About this Constellation ShortList™
No new technology since the internet itself has excited so many pundits as blockchain. The market continues to evolve rapidly. There is still no strong consensus about blockchain segmentation. Constellation sees some practical demarcations emerging between cryptocurrency on generally public permissionless blockchains, and select enterprise data management applications where, characteristically, multiple parties operating at arm’s length desire to share a ledger and manage real-time updates without a database admin or intermediate brokers. Most enterprise developers choose a private or managed blockchain rather than the public platforms such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
All blockchain technology is complex, and its correct application remains difficult. Less than 20% of blockchain pilots proceed to production. Reliable use-case selection for blockchain continues to be elusive. So far, the best non-payments applications for managed blockchain appear to be supply chain documentation (especially in shipping), some interbank and stock exchange settlement, and some aspects of decentralized digital identity management.
Constellation advises early adopters to follow the work of large blockchain laboratories and research consortia, and to treat cautiously the many startups that have launched special-purpose applications. The big blockchain labs and managed service providers have the resources needed for dependable analysis, development and operations in this fast-moving field.
This Constellation ShortList presents the leading services and labs able to help most enterprises evaluate and adopt blockchain responsibly.
Threshold Criteria
Constellation considers the following criteria for these solutions:
- Deep technology skills in computer science, security and systems integration
- Proven track record in business applications
- Human resources and capital backing
- Realistic, practical objectives for these technologies; well explained
- Governance of both the network operation and software development
- Sound R&D, top-down design and application life-cycle management
- Community engagement, research integrity and commitment to standards
The Constellation ShortList™
Constellation evaluates more than 20 solutions categorized in this market. This Constellation ShortList is determined by client inquiries, partner conversations, customer references, vendor selection projects, market share and internal research.
- Hedera Hashgraph
- IBM
- Infosys
- Microsoft
- Oracle
- R3
- Salesforce
- Wipro
Frequency of Evaluation
Each Constellation ShortList will be updated once per year. There could be an update after six months, should the analyst deem it necessary.
Evaluation Services
Constellation clients may work with the analyst and research team to conduct a more thorough discussion of this Constellation ShortList. Constellation can also provide guidance in vendor selection and contract negotiation.