May 3, 2016

Blockchain just expanded even further

by Francesca Washtell

Blockchain technology has made another inroad into widespread adoption by public services

Credits, a blockchain infrastructure provider, has partnered with Skyscape Cloud Services, a UK cloud services provider, to deliver "Blockchain-as-a-Service" to UK public sector organisations. 

Credits' platform enables organisations "to quickly and easily build robust blockchains" that address the challenges of establishing provenance and authentication faced by many industry sectors, including central and local government, as well as public sector bodies. 

Blockchain is most widely known as the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. It works as a decentralised, secure public ledger of transactions shared by a network of users. As such, it can also be used to store data in other contexts, such as healthcare and other public services. 

Credits has been working in direct partnership with the Isle of Man government on several initiatives – including the first known government service to be run on blockchain, which the company has said attracted increased interest from other government entities as a result.

"We’re seeing a growing number of organisations across industries beginning to explore how blockchain technology can help to streamline or modernise operations, or allow them to offer new, compelling services, and are thrilled to bring Blockchain-as-a-Service technology to the UK public sector in collaboration with Skyscape," Nick Williamson, chief executive and founder of Credits, said.

Simon Hansford, chief executive at Skyscape Cloud Services, said: "We're pleased to be working with Credits to bring new and innovative blockchain solutions to support the digital transformation of public services. The partnership will further benefit our extensive community of partners serving the UK public sector who will now also be able to quickly and easily build robust blockchains."