The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and Application of the Next Internet Technology - Hardcover

Mougayar, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1119300312 ISBN 13: 9781119300311

Publisher: Wiley, 2016

Synopsis

The definitive pioneering blueprint covering the what, why and how of the blockchain. 

Blockchains are new technology layers that rewire the Internet and threaten to side-step older legacy constructs and centrally served businesses. At its core, a blockchain injects trust into the network, cutting off some intermediaries from serving that function and creatively disrupting how they operate. Metaphorically, blockchains are the ultimate non-stop computers. Once launched, they never go down, and offer an incredible amount of resiliency, making them dependable and attractive for running a new generation of decentralized services and software applications. 

The Business Blockchain charts new territory in advancing our understanding of the blockchain by unpacking its elements like no other before. William Mougayar anticipates a future that consists of thousands, if not millions of blockchains that will enable not only frictionless value exchange, but also a new flow of value, redefining roles, relationships, power and governance. In this book, Mougayar makes two other strategic assertions. First, the blockchain has polymorphic characteristics; its application will result in a multiplicity of effects. Second, we shouldn’t ask ourselves what problems the blockchain solves, because that gives us a narrow view on its potential. Rather, we should imagine new opportunities, and tackle even more ambitious problems that cross organizational, regulatory and mental boundaries. 

Drawing on 34 years of technology industry experience as an executive, analyst, consultant, entrepreneur, startup mentor, author, blogger, educator, thought leader and investor, William Mougayar describes a future that is influenced by fundamental shifts brought by blockchain technology as the catalyst for change. William Mougayar has been described as the most sophisticated blockchain business thinker. He is a blockchain industry insider whose work has already shaped and influenced the understanding of blockchain for people around the world, via his generous blogging and rigorous research insights. He is a direct participant in the crypto-technology market, working alongside startups, entrepreneurs, pioneers, leaders, innovators, creators, enterprise executives and practitioners; in addition to being an investor, advisor, and board member in some of the leading organizations in this space, such as the Ethereum Foundation, OpenBazaar and Coin Center.

Just as the Internet created new possibilities that we didn’t foresee in its early years, the blockchain will give rise to new business models and ideas that may still be invisible. Following an engaging Foreword by Vitalik Buterin, this book is organized along these 7 chapters:

1. What is the Blockchain?

2. How Blockchain Trust Infiltrates

3. Obstacles, Challenges & Mental Blocks

4. Blockchain in Financial Services

5. Lighthouse Industries & New Intermediaries

6. Implementing Blockchain Technology

7. Decentralization as the Way Forward

The Business Blockchain is an invitation for technologists to better understand the business potential of the blockchain, and for business minded people to grasp the many facets of blockchain technology. This book teaches you how to think about the blockchain.

About this title

About the Author

WILLIAM MOUGAYAR is general partner at Virtual Capital Ventures, an early stage tech fund. He is on the board of directors of OB1, the OpenBazaar open source protocol that is pioneering decentralized peer-to-peer commerce; a special advisor to the Ethereum Foundation; a member of OMERS Ventures board of advisors; an advisory board member to the Coin Center and Bloq; and founder of Startup Management.

William Mougayar has been described as the most sophisticated blockchain business thinker. He is a blockchain industry insider whose work has already shaped and influenced the understanding of blockchain for people around the world, via his generous blogging and rigorous research insights.

From the Back Cover

The Business Blockchain charts new territory in advancing our understanding of the blockchain by unpacking its elements like no other book before, delivering a compelling guide that summons your mind into action. William Mougayar anticipates a future that consists of thousands, if not millions, of blockchains that will enable not only frictionless value exchange, but also a new flow of value, redefining roles, relationships, trust, power, and governance. In this book, Mougayar makes two other strategic assertions. First, the blockchain has polymorphic characteristics; its application will result in a multiplicity of effects. Second, we shouldn’t ask ourselves what problems the blockchain solves, because that gives us a narrow view on its potential. Rather, we should imagine new opportunities and let it tackle even more ambitious issues that cross organizational, regulatory, and mental boundaries.

Drawing on 34 years of technology industry experience as an executive, analyst, consultant, entrepreneur, startup mentor, author, blogger, educator, thought leader, and investor, William Mougayar describes a future that is influenced by fundamental shifts brought by blockchain technology as the catalyst for change.

Just as the Internet created new possibilities that we didn’t foresee in its early years, the blockchain will give rise to new business models and ideas that may still be invisible.

From the Inside Flap

The definitive pioneering blueprint covering the what, why, and how of the blockchain

Blockchains are new technology layers that rewire the Internet and threaten to side-step older legacy constructs and centrally served businesses. At its core, a blockchain injects trust into the network, potentially cutting off intermediaries from serving that function and creatively disrupting how they operate. Metaphorically, blockchains are the ultimate non-stop computers. Once launched, they never go down, and offer an incredible amount of resiliency, making them dependable and attractive for running a new generation of decentralized services and software applications.

"When it comes to the blockchain, William Mougayar's vision and insights are unparalleled. He takes us on a discovery journey with clarity and authority. This is a fundamental book if business leaders want to survive the blockchain's upcoming whiplash."
--BRAD FELD, Managing Director, Foundry Group; best-selling author of Venture Deals

"Mougayar has written a highly authoritative book, charting new territory in our understanding of the blockchain. I strongly recommend it to executives who are leading their organizations into the future."
--John Ruffolo, CEO, OMERS Ventures

"Anyone who's been close to the blockchain realizes just how profoundly this innovation could affect almost every industry. The Business Blockchain is an important book that offers practical advice and prescriptions for getting on with creating and realizing your own blockchain vision."
--Chris Owen, Vice President, Enterprise Shared Platforms - Blockchain, TD Bank Group

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1119300312
• ISBN 13: 9781119300311
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208