A Framework for Determining Blockchain Applicability

Researchers analyzed 23 blockchain implementation projects, each tracked for design decisions and architectural alignment showing benefits, detriments, or no effects from blockchain use. The results provide the basis for a framework that lets engineers, architects, investors, and project leaders evaluate blockchain technology's suitability for a given application. This analysis also led to an understanding of why some domains are inherently problematic for blockchains. Blockchains can be used to solve some trust-based problems but aren't always the best or optimal technology. Some problems that can be solved using them can also be solved using simpler methods that don't necessitate as big an investment. © 2018 IEEE.