Chapter 8 – Blockchain Implementation Mistakes to Avoid
With all the hype that surrounds blockchains, it can be easy to leap into the fray without looking at how to implement your own blockchain distribution system. This is a huge mistake. Before you can take the plunge, you need to make sure that you are avoiding the following errors.
Having Unrealistic Expectations
If you are planning on being able to use a blockchain efficiently, the first thing that you need to understand is that it is not a catchall solution to every problem. Fortunately, you can set up a private system, and only a handful of people will have to know if the initial testing goes poorly.
This also goes for the amount of information that is routinely stored in each block. The bulk of the entire blockchain will ultimately be duplicated to each new node that is created, so an extremely bloated chain will be adding unnecessary bloat to all of the computers using the blockchain. It is essential to keep in mind that the entire bitcoin blockchain is only 55 gigs. While this is great when it comes to storing private databases securely, it is not the best choice when it comes to the usage of large-scale data.
This these cases a centralized data storage system will be the better choice.
It is also important to remember, that while blockchain systems have numerous fail-safes in place to prevent user error, it doesn't mean that they are infallible. Since each block is only referred to by a hash key, it makes it much more likely for humans to mistake blocks for other blocks to everyone’s detriment. So, if you are going to utilize blockchains in your business, you need to be sure to implement a failsafe to check for this kind of thing to have the best results.
Underestimating the Time Commitment
It will take a lot of time to understand the intricacies of blockchain technology fully. If you plan on seeing the implementation of a blockchain system through to completion, you have to understand precisely how much time is required to learn to utilize blockchain technology to its fullest potential. After reading this book, you will still need to do more research to understand the best way for you to implement a blockchain that best serves the purposes of your business. This means that you will need to understand what you are going to be using blockchains for on a regular basis, but also what any secondary or tertiary duties might include.
Only after you have a clear idea of what you are going to be using the blockchain system for, you will be able to determine which kind of creation software is going to be right for you and your needs. The market for blockchain creation tools isn’t crowded, which means you need to know exactly what you are looking for regarding finding one that is reliable and effective. Making a poor decision on this will make the creation process more difficult than it needs to be.
After you have a clear understanding of how you are going to use your blockchain distributed database and how you are going to implement the blockchain, it is essential that you not hurry to finish the process. When it comes to implementing blockchain technology you have to take things at a more measured pace. The process can be long and complicated, but you must follow it through to the letter as well as testing it thoroughly before you begin to rely on the blockchain in a real-world setting. Setting up a good blockchain takes time, and rushing will only cause you problems.
Keeping this in mind, it is vital that you decide on a timetable that accurately reflects how long it will take you to complete the project. You need to make sure that you consider the time that it will take to get buy-in from anyone else whose opinion is required before you can start the process.
When it comes to exciting new technologies like blockchain, it’s natural for numerous people to be interested in testing it out. If you are running a private blockchain, then it is crucial that you not let too many people have access until they’ve received proper training. Your fledgling blockchain can become easily derailed if you allow even a few inexperienced hands at the help. When it comes to accessing the core of the blockchain in a private system, you need to be sure to store the key for private access that is generated with a new blockchain in a safe location, because if it is lost, there will be no way for you to regain control of the blockchain.