturity of Web 3.0 today, and the future of the space from thought-leaders. This textbook is used by undergraduate and graduate Blockchain Fundamentals courses at the University of Arkansas, the University of Wyoming, and other universities around the world. Professors interested in adopting this book for instructional purposes are welcome to contact the authors for supporting instructional materials.
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1610757904
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Our book explains the movement to establish online trust through the decentralization of value, identity, and data ownership. This movement is part of ‘Web 3.0’, the idea that individuals rather than institutions will control and benefit from online social and economic activities. Blockchain technologies are the digital infrastructure for Web 3.0. While there are many books on blockchains, crypto, and digital assets, we focus on blockchain applications for Web 3.0. Our target audience is students, professionals, and managers who want to learn about the overall Web 3.0 landscape—the investments, the size of markets, major players, and the global reach—as well as the economic and social value of applications. We present applications that use Web 3.0 technologies to unlock value in DeFi, NFTs, supply chains, media, identity, credentials, metaverses, and more. Readers will learn about the underlying technologies, the maturity of Web 3.0 today, and the future of the space from thought-leaders. This textbook is used by undergraduate and graduate Blockchain Fundamentals courses at the University of Arkansas, the University of Wyoming, and other universities around the world. Professors interested in adopting this book for instructional purposes are welcome to contact the authors for supporting instructional materials.
Blockchain and Web 3.0
Author: Massimo Ragnedda
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429639201
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Blockchain is no longer just about bitcoin or cryptocurrencies in general. Instead, it can be seen as a disruptive, revolutionary technology which will have major impacts on multiple aspects of our lives. The revolutionary power of such technology compares with the revolution sparked by the World Wide Web and the Internet in general. Just as the Internet is a means of sharing information, so blockchain technologies can be seen as a way to introduce the next level: sharing value. Blockchain and Web 3.0 fills the gap in our understanding of blockchain technologies by hosting a discussion of the new technologies in a variety of disciplinary settings. Indeed, this volume explains how such technologies are disruptive and comparatively examines the social, economic, technological and legal consequences of these disruptions. Such a comparative perspective has previously been underemphasized in the debate about blockchain, which has subsequently led to weaknesses in our understanding of decentralized technologies. Underlining the risks and opportunities offered by the advent of blockchain technologies and the rise of Web 3.0, this book will appeal to researchers and academics interested in fields such as sociology and social policy, cyberculture, new media and privacy and data protection.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429639201
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Blockchain is no longer just about bitcoin or cryptocurrencies in general. Instead, it can be seen as a disruptive, revolutionary technology which will have major impacts on multiple aspects of our lives. The revolutionary power of such technology compares with the revolution sparked by the World Wide Web and the Internet in general. Just as the Internet is a means of sharing information, so blockchain technologies can be seen as a way to introduce the next level: sharing value. Blockchain and Web 3.0 fills the gap in our understanding of blockchain technologies by hosting a discussion of the new technologies in a variety of disciplinary settings. Indeed, this volume explains how such technologies are disruptive and comparatively examines the social, economic, technological and legal consequences of these disruptions. Such a comparative perspective has previously been underemphasized in the debate about blockchain, which has subsequently led to weaknesses in our understanding of decentralized technologies. Underlining the risks and opportunities offered by the advent of blockchain technologies and the rise of Web 3.0, this book will appeal to researchers and academics interested in fields such as sociology and social policy, cyberculture, new media and privacy and data protection.
