Blockchain has been making a lot of headlines in the last couple of years. There is, however, a lot of confusion around the use of the technology. Sometimes it feels like it is a solution looking for a problem. Most of the people only think that it is bitcoin. Some organisations want to use the technology but is not sure where to start. This book will provide the knowledge of the technology, how and where it fits, how are the industries using it and how to start on the journey.
Embark on a journey into the intricate world of blockchain technologies with The Essential Guide to Blockchain Platforms, a comprehensive guide tailored for beginner and intermediate level blockchain enthusiasts and the inquisitive minds eager to explore diverse blockchain platforms. This insightful book is your go-to resource for understanding the evolution of Layer 1 platforms—from the pioneering ones that emerged alongside Bitcoin to the cutting-edge technologies of today, including Kaspa, Sei, Saito and Bittensor. Comparative Analysis: Uncover a detailed exploration of various Layer 1 blockchain platforms, providing a comparative perspective that spans the history of blockchain evolution. Delve into the strengths, weaknesses, and unique features that define each platform's contribution to the blockchain landscape. From Bitcoin to the Future: Trace the developmental journey from Bitcoin to the latest advancements over time. Understand how these platforms have evolved over time, shaping the decentralized landscape we witness today. Exploring the New Frontier: Journey into the realms of the newest and most innovative platforms, including Solana, Sei and Bittensor. Gain insights into the cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping the future of blockchain and decentralized applications. Tokenomics Unveiled: While primarily focusing on the technological aspects, the book also offers insightful sections on tokenomics. Understand the economic principles that underpin these blockchain ecosystems and discover how token designs influence the functionality and sustainability of each platform. This is not just a guide; it's a roadmap for those seeking a deeper understanding of the technological nuances that differentiate blockchain platforms. Whether you're an enthusiast as a beginner or with an intermediate understanding or someone curious about the vast landscape of blockchain technologies, this book equips you with the knowledge to navigate and appreciate the complexities of the ever evolving blockchain frontier. Embark on a journey that transcends traditional boundaries and prepares you for the future of decentralized innovation.
This two volume set of the Computing Handbook, Third Edition (previously theComputer Science Handbook) provides up-to-date information on a wide range of topics in computer science, information systems (IS), information technology (IT), and software engineering. The third edition of this popular handbook addresses not only the dramatic growth of computing as a discipline but also the relatively new delineation of computing as a family of separate disciplines as described by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS), and the Association for Information Systems (AIS). Both volumes in the set describe what occurs in research laboratories, educational institutions, and public and private organizations to advance the effective development and use of computers and computing in today's world. Research-level survey articles provide deep insights into the computing discipline, enabling readers to understand the principles and practices that drive computing education, research, and development in the twenty-first century. Chapters are organized with minimal interdependence so that they can be read in any order and each volume contains a table of contents and subject index, offering easy access to specific topics. The first volume of this popular handbook mirrors the modern taxonomy of computer science and software engineering as described by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS). Written by established leading experts and influential young researchers, it examines the elements involved in designing and implementing software, new areas in which computers are being used, and ways to solve computing problems. The book also explores our current understanding of software engineering and its effect on the practice of software development and the education of software professionals. The second volume of this popular handbook demonstrates the richness and breadth of the IS and IT disciplines. The book explores their close links to the practice of using, managing, and developing IT-based solutions to advance the goals of modern organizational environments. Established leading experts and influential young researchers present introductions to the current status and future directions of research and give in-depth perspectives on the contributions of academic research to the practice of IS and IT development, use, and management.
The second volume of this popular handbook demonstrates the richness and breadth of the IS and IT disciplines. The book explores their close links to the practice of using, managing, and developing IT-based solutions to advance the goals of modern organizational environments. Established leading experts and influential young researchers present introductions to the current status and future directions of research and give in-depth perspectives on the contributions of academic research to the practice of IS and IT development, use, and management.
