Cebit
Blockchain at the Cebit
This year, Cebit is focusing on the major new topics of digitalization in the business sector. Alongside artificial intelligence, blockchain stands out as a major highlight. Reason enough to take a look at the revamped trade fair and, in particular, blockchain as a future and already partly current technology. Where are blockchains being used, how are they being used and what opportunities are associated with them? Cebit provides the answers.
Cebit in Hanover is being held for the first time this summer. Until 15 June, a new concept is set to restore the trade fair to its former glory and re-establish it as a showcase for digitalization, particularly in the smart industry.
The trade fair has always offered great diversity. This year, this ranges from artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to fully autonomous drones. This year, Cebit will continue to focus on the topics of Future Mobility, Security, Collaboration & Workspace 4.0, Blockchain, E-Government, Augmented & Virtual Reality and Influencer Marketing.
"The focus on digital megatrends has paid off, because all the major companies that are significantly shaping the digital transformation are taking part in the new Cebit," says Oliver Frese, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Messe AG.
At the same time, the trade fair aims to combine digitalization, business and fun. One of the four elements - in addition to digitalization today, the conference programme and networking and exchange - is a look into the future. Here, Cebit will focus on exciting topics such as blockchain, human robotics and artificial intelligence. According to a survey by the market research institute IDC, a quarter of all German companies have already implemented projects in the field of artificial intelligence. The majority are planning to do so in the future.
Blockchains as decentralized and forgery-proof databases are considered by experts to be a core element of the future economy - which has already been implemented to some extent. Current business scenarios as well as future concepts will be presented by some of the exhibitors at Cebit this year.
Blockchain makes the economy
Blockchain technology is considered to be very secure, as all processes are stored decentrally at various locations on the internet. This is one of the reasons why no manipulation or deletion is possible. Blockchain is therefore particularly suitable for sensitive business transactions that require transparency on the one hand and a high degree of trust on the other. This applies to payment transactions, for example, but also to the conclusion of contracts or the provision of services. A well-known example of the use of blockchains in practice is the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
Security is also at the forefront when dealing with blockchain. Particularly suitable applications for blockchain include the secure exchange of data in the Internet of Things or energy trading. Other possible scenarios can be found in the area of authentication - for example of images, texts or videos. This also offers a way of verifying messages and their sources.
Cebit presents showcases
There are several showcases on blockchain applications at Cebit. For example, SAP is presenting a blockchain-based logistics concept. A digital supply chain will be used to demonstrate the security and efficiency created by origin control. IBM, on the other hand, is demonstrating a blockchain platform that the company intends to offer as a commercial software-as-a-service solution. Together with logistics company Maersk, IBM is developing a digital platform for greater transparency in the transportation of goods. The company is also demonstrating the networking of other technologies with the blockchain.
In an interview, Matthias Hartmann, CEO of IBM Germany, says: "Without trust and security, many opportunities for new value creation will not be exploited at all. [...] This is precisely why blockchain is attracting so much interest - it is a new way to bring security and transparency to transactions and entire business processes." The use of blockchain makes more sense the more partners are involved in a process. It helps to minimize the risk of misuse, fraud or simply errors. Hartmann explains: "Blockchain helps to get these problems under control. And it enables all partners to securely record data on a transaction and share it with each other depending on access authorization."
However, Hartmann does not want to see blockchain as a miracle cure or panacea: "Blockchain offers enormous potential and there is great interest in the market. However, I find it difficult when blockchain is seen as a miracle cure for every challenge. In projects with our customers, we therefore attach great importance to understanding problems and business processes in detail from the outset in order to decide together whether blockchain is actually the best way forward or whether the problem can also be solved with other technologies."
Blockchain is the tool of choice precisely where many networked transactions take place. These are primarily the financial and logistics sectors, but blockchain can also be used in the areas of food safety, energy and administration. At Cebit, there will be many other examples and case studies in addition to those mentioned.
According to material from Deutsche Messe AG / am
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