The underlying technology of crypto is the blockchain technology that was designed as a decentralized, peer-to-peer-based database that operates without control of external force (learn more about what is decentralized blockchain). Hence, it offers many benefits for the business sectors as it is functioning without governments, central banks, or any other institution.
Even though its importance might have been overlooked in early 2010, when Bitcoin was initially launched, today, the system is recognized for its benefits. Not only corporations like IBM are developing blockchain-based solutions for the business sectors, but also cryptocurrencies, the main by-product of blockchain technology, is rapidly accepted by famous brands. Below we will take a look at the applications of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
Crypto Transactions
Businesses started to accept crypto transactions due to the advantages associated with crypto. Generally, cryptocurrencies offer low transaction fees, short processing time, and anonymity. It’s also worth noting that the businesses don’t have any additional fees for accepting crypto payments. Other than investing in a good crypto wallet, they don’t pay any banking fees.
Therefore, we can find an increasing number of small and mid-sized as well as big businesses accept crypto payments.
For example, online casinos quickly integrated cryptocurrencies as payment methods on their platforms. They notably serve thousands of casino players around the world and, by accepting cryptocurrencies, develop relationships with a great audience of crypto users. This is a very popular trend, and actually, there are many new casinos that accept crypto payments. For more details about the latest casino sites, check uudetkasinot.com.
Otherwise, there are many businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores as well as online businesses, that accept crypto transactions again, they don’t have any extra costs for accepting crypto payments, and it’s a safe way to provide a payment option for users that want to make purchases with their crypto funds. Some famous businesses that have declared that accept crypto payments are Bloomberg, Home Depot, OKCupid, PayPal, Venmo, Tesla, and many other brands.
Supply Chain Management
IBM is one of the biggest corporations that has worked on developing blockchain-based solutions for supply chain management. Complex supply chains might suffer from communication issues between the relevant parties, as the data is not always available or visible to the participants.
But because blockchain-based solutions provide complete transparency, this will solve the main problems of the supply chain as the data that travels through the network will be shared among the participants and readily available for every user.
The blockchain-based solution will further minimize disputes, complaints, and errors. In addition, smart contracts, which are the basis of blockchain technology, will improve the operations of the supply chain, minimize costs, improve communication, and reduce paperwork.
Also, it will increase the authenticity of the business and build better relationships between the customers and the brand. For instance, IBM has developed a Food Trust based on blockchain-based technology specifically for Carrefour’s supply chain. The customers can also access the digital supply chain and find real-time data about the product, its journey, and manufacturing process, for example.
Finance
As we mentioned earlier, the blockchain network is recognized for its advantages that include enhanced security, transparency, improved communication between the parties, and operations that don’t rely on external supervision or control.
Blockchain-based solutions in the financial sector will yield better results for both the clients as well as the financial establishments; for example, it will shorten the time required to process electronic applications for credit cards.
Additionally, it will decrease the costs and foster greater trust among the participants due to the increased visibility of the data. Moreover, the blockchain-based solution is also great for the financial sector because it can enhance security when it comes to the sensitive data of the users and the transfer from one sector to another.
Safe-Haven Assets
In terms of the usage of cryptocurrencies, nowadays, you can invest in crypto, trade crypto for fiat currencies or other virtual currencies, and also treat your crypto funds as safe-haven assets.
Obviously, this doesn’t apply to every cryptocurrency at the market, as the market is constantly expanding, and there are over 5,000 cryptocurrencies available right now. But some cryptocurrencies that have a higher market cap, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, have been deemed safe-haven assets due to their decentralized nature and price.
