Applications

Understanding the Blockchain and IoT Data Marketplace

JavaScript frameworks make development easy with extensive features and functionalities. Here are our top 10 to use in 2022.
Written by
Shivani Tripathi
Published on
December 26, 2022

The technological revolution we have witnessed in the past few years has transformed our experiences and processes in more ways than one. Be it the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other impressive technological feats, the way we function today is significantly different now than ever before.

One technology that stands out and has substantially impacted the technology disruption we are now witnessing is called the blockchain. Blockchain is a continuously growing list of immutable and secured records using cryptography, making each block unique and providing detailed information like a timestamp and transaction data.

Owing to this groundbreaking ability, blockchain is poised to impact the future of the way we store and access information. But how can blockchain and IOT (devices connected with sensors to communicate with other devices using network or WiFi) create a data marketplace that can truly revolutionize the future? Let's find out.

What is a Blockchain-based Data Marketplace?

A blockchain-based data marketplace is a platform that allows users to buy and sell data using blockchain technology. The platform is typically built on top of a decentralized, distributed ledger that will enable data to be securely stored and tracked.

In a blockchain-based data marketplace, data is organized into distinct units called "blocks," which are linked together in a chain. Each block contains a record of data transactions that have taken place on the platform, along with a unique code called a "hash" that identifies the block and verifies its authenticity.

One of the key benefits of a blockchain-based data marketplace is that it allows for secure and transparent data transactions. Since the data is stored on a decentralized ledger, it is difficult for any individual or entity to manipulate or alter it. This makes it a reliable and trustworthy platform for buying and selling data.

Benefits of Blockchain and IoT Data Marketplaces

IoT

Having a shared, blockchain-based IoT data marketplace has clear benefits in terms of technical, economic, and improved user experiences. Here is a quick look at each of these segments.

Technical Benefits

  • IoT manufacturers can easily create and maintain cloud backends for sensor data and provide necessary data analytics and AI/ML features over the blockchain.
  • IoT manufacturers get a well-tested and optimized form that can save behavioral and actionable data from sensors and build new products and services leveraging this vast library of behavior patterns.

Economic Benefits

  • IoT manufacturers can monitor behavioral data to ignite a new wave of business models where IoT devices can make use of historical data to create more personalized devices at reduced costs.
  • AI/ML providers can sell actionable insights to businesses and users via these data marketplaces.
  • Customers can freely use IoT devices and services that are predictive, prescriptive, and adaptive.

User Experience Benefits

  • The rich ecosystem of IoT manufacturers and AI/ML providers can create a universal library that is open to anyone and easy for customers to access.
  • In the data marketplace, users and providers get a highly transparent and trustworthy platform to interact with consented data to bring a free-to-use and free-if consented business model, making it easy for anyone to access high-quality products and services.

Practical Usage of IoT and Blockchain Data Marketplaces

Now that we have covered the benefits of blockchain-based IoT data marketplaces, let us look at a few avenues where this technology platform can add value to the industry:

Data As A Contract

IoT data marketplaces can be implemented as a smart contract for facilitating a transparent data collection and sharing environment.

Using decentralized applications deployed as part of the blockchain, IoT manufacturers can develop and maintain actual data backend, with all contacts, consumer information, and consented data sharing being part of the provided services.

Validation and Feedback

IoT device manufacturers can use blockchain data marketplaces to create a transparent and safe validation and feedback system, making it trusted, immutable, and not susceptible to any interference or alterations. 

Secure Data Exchange For Ecosystem Collaboration

IoT manufacturers and companies can use open APIs published directly from their systems onto the blockchain data marketplace based on permission-based access, improving supply chain transparency.

In addition, the platform can make transactions that are automatically settled through intelligent contracts and facilitate trusted data exchange.

Remote Condition Monitoring

Remote condition monitoring involves using sensors and other monitoring devices to collect data from equipment or systems remotely, allowing for real-time monitoring of their condition and performance.

This data is typically used to detect and predict problems and to optimize maintenance schedules to improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

Remote condition monitoring can use the IoT blockchain marketplace for smart contracts, payments, and transparent proposals.

Trusted Marketplace for Sensor Sharing

A trusted IoT marketplace allows IoT applications of different manufacturers and devices to share sensor readings in a secure and immutable platform.

This creates a safe platform for registration, integration, and payment services, enabling the metadata for sensors that are stored on the blockchain.

Online Mapping in Smart Cities

A blockchain-based IoT data marketplace for smart cities is a platform that uses blockchain technology to facilitate the buying and selling of data collected from connected devices in smart cities.

In such a data marketplace, data from connected devices (such as sensors, smart streetlights, and traffic management systems) is often organized into distinct units called "blocks," which are linked together in a chain.

This allows the data to be stored in a decentralized ledger and be used for practical purposes to make more informed decisions, help citizens in times of duress, and improve the response to emergency situations.

Conclusion

In summary, a blockchain-based IoT marketplace can provide users with a secure and efficient way to access and share data from connected devices. By using smart contracts and other blockchain-based tools, data can be easily shared and tracked, making it easier for users to access the data they need and for data providers to get compensated for their contributions. Plus, it creates a highly safe ecosystem for data sharing, meaning customer data is accessible only to the right stakeholders and is not easy to manipulate or alter in any way. 

Latest posts

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.