This is a Charles Brett’s start-of-the-week Enterprise Times ‘blockchain catch-up’ Week 10. Necessarily it is idiosyncratic and selective.
It is not intended to be comprehensive but does seek to highlight ‘Quick Takes’ on specific developments as well interesting pieces to read, a listing of some (not all) announcements/press releases and pointers to upcoming events.
Quick Takes – Charles Brett’s Blockchain Catch-up Week 10
Innodisk to release blockchain SSD for a radical approach to edge data integrity
Innodisk’s introduces ‘InnoBTS SSD‘. This uses patented blockchain technology to reduce security concerns through sophisticated use of digital signature and blockchain.
The attraction of InnoBTS SSD is that it secures valuable data in edge or IoT scenarios (such as POS systems at unmanned stores, smart meters, digital ID cards). Writing the data to the SSD creates:
- an encrypted hash string that corresponds to the specific data set
- an encrypted hash string which is spread on the blockchain network
a decentralised ledger distributed across/between numerous unique computers.
The process is to make the encrypted hash string ‘chain’ on the blockchain network. If tampering happens, the chained data is checkable with an encrypted hash string on the network, clearly revealing discrepancies.
Quick Take: This could be a game-changer at the edge. Innodisk’s solution enables a blockchain setup for edge applications that is not reliant on software. At the same time it connects multiple devices to the blockchain network which in turn makes the InnoBTS SSD suitable for all sorts of use – from AI applications (such as smart cities, smart vehicles, smart factories, even surveillance) to software installation verification as well as PoS data, etc. Enterprise Times expects others to do the same, for the same justifications as Innodisk.
Wirex launches Mastercard debit card and rewards programme
Wirex has launched a multicurrency Mastercard debit card in the UK and EEA, plus a new rewards programme, X-tras. After reaching 75,000 people on its waitlist (for the new card), new features should make crypto more accessible. Building on its existing Mastercard partnership, the debit card is borderless:
- It enables users to spend up to 18 crypto and traditional currencies in real-time
- Wirex can issue payment cards directly to consumers – because of its Mastercard membership.
The intended effect is make it easier to buy, hold and exchange multiple traditional and cryptocurrencies. Consumers can instantly convert their cryptocurrencies into traditional fiat currency, which they can then spend everywhere Mastercard is accepted around the world.
Quick Take: this debit card solidifies Wirex’s vision – of making the digital economy accessible to all. Its features include real-time point-of-sale conversion, exclusive interbank and OTC exchange rates, free international ATM withdrawals, zero monthly fees and free fiat-to-fiat exchanges. This is an attractive package – if you can live with the uncertainties of cryptocurrencies.
7 pieces to read – Charles Brett’s Blockchain Catch-up Week 10
- Nevada asks: can blockchain build a smarter city?
- Blockchain firm Ripple ends partnership with MoneyGram
- How non-fungible tokens became the latest tech speculation bubble
- Will NFTs finally fulfill the blockchain promise to music?
- Your dinner has an origin story and blockchain tech can help you find it
- Square’s $297 million deal for Jay Z’s music service Tidal may bring blockchain to masses
- Cosmos’ Stargate for inter-blockchain communication/cross-chain interoperability.
Selected announcements/press releases/opinions – Charles Brett’s Blockchain Catch-up Week 10
- Buying.com develops BUY token cryptocurrency on Algorand platform (press release)
- The use of cryptocurrencies continues to grow in popularity (press release)
- JP Morgan – multiple blockchain job openings (employment)
- James McKay (of McKayResearch) launches new blockchain YouTube channel (education)
- Civic announces integration with Solana Blockchain (press release)
- Online Blockchain plc: Trism expands reach with inclusion on leading NFT and DeFi asset hubs (press release).
Selected upcoming events
- Net Zero Finance with Hiro Mizuno, 16 March 2021 (Online)
- International Conference on Big Data and Blockchain (BDAB), 20-21 March 2021
- Solving double pay-out fraud in the insurance Industry (R3 webinar) March 24, 2021, at 09:30 GMT / 5:30 pm SGT
- Security Token Summit, 25th March, 2021
- Blockchance Europe 2021 (July 7th-9th, 2021)
- LA Blockchain Summit (November 2nd-3rd, 2021).