Blockchain Basics
Author: Daniel Drescher
Publisher: Apress
ISBN: 1484226046
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
In 25 concise steps, you will learn the basics of blockchain technology. No mathematical formulas, program code, or computer science jargon are used. No previous knowledge in computer science, mathematics, programming, or cryptography is required. Terminology is explained through pictures, analogies, and metaphors. This book bridges the gap that exists between purely technical books about the blockchain and purely business-focused books. It does so by explaining both the technical concepts that make up the blockchain and their role in business-relevant applications. What You'll Learn What the blockchain is Why it is needed and what problem it solves Why there is so much excitement about the blockchain and its potential Major components and their purpose How various components of the blockchain work and interact Limitations, why they exist, and what has been done to overcome them Major application scenarios Who This Book Is For Everyone who wants to get a general idea of what blockchain technology is, how it works, and how it will potentially change the financial system as we know it
Publisher: Apress
ISBN: 1484226046
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
In 25 concise steps, you will learn the basics of blockchain technology. No mathematical formulas, program code, or computer science jargon are used. No previous knowledge in computer science, mathematics, programming, or cryptography is required. Terminology is explained through pictures, analogies, and metaphors. This book bridges the gap that exists between purely technical books about the blockchain and purely business-focused books. It does so by explaining both the technical concepts that make up the blockchain and their role in business-relevant applications. What You'll Learn What the blockchain is Why it is needed and what problem it solves Why there is so much excitement about the blockchain and its potential Major components and their purpose How various components of the blockchain work and interact Limitations, why they exist, and what has been done to overcome them Major application scenarios Who This Book Is For Everyone who wants to get a general idea of what blockchain technology is, how it works, and how it will potentially change the financial system as we know it
Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Cryptoassets
Author: Fabian Schar
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262362902
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
An introduction to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology; a guide for practitioners and students. Bitcoin and blockchain enable the ownership of virtual property without the need for a central authority. Additionally, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies make up an entirely new class of assets that have the potential for fundamental change in the current financial system. This book offers an introduction to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology from the perspective of monetary economics.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262362902
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
An introduction to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology; a guide for practitioners and students. Bitcoin and blockchain enable the ownership of virtual property without the need for a central authority. Additionally, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies make up an entirely new class of assets that have the potential for fundamental change in the current financial system. This book offers an introduction to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology from the perspective of monetary economics.
Blockchain Fundamentals for Web 3.0
Author: Mary C. Lacity
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1682262251
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Our book explains the movement to establish online trust through the decentralization of value, identity, and data ownership. This movement is part of ‘Web 3.0’, the idea that individuals rather than institutions will control and benefit from online social and economic activities. Blockchain technologies are the digital infrastructure for Web 3.0. While there are many books on blockchains, crypto, and digital assets, we focus on blockchain applications for Web 3.0. Our target audience is students, professionals, and managers who want to learn about the overall Web 3.0 landscape—the investments, the size of markets, major players, and the global reach—as well as the economic and social value of applications. We present applications that use Web 3.0 technologies to unlock value in DeFi, NFTs, supply chains, media, identity, credentials, metaverses, and more. Readers will learn about the underlying technologies, the maturity of Web 3.0 today, and the future of the space from thought-leaders. This textbook is used by undergraduate and graduate Blockchain Fundamentals courses at the University of Arkansas, the University of Wyoming, and other universities around the world. Professors interested in adopting this book for instructional purposes are welcome to contact the authors for supporting instructional materials.
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1682262251
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Our book explains the movement to establish online trust through the decentralization of value, identity, and data ownership. This movement is part of ‘Web 3.0’, the idea that individuals rather than institutions will control and benefit from online social and economic activities. Blockchain technologies are the digital infrastructure for Web 3.0. While there are many books on blockchains, crypto, and digital assets, we focus on blockchain applications for Web 3.0. Our target audience is students, professionals, and managers who want to learn about the overall Web 3.0 landscape—the investments, the size of markets, major players, and the global reach—as well as the economic and social value of applications. We present applications that use Web 3.0 technologies to unlock value in DeFi, NFTs, supply chains, media, identity, credentials, metaverses, and more. Readers will learn about the underlying technologies, the maturity of Web 3.0 today, and the future of the space from thought-leaders. This textbook is used by undergraduate and graduate Blockchain Fundamentals courses at the University of Arkansas, the University of Wyoming, and other universities around the world. Professors interested in adopting this book for instructional purposes are welcome to contact the authors for supporting instructional materials.
