IBM and Oracle, even though they are rivals, have come together to work on the innovation of the interoperability of their Blockchain networks through Fabric.
It is well known to all that IBM and Oracle are eternal rivals among the world’s largest IT companies. But now, through Fabric, they have come together to work on the innovation of the interoperability of each other’s Blockchain networks.
IBM and Oracle are both clear that Blockchain interoperability is paramount to the sustainability of distributed networks. Therefore, it is connected to their ability to interact and integrate.
Basically, if an user on Blockchain Network A sends data to a user on Blockchain Network B, the recipient can read it, understand it, and reply without any challenge.
Beginnings of the IBM – Oracle union
The initiative to join forces started just before the first Global Hyperledger Forum in Basel, Switzerland in late 2018. There, the two came together to discuss how the Hyperledger Fabric application-based client use cases, and how these issues could be addressed. Also, the need of business confidentiality, and how they access control integrations for specific authorizations.
What does it comprise?
To some extent, it’s about making Blockchain nodes run on both IBM and Oracle clouds. In addition, it opens the door to connect the consortiums of companies grouped on the two platforms. Ultimately, the technical aspects include solving the exchange of information through networks in a format that the other party can interpret.
Currently, individual Blockchain ecosystems cannot communicate with each other. For this reason, many projects adopt interoperability in their systems by creating a platform that allows multiple Blockchains to communicate efficiently. Furthermore, these networks will eliminate the need for an intermediary.
Who integrates the joint venture?
The Oracle Blockchain consortium, along CargoSmart Global Shipping Business Network, integrate it. GSBN includes carriers such as CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping Lines, and Hapag-Lloyd. They also do it through Fabric.
On the other hand, IBM and Maersk also have CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd as members. Along with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Ocean Network Express, they run on the Fabric-based IBM Blockchain platform.
Both consortia also include a range of shipping ports worldwide, as well as the freight forwarding companies. This means that, potentially, any step towards harmonizing these projects has an enormous value for industry participants.
IBM and Oracle goals
Creating consortia is a difficult job. Consequently, it’s no surprising that tech providers want to protect the big names on their platforms.
That is why the Blockchain teams at IBM, Oracle and SAP, have decided to collaborate to have the best result. They are also quite optimistic about creating harmony between companies participating in different Fabric deployments. Robust interoperability would provide users with an improved and easy experience.
