Fujitsu Developing Blockchain for Data
Fujitsu, a Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, is developing a new blockchain-based software for securely exchanging data. The new software will be demonstrated at Interop Tokyo 2017, to be held at Makuhari Messe from June 7th to 9th.
The software is based on the Hyperledger Fabric, a consortium-type blockchain, and was created by developing proprietary smart contracts executed on the blockchain. By developing the software, the company aims to promote interchanges of data accumulated by various organizations and companies.
The new system was developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. and based on Fujitsu Virtual Private Digital Exchange Technology that can apply blockchain to control access to distributed data. The technology enables registrations of data attribute information and ID information based on where the data is stored. At the same time, it manages the access control policy in order to limit users who can obtain the data. Moreover, the system automatically handles data exchange between the provider and users based on the policy set in advance.
The software will offer three core features for data handling on the blockchain. Features of this software include:
- Registrations of data attribute information and ID information based on where the data is stored: Data providers can record attribute information (for example, type and element of data) and ID information linked with data storage on the blockchain’s distributed ledger, while the data remains where it is stored. That is, users can easily search for data according to the attribute information recorded in the distributed ledger. They can also obtain ID information for the data. Data providers do not need to allow users to download the data directly from where it is stored. Instead, they encrypt the data and send it to users who initially provide their ID information. This enables secure data sharing.
- Access policy management for each dataset: When registering information on the blockchain, data providers can manage the access policy for each data set. This enables the providers to selectively disclose information to those who are granted access to the distributed ledger.
- Automated processes from data request to transmission: This software features smart contracts which enables efficient data exchange. Smart contracts will automatically execute a series of processes after the data has been requested, from access authorization to transmission of data.
The company said it will expand the software, with the goal of commercializing it as part of the Fujitsu Network Virtuora series during fiscal 2017.
