About this Constellation ShortList™

No new technology since the internet itself has excited so many pundits as blockchain. Partly because of its sheer novelty and partly the hyperbole around its security potential, blockchain is thought by many to have countless applications beyond payments.

The blockchain craze is settling down. With experience and sharper analysis, the inherent limitations of the original public blockchains became apparent, and the future is clearer. Several private or permissioned blockchains have been inspired by the original Bitcoin ledger; R&D continues apace on fundamental algorithms, service delivery, applications and business models.

All blockchain technology is complex, and its correct application remains difficult. Less than 20% of blockchain pilots proceed to production. Constellation advises early adopters to follow the work of large laboratories and research consortia, and to treat cautiously the many startups that have launched special-purpose applications. The big blockchain labs and managed service providers have the resources needed for dependable analysis, development and operations in this fast-moving field. This Constellation ShortList presents the leading services and labs able to help most enterprises evaluate and adopt blockchain responsibly.

Threshold Criteria

Constellation considers the following criteria for these solutions:

Deep technology skills in computer science, security and systems integration

Proven track record in business applications

Resources, both human and capital

Realistic, practical objectives for these technologies; well explained

Governance of both the network operation and software development

Sound R&D, top-down design and application life-cycle management

Community engagement, research integrity, and commitment to standards

The Constellation ShortList™

Constellation evaluates more than 20 solutions categorized in this market. This Constellation ShortList is determined by client inquiries, partner conversations, customer references, vendor selection projects, market share and internal research.

Hedera Hashgraph

IBM

Infosys

Microsoft

Oracle

Salesforce

Wipro

Frequency of Evaluation

Each Constellation ShortList will be updated once per year. There could be an update after six months, should the analyst deem it necessary.

Evaluation Services

Constellation clients can work with the analyst and research team to conduct a more thorough discussion of this Constellation ShortList. Constellation can also provide guidance in vendor selection and contract negotiation.