Concluding thoughts and outlook for the future of the technology. For Chapter 1 (Introduction), see "https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135021" https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135021. For Chapter 2 (Means of Exchange: Ever-present Competition), "https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135028"...

In this chapter, we discuss economic aspects of cryptocurrencies. 4.1. The double spending problem 4.2. How does Bitcoin work? Brief overview 4.3. Not the first one – predecessors of Bitcoin 4.4. Problems with Bitcoin (new challenges) 4.5. Competition against other crypto-currencies 4.6....

In this chapter, we analyze digital currencies issued by Internet platforms. We use examples of Facebook Credits, Amazon Coins, World of Warcraft gold and Linden dollars to illustrate how designing the features of digital currencies allows the platforms to enhance their business model. 3.1....

In this chapter, we present the history of money in the light of ever-present competition between means of payment. 2.1. The medium of exchange – historical overview 2.2. What roles does money serve? 2.3. Competing money 2.3.1. Coexistence is costly 2.3.2. Network effects 2.3.3. The difficulty...

Concluding thoughts and outlook for the future of the technologies affording digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and smart contracts. For Chapter 1 (Introduction), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135021. For Chapter 2 (Means of Exchange: Ever-present Competition), see...

In this chapter we discuss the use of blockchain technology for enterprises, including governments. 7.1. Distributed database: what is it and what for? 7.2. Limitation of Bitcoin’s blockchain for enterprise use. 7.3. Consensus for permissioned distributed systems. 7.4. Enterprise blockchain...

In this chapter we discuss smart contracts and functionalities they afford, especially in combination with blockchain. 6.1. The rise of Ethereum. 6.1.1. History. 6.1.2. Ethereum is “different”. 6.2. Smart contracts. 6.2.1. Smart contracts on Ethereum. 6.2.2. What do smart contracts need a...

Introduction -- Means of exchange: Ever present competition -- Platform-based currencies -- Bitcoin and arrival of Cryptocurrencies -- The Rich Landscape of Crypto -- Smart conrtacts and Blockchain -- Enterprise Blockchains -- Future full of Possibilities.

Digital currencies are a fairly new phenomenon brought about by the spectacular rise of the internet. While Bitcoin is the most famous, there are numerous other digital currencies-from Amazon Coin to Zetacoin. