Blockchain - A Database with a Twist

This paper reviews the concept that a blockchain is simply a database without a central authority. This concept means that a blockchain-based application is inherently a database application that leverages on the strength blockchain has over a traditional database with central authority. Two major areas of applications are: (a) shared database containing records of interdependent transactions, (b) asset registries where the chain of historical ownership (i.e. provenance) is valuable. The absence of a central authority means that traditional security via login linked to permission to read and write the database is no longer the primary strategy. Instead, immutability of the blockchain, together with identification and allocation of the validator, becomes the primary security strategy. These conceptual differences are the driving force behind the unusual data and database structure of the blockchain. This paper presents these concepts to a non-technical audience at two levels: (a) an easy to read-no complexity level without explanation of mechanics, and (b) building on the previous level, explain the key mechanics for a non-technical audience.