Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) Platforms Comparison - AWS vs Azure vs IBM
Blockchain technology has been around for a while now and continues to make a significant impact in various industries. With the increasing demand for blockchain-based solutions, vendors have started offering Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) on their cloud platforms. AWS, Azure, and IBM are the big players in the cloud infrastructure market. In this article, we will compare their BaaS platforms.
AWS Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)
AWS launched its blockchain service in 2018. AWS Blockchain-as-a-Service is built on Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric. AWS offers two blockchain tools - Amazon Managed Blockchain and Amazon Quantum Ledger Database (QLDB).
Amazon Managed Blockchain is a fully managed service that simplifies the creation and management of scalable blockchain networks using popular open-source frameworks like Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric. Amazon QLDB is a fully managed ledger database that provides transparent, immutable, and cryptographically verifiable transaction log.
Azure Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)
Microsoft Azure has been providing its Blockchain-as-a-Service since 2015. Azure BaaS supports multiple blockchain protocols, including Ethereum, Corda, and Hyperledger Fabric. Azure's blockchain service allows developers to quickly set up, deploy, and manage blockchain networks using tools and templates.
Azure's blockchain service is customizable, allowing developers to implement their own consensus protocols and Smart Contract models. Azure Blockchain-as-a-Service supports both public and private blockchain networks as well.
IBM Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)
IBM was one of the first companies to launch its BaaS platform in 2017. IBM Blockchain Platform includes a built-in development environment that supports Hyperledger Fabric, an open-source blockchain platform. IBM's BaaS is suitable for companies looking to build enterprise blockchain solutions.
IBM's BaaS also provides integration with its AI and IoT tools through IBM Watson and IoT platform, respectively. IBM's blockchain services are secure and trusted, with transparency and immutability as their guiding principles.
Comparison
| Feature | AWS | Azure | IBM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blockchain Protocols | Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric | Ethereum, Corda, and Hyperledger Fabric | Hyperledger Fabric |
| Scalability | High | High | High |
| Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pay-as-you-go | Pay-as-you-go |
| Smart Contract | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Customer Support | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Performance | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Integration | Limited | Extensive | Extensive |
| Security | High | High | Very High |
Conclusion
AWS, Azure, and IBM all offer robust BaaS platforms. The choice of the platform will depend on the organization's specific requirements. Organizations that require advanced AI and IoT integration may want to consider IBM, while those with more scalability requirements may consider Azure. AWS, on the other hand, provides a more straightforward blockchain experience, making it suitable for companies without the requirement for extensive customization.
We hope this unbiased comparison of the BaaS platforms by AWS, Azure, and IBM will help you choose the best platform for your enterprise blockchain solutions.