Why and How Blockchain?

Abstract

We discuss the current state of blockchain in the technical industry and discuss blockchain's decentralization roots and its inclusion in the world of mainstream corporate technology. We include some technical background and issues in the context of the industry, feasibility, and future directions. We offer speculation as to how blockchain technology may serve various competing agendas. The purpose of this paper is to raise questions more than provide answers - to stimulate thought and discussion - in the context of the technology and its positioning in the centralization vs. decentralization spectrum of interests.