The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust
Author: Kevin Werbach
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262038935
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 339
Book Description
How the blockchain—a system built on foundations of mutual mistrust—can become trustworthy The blockchain entered the world on January 3, 2009, introducing an innovative new trust architecture: an environment in which users trust a system—for example, a shared ledger of information—without necessarily trusting any of its components. The cryptocurrency Bitcoin is the most famous implementation of the blockchain, but hundreds of other companies have been founded and billions of dollars have been invested in similar applications since Bitcoin’s launch. Some see the blockchain as offering more opportunities for criminal behavior than benefits to society. In this book, Kevin Werbach shows how a technology resting on foundations of mutual mistrust can become trustworthy. The blockchain, built on open software and decentralized foundations that allow anyone to participate, seems like a threat to any form of regulation. In fact, Werbach argues, law and the blockchain need each other. Blockchain systems that ignore law and governance are likely to fail, or to become outlaw technologies irrelevant to the mainstream economy. That, Werbach cautions, would be a tragic waste of potential. If, however, we recognize the blockchain as a kind of legal technology that shapes behavior in new ways, it can be harnessed to create tremendous business and social value.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262038935
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 339
Book Description
How the blockchain—a system built on foundations of mutual mistrust—can become trustworthy The blockchain entered the world on January 3, 2009, introducing an innovative new trust architecture: an environment in which users trust a system—for example, a shared ledger of information—without necessarily trusting any of its components. The cryptocurrency Bitcoin is the most famous implementation of the blockchain, but hundreds of other companies have been founded and billions of dollars have been invested in similar applications since Bitcoin’s launch. Some see the blockchain as offering more opportunities for criminal behavior than benefits to society. In this book, Kevin Werbach shows how a technology resting on foundations of mutual mistrust can become trustworthy. The blockchain, built on open software and decentralized foundations that allow anyone to participate, seems like a threat to any form of regulation. In fact, Werbach argues, law and the blockchain need each other. Blockchain systems that ignore law and governance are likely to fail, or to become outlaw technologies irrelevant to the mainstream economy. That, Werbach cautions, would be a tragic waste of potential. If, however, we recognize the blockchain as a kind of legal technology that shapes behavior in new ways, it can be harnessed to create tremendous business and social value.
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains
Author: Antony Lewis
Publisher: Mango Media Inc.
ISBN: 163353801X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 271
Book Description
Understand Bitcoin, blockchains, and cryptocurrency with this clear and comprehensible guide Learn the history and basics of cryptocurrency and blockchains: There’s a lot of information on cryptocurrency and blockchains out there. But, for the uninitiated, most of this information can be indecipherable. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains aims to provide an accessible guide to this new currency and the revolutionary technology that powers it. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies: Gain an understanding of a broad spectrum of Bitcoin topics. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains covers topics such as the history of Bitcoin, the Bitcoin blockchain, and Bitcoin buying, selling, and mining. It also answers how payments are made and how transactions are kept secure. Other cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency pricing are examined, answering how one puts a value on cryptocurrencies and digital tokens. Blockchain technology: Blockchain technology underlies all cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency transactions. But what exactly is a blockchain, how does it work, and why is it important? The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains will answer these questions and more. Learn about notable blockchain platforms, smart contracts, and other important facets of blockchains and their function in the changing cyber-economy. Things to know before buying cryptocurrencies: The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains offers trustworthy and balanced insights to those interested in Bitcoin investing or investing in other cryptocurrency. Discover the risks and mitigations, learn how to identify scams, and understand cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallets, and regulations with this book. Readers will learn about: • Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies • Blockchain technology and how it works • The workings of the cryptocurrency market • The evolution and potential impacts of Bitcoin and blockchains on global businesses Dive into the world of cryptocurrency with confidence with this comprehensive introduction.
Publisher: Mango Media Inc.
ISBN: 163353801X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 271
Book Description
Understand Bitcoin, blockchains, and cryptocurrency with this clear and comprehensible guide Learn the history and basics of cryptocurrency and blockchains: There’s a lot of information on cryptocurrency and blockchains out there. But, for the uninitiated, most of this information can be indecipherable. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains aims to provide an accessible guide to this new currency and the revolutionary technology that powers it. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies: Gain an understanding of a broad spectrum of Bitcoin topics. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains covers topics such as the history of Bitcoin, the Bitcoin blockchain, and Bitcoin buying, selling, and mining. It also answers how payments are made and how transactions are kept secure. Other cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency pricing are examined, answering how one puts a value on cryptocurrencies and digital tokens. Blockchain technology: Blockchain technology underlies all cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency transactions. But what exactly is a blockchain, how does it work, and why is it important? The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains will answer these questions and more. Learn about notable blockchain platforms, smart contracts, and other important facets of blockchains and their function in the changing cyber-economy. Things to know before buying cryptocurrencies: The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains offers trustworthy and balanced insights to those interested in Bitcoin investing or investing in other cryptocurrency. Discover the risks and mitigations, learn how to identify scams, and understand cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallets, and regulations with this book. Readers will learn about: • Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies • Blockchain technology and how it works • The workings of the cryptocurrency market • The evolution and potential impacts of Bitcoin and blockchains on global businesses Dive into the world of cryptocurrency with confidence with this comprehensive introduction.
Blockchain
Author: Mark Gates
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781547090686
Category : Bitcoin
Languages : en
Pages : 126
Book Description
"Blockchain technology has been called the greatest innovation since the internet. Governments and companies are rushing to implement blockchain technology in a range of areas that could impact every person on the planet within a few years. Is blockchain technology one of the greatest technological revolutions in history or is it just hype? Will blockchain technology cause governments and banking systems to change the way they process information or will it be business as usual? In this book, we’ll look at the answers to these questions along with addressing the different sides of the arguments, for and against, blockchain technology."--Page 4 de la couverture.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781547090686
Category : Bitcoin
Languages : en
Pages : 126
Book Description
"Blockchain technology has been called the greatest innovation since the internet. Governments and companies are rushing to implement blockchain technology in a range of areas that could impact every person on the planet within a few years. Is blockchain technology one of the greatest technological revolutions in history or is it just hype? Will blockchain technology cause governments and banking systems to change the way they process information or will it be business as usual? In this book, we’ll look at the answers to these questions along with addressing the different sides of the arguments, for and against, blockchain technology."--Page 4 de la couverture.
Build Your Own Blockchain
Author: Daniel Hellwig
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030401421
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain and distributed ledger technology. Intended as an applied guide for hands-on practitioners, the book includes detailed examples and in-depth explanations of how to build and run a blockchain from scratch. Through its conceptual background and hands-on exercises, this book allows students, teachers and crypto enthusiasts to launch their first blockchain while assuming prior knowledge of the underlying technology. How do I build a blockchain? How do I mint a cryptocurrency? How do I write a smart contract? How do I launch an initial coin offering (ICO)? These are some of questions this book answers. Starting by outlining the beginnings and development of early cryptocurrencies, it provides the conceptual foundations required to engineer secure software that interacts with both public and private ledgers. The topics covered include consensus algorithms, mining and decentralization, and many more. “This is a one-of-a-kind book on Blockchain technology. The authors achieved the perfect balance between the breadth of topics and the depth of technical discussion. But the real gem is the set of carefully curated hands-on exercises that guide the reader through the process of building a Blockchain right from Chapter 1.” Volodymyr Babich, Professor of Operations and Information Management, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University "An excellent introduction of DLT technology for a non-technical audience. The book is replete with examples and exercises, which greatly facilitate the learning of the underlying processes of blockchain technology for all, from students to entrepreneurs.” Serguei Netessine, Dhirubhai Ambani Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania "Whether you want to start from scratch or deepen your blockchain knowledge about the latest developments, this book is an essential reference. Through clear explanations and practical code examples, the authors take you on a progressive journey to discover the technology foundations and build your own blockchain. From an operations perspective, you can learn the principles behind the distributed ledger technology relevant for transitioning towards blockchain-enabled supply chains. Reading this book, you'll get inspired, be able to assess the applicability of blockchain to supply chain operations, and learn from best practices recognized in real-world examples." Ralf W. Seifert, Professor of Technology and Operations Management at EPFL and Professor of Operations Management at IMD
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030401421
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain and distributed ledger technology. Intended as an applied guide for hands-on practitioners, the book includes detailed examples and in-depth explanations of how to build and run a blockchain from scratch. Through its conceptual background and hands-on exercises, this book allows students, teachers and crypto enthusiasts to launch their first blockchain while assuming prior knowledge of the underlying technology. How do I build a blockchain? How do I mint a cryptocurrency? How do I write a smart contract? How do I launch an initial coin offering (ICO)? These are some of questions this book answers. Starting by outlining the beginnings and development of early cryptocurrencies, it provides the conceptual foundations required to engineer secure software that interacts with both public and private ledgers. The topics covered include consensus algorithms, mining and decentralization, and many more. “This is a one-of-a-kind book on Blockchain technology. The authors achieved the perfect balance between the breadth of topics and the depth of technical discussion. But the real gem is the set of carefully curated hands-on exercises that guide the reader through the process of building a Blockchain right from Chapter 1.” Volodymyr Babich, Professor of Operations and Information Management, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University "An excellent introduction of DLT technology for a non-technical audience. The book is replete with examples and exercises, which greatly facilitate the learning of the underlying processes of blockchain technology for all, from students to entrepreneurs.” Serguei Netessine, Dhirubhai Ambani Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania "Whether you want to start from scratch or deepen your blockchain knowledge about the latest developments, this book is an essential reference. Through clear explanations and practical code examples, the authors take you on a progressive journey to discover the technology foundations and build your own blockchain. From an operations perspective, you can learn the principles behind the distributed ledger technology relevant for transitioning towards blockchain-enabled supply chains. Reading this book, you'll get inspired, be able to assess the applicability of blockchain to supply chain operations, and learn from best practices recognized in real-world examples." Ralf W. Seifert, Professor of Technology and Operations Management at EPFL and Professor of Operations Management at IMD
Blockchain Investor Manual
Author: Joe Duncan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 198
Book Description
Every now and then a new technology comes along described as having both great promise and great threat, as a means of social liberation or as a means of outright fraud. The internet, for example, drew this bold cataclysmic forecast from Ethernet co-founder Robert Metcalfe in 1995: "I predict the Internet will soon go spectacularly supernova and in 1996 catastrophically collapse." In the fall of 2008, another technology which has increasingly witnessed such a stirring of opinion and attention, referred to as both "blockchain" and "cryptocurrency", was introduced to the world via the Bitcoin whitepaper. The technology has catapulted from a relative fringe of recipients on the cypherpunks mailing list to current adoption trends at some of the world''s largest financial institutions and social media platforms like JPMorgan and Facebook. In parallel, the market capitalization of traded cryptocurrencies has grown to more than a quarter of a trillion U.S. dollars, with futures contracts referenced to Bitcoin listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. But how can the new entrant sort through the noise on social media and elsewhere, when icons of the business world like Warren Buffet and Elon Musk have radically different takes on it, the former referring to Bitcoin as a "delusion" and "rat poison squared", the latter "quite brilliant"? Even within the blockchain space so-called "experts" can''t seem to agree on the meaning of loosely thrown around terms and phrases like "decentralized" and "digital gold"―or even on "blockchain" itself. The purpose of this book is to cut through the noise, providing an analytical, neutrally voiced basis for understanding this new technology. It is our strong belief that individuals and institutions should understand what they are investing in. Toward that end we also provide a durable overall cryptocurrency valuation framework, offering a fresh perspective for the seasoned analyst too. The chapters are organized as follows: 1, "Money and Systems," provides a history and analysis of money and monetary practice, and how this relates to systems. 