Digital Transformation has become the mantra for many businesses big and small in the last few years with the Covid19 pandemic accelerating such transformations for many organizations. Competitive pressures, higher customer expectations, and prospects of revenue growth are the key drivers for many of these digital initiatives. Various emerging technologies such as Cloud Computing, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain are key contributors to these digital transformations.If you are in a CxO role (CIO, CTO. CDO, et. al) for an organization and are responsible for the Digital Transformation of your organization, then this book is for you. This book can be used as a reference guide by the CxO to understand the basic concepts of Digital Transformation along with the fundamentals of various key emerging technologies. The book provides examples of services and tools from Microsoft Azure Cloud to help you harness these technologies to enable your digital transformation scenarios. Throughout the book we have also included industry statistics, expert opinions, business use cases, and customer stories. The book is organized into the following chapters to help you learn in a systematic way: Chapter 1: Digital TransformationThis chapter provides an introduction and overview of Digital Transformation including the What, Why, Who and the How of transformation via digital technologies. We also outline of the best practices for successful execution of your transformation initiatives, review key challenges, and reasons for digital transformation failures. Chapter 2: Cloud ComputingThis chapter outlines Cloud Computing history, core concepts and benefits. Cloud deployment and service models are introduced and discussed in detail. Considerations for transforming legacy IT to Cloud are discussed along with challenges and outlook of Cloud computing. Chapter 3: Azure Cloud ServicesThis chapter dives specifically into Microsoft Azure Cloud and outlines the key services and tools it offers. Basic Azure IaaS, PaaS and DBaaS services are introduced and discussed. Key and emerging Cloud services including serverless, containers and hybrid Cloud are described along with their benefits and business use cases. Chapter 4: Machine LearningMachine learning is introduced along with its core concepts around data, algorithms, models, training, and deployment. Azure Machine Learning tools and services are discussed to help you understand how you can use them to realize your Machine learning scenarios. This chapter concludes with an overview at the challenges and the future of Machine learning.Chapter 5: Artificial IntelligenceThis chapter explores Artificial Intelligence, it benefits and business use cases. Azure AI platform services available are explored such as Azure Cognitive services, Bot services, Cognitive Search services and Databricks services. AI challenges section looks at primary business and AI domain specific hurdles and issues. Chapter concludes with an outlook of AI with discussion around AI governance, Responsible AI, and Technical Advancements in AI. Chapter 6: Internet of Things (IoT)This chapter reviews the basics of Internet of Things (IoT), its business value, and use cases. Various Azure IoT offerings and services are explored to get you started with it. Azure IoT SaaS solution, IoT Central, is reviewed to see how it can be utilized to build a no-code IoT solution along with building customized solutions. Chapter concludes with IoT challenges and the future of this technology. Chapter 7: BlockchainOverview of Blockchain and its business uses for various industries. Enterprise Blockchain is discussed in detail and Azure Blockchain services are introduced and how they can be used for enterprise scenarios. Chapter also explores various challenges this technology faces along with where this technology is heading in the future.
Digital transformation is reshaping the business arena as new, successful digital business models are increasing agility and presenting better ways to handle business than the traditional alternatives. Industry 4.0 affects everything in our daily lives and is blurring the line between the physical, the biological, and the digital. This created an environment where technology and humans are so closely integrated that it is impacting every activity within the organizations. Specifically, contracting processes and procedures are challenged to align with the new business dynamics as traditional contracts are no longer fitting today's agile and continuously changing environments. Businesses are required to facilitate faster, more secure, soft, and real-time transactions while protecting stakeholders’ rights and obligations. This includes agile contracts which are dynamically handling scope changes, smart contracts that can automate rule-based functions, friction-less contracts that can facilitate different activities, and opportunity contracts that looks toward the future. Innovative and Agile Contracting for Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 analyzes the consequences, benefits, and possible scenarios of contract transformation under the pressure of new technologies and business dynamics in modern times. The chapters cover the problems, issues, complications, strategies, governance, and risks related to the development and enforcement of digital transformation contracting practices. While highlighting topics in the area of digital transformation and contracting such as artificial intelligence, digital business, emerging technologies, and blockchain, this book is ideally intended for business, engineering, and technology practitioners and policy makers, along with practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students interested in understanding the scope, complexity, and importance of innovative contracts and agile contracting.
Blockchain and Supply Chain Management combines discussions of blockchain and supply chains, linking technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, satellite imagery, and machine vision. The book examines blockchain's basic concepts, relevant theories, and its roles in meeting key supply chain objectives. The book addresses problems related to inefficiency, opacity, and fraud, helping the digitization process, simplifying the value creation process, and facilitating collaboration. The book is balanced between blockchain and supply chain application and theory, covering the latest technological, organizational and regulatory developments in blockchain from a supply chain perspective. The book discusses the opportunities, barriers, and enablers of blockchain in supply chain policy, along with legal and ethical implications. Supply chain management faces massive disruption with the dynamic changes in global trade, the impact of Covid-19, and technological innovation. Entire industries are also being transformed by blockchain, with some of the most promising applications in supply chain management. - Provides theoretical and practical insights into both blockchain and supply chains - Features numerous illustrative case studies, boxes, tables, and figures - Examines blockchain's impacts on supply chains in four key industries: Food and beverage, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and finance
This book provides an integrative Business Transformation Management Methodology, the BTM2, with an emphasis on the balance between the rational aspects of transformation and the often underestimated emotional readiness of employees to absorb and accept transformation initiatives. Comprising four phases - Envision, Engage, Transform, and Optimize - the methodology integrates expertise from areas such as strategy, risk, and project management. Covering the formal and informal structures and roles needed for a successful transformation, the authors cover a wide range of theory to help understand the phenomenon of transformation. A '360-degree' view on what business transformation means and how to manage it successfully, this handbook is suitable for business executives dealing with organizational change. A range of illustrative case studies ensure this is also a valuable resource for academics interested in change and transformation management.
Insider secrets to competing-and winning-in the tech-savvy marketplace The new generation of technology savvy workers is changing the way we look at productivity. Agility uniquely describes how technology agility impacts your business's performance and can become a critical success factor. A must-read for leaders defining business strategy and technology implementation, the methodology it describes will show how to measure and drive technology adoption and the derived impact on business results. Includes international cases of various industries, from industry leaders Incorporates the ideas of flexibility, balance, adaptability, and coordination under one umbrella Uniquely describes how technology agility impacts business performance What differentiates Audi, BMW and Mercedes or GM? Understanding it can make or break the future of an organization. Agility makes it clear: the digital divide will be seen in those who take full advantage of the technology versus those merely have it.
