Cloud computing + blockchain = BaaS
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The difference between cloud computing and blockchain
Cloud computing is now a mature technology and application. The definition given by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is: cloud computing is a pay-for-use model that provides usable and convenient , On-demand network access, into a configurable shared pool of computing resources (resources include network, server, storage, application software, services), these resources can be quickly provided with little management effort, or with service provisioning Providers have very little interaction. This explanation is comprehensive and easy to understand. Don't unilaterally think that cloud computing only provides storage and computing services.
The essence of blockchain is distributed ledgers and smart contracts . A distributed ledger is a unique database that acts like a network, and everyone uses the blockchain to create an ecosystem. Through mathematics and cryptography, personal distributed ledgers can always remember a fixed sequence, and the factual content will not be tampered with. The smart contract is the mutual agreement and rules between the two parties of the transaction , and no one can change it to prevent default.
After all, the blockchain is actually a thing on the Internet, similar to an application protocol on the Internet. For example, when we surf the Internet, we often enter a URL HTTP, and the blockchain is a protocol similar to HTTP. We all know that the HTTP protocol is used to transmit information , so what is the blockchain used for? It is used for value exchange and value transfer. If we want to transfer money online, that is, point-to-point, end-to-end, and P2P to complete a payment of funds, we need an agreement. Both parties need to know that the money has been transferred. Blockchain is such an agreement .
Just looking at the definition, cloud computing is distributed on demand, and blockchain builds a trust system, and the two seem to have no direct relationship. However, the blockchain itself is a kind of resource, which needs to be supplied on demand. It is an integral part of cloud computing. The technology of cloud computing and the technology of blockchain can be integrated with each other.
How cloud computing and blockchain combine
The combination of blockchain and cloud computing technologies, from a macro perspective, on the one hand, use the existing infrastructure service facilities of cloud computing or make corresponding changes according to actual needs to accelerate the development and application process and meet the future blockchain ecosystem. Demand for blockchain applications in startups, academic institutions, open source institutions, alliances, and financial institutions. On the other hand, for cloud computing , " trustworthy, reliable and controllable " is considered to be the "three mountains" that must be overcome in the development of cloud computing, while blockchain technology is characterized by decentralization, anonymity and data inability Tampering with the main features coincides with the long-term development goals of cloud computing.
In terms of storage, both the storage in cloud computing and the storage in the blockchain are composed of ordinary storage media. The difference is that storage in cloud computing, as a resource, often exists independently, and is generally shared and selected by the application. The storage in the blockchain is used as the storage space of each node in the chain. The value stored in the blockchain does not lie in the storage itself, but in the unchangeable blocks that are linked to each other. It is a special storage service. Cloud computing There is indeed a need for such a storage service. For example, in combination with "Safe City", data is placed in this type of storage, and the immutability is used to make video, voice, and documents as recognized and effective legal basis.
In terms of security, the security in cloud computing is mainly to ensure that applications can run safely, stably and reliably. This security belongs to the traditional security field. The security in the blockchain is to ensure that each data block is not tampered with, and the recorded content of the data block cannot be read by users who do not have a private key. Taking advantage of this, if you combine cloud computing with blockchain-based secure storage products, you can design encrypted storage devices.
Cloud Computing + Blockchain = BaaS (Blockchain as a Service)
Blockchain and cloud computing are closely integrated, creating BaaS (blockchain as a service) on the basis of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, promoting BaaS to become a public trust infrastructure, and forming a blockchain technology framework embedded in cloud computing platforms. Combined with the development trend. Among them, the blockchain enterprise platform represented by the alliance chain needs to use cloud facilities to improve the blockchain ecological environment; the blockchain represented by the public chain needs to provide a stable and reliable cloud computing platform for decentralized applications.
Microsoft announced in November 2015 to provide BaaS services in the Azure cloud platform, and officially opened to the public in August 2016. Developers can create a blockchain environment on the platform in the easiest and most efficient way.
IBM announced the launch of the Blockchain Services Platform in February 2016. Using IBM's new blockchain services available on Bluemix, developers can access fully integrated DevOps tools for creation, deployment on IBM Cloud , run and monitor blockchain applications.
Amazon announced its partnership with Digital Currency Group, one of the largest investors in the blockchain space, in May 2016. Companies investing in DCG provide blockchain-as-a-service, ensuring they can deal with clients, including financial institutions, insurance companies and enterprise technology companies, in a secure environment.
From the perspective of the application effect of BaaS, Xunlei can be said to be a pioneer in the use of blockchain technology in the field of cloud computing. As early as 2014, Xunlei aimed at the two major trends of cloud computing and blockchain, and in October 2017, it released " The rhetoric of "ALL IN Blockchain" has enabled LinkChain to realize a successful venture of blockchain technology at the public level. At the same time, at the beginning of 2018, Xunlei has opened the application for access to the "LinkToken Open Platform", and a large number of excellent partners have joined, which will further reflect the value of LinkToken.