2, "Basics of Computing, Networks and Cryptography," is an overview of the technological building blocks upon which Bitcoin and other blockchain protocols are being built, and the mathematical functions which gave rise to the name "cryptocurrency". In 3, "How Bitcoin Works," we dive right into the inner workings of this first blockchain protocol. 4, "Competing Blockchains," provides an overview of subsequent blockchain alternatives, wherein the reader will discover more about many of the other oft-mentioned alternatives like Ethereum, EOS, and IOTA, and categories of cryptocurrencies like Privacy and Stablecoins including Facebook''s Libra. 5, "Role and Power of Government," covers the relevant aspects of currency, banking, commodity, securities, and tax law treatments globally. 6, "Trading Cryptocurrency," is for the type of investor interested in actively trading relatively liquid markets. It will also be of more general interest to other investors as it highlights supporting blockchain infrastructure and channels for accessing cryptocurrency from traditional payment means, and cryptocurrency as a portfolio asset. 7, "A Blockchain Economy," describes a vision where decentralized systems of all kinds including Finance, Social Media, Real Estate, Healthcare, and the Internet of Things form the basis of the global economic system. 8, "Network and Its Value," applies network theory as an approach to model and value a cryptocurrency. Now that the reader has a sound understanding of the underlying technology, a vision of the future dominated by it, and alternative valuation approaches, 9, "Investing in Blockchain," will help in identifying focus areas and key investment themes. 10, "Summary and Conclusion," reviews the preceding chapters, while highlighting other less technical social forces acting upon the future of blockchain technology.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 198
Book Description
Every now and then a new technology comes along described as having both great promise and great threat, as a means of social liberation or as a means of outright fraud. The internet, for example, drew this bold cataclysmic forecast from Ethernet co-founder Robert Metcalfe in 1995: "I predict the Internet will soon go spectacularly supernova and in 1996 catastrophically collapse." In the fall of 2008, another technology which has increasingly witnessed such a stirring of opinion and attention, referred to as both "blockchain" and "cryptocurrency", was introduced to the world via the Bitcoin whitepaper. The technology has catapulted from a relative fringe of recipients on the cypherpunks mailing list to current adoption trends at some of the world''s largest financial institutions and social media platforms like JPMorgan and Facebook. In parallel, the market capitalization of traded cryptocurrencies has grown to more than a quarter of a trillion U.S. dollars, with futures contracts referenced to Bitcoin listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. But how can the new entrant sort through the noise on social media and elsewhere, when icons of the business world like Warren Buffet and Elon Musk have radically different takes on it, the former referring to Bitcoin as a "delusion" and "rat poison squared", the latter "quite brilliant"? Even within the blockchain space so-called "experts" can''t seem to agree on the meaning of loosely thrown around terms and phrases like "decentralized" and "digital gold"―or even on "blockchain" itself. The purpose of this book is to cut through the noise, providing an analytical, neutrally voiced basis for understanding this new technology. It is our strong belief that individuals and institutions should understand what they are investing in. Toward that end we also provide a durable overall cryptocurrency valuation framework, offering a fresh perspective for the seasoned analyst too. The chapters are organized as follows: 1, "Money and Systems," provides a history and analysis of money and monetary practice, and how this relates to systems. 2, "Basics of Computing, Networks and Cryptography," is an overview of the technological building blocks upon which Bitcoin and other blockchain protocols are being built, and the mathematical functions which gave rise to the name "cryptocurrency". In 3, "How Bitcoin Works," we dive right into the inner workings of this first blockchain protocol. 4, "Competing Blockchains," provides an overview of subsequent blockchain alternatives, wherein the reader will discover more about many of the other oft-mentioned alternatives like Ethereum, EOS, and IOTA, and categories of cryptocurrencies like Privacy and Stablecoins including Facebook''s Libra. 5, "Role and Power of Government," covers the relevant aspects of currency, banking, commodity, securities, and tax law treatments globally. 6, "Trading Cryptocurrency," is for the type of investor interested in actively trading relatively liquid markets. It will also be of more general interest to other investors as it highlights supporting blockchain infrastructure and channels for accessing cryptocurrency from traditional payment means, and cryptocurrency as a portfolio asset. 7, "A Blockchain Economy," describes a vision where decentralized systems of all kinds including Finance, Social Media, Real Estate, Healthcare, and the Internet of Things form the basis of the global economic system. 8, "Network and Its Value," applies network theory as an approach to model and value a cryptocurrency. Now that the reader has a sound understanding of the underlying technology, a vision of the future dominated by it, and alternative valuation approaches, 9, "Investing in Blockchain," will help in identifying focus areas and key investment themes. 10, "Summary and Conclusion," reviews the preceding chapters, while highlighting other less technical social forces acting upon the future of blockchain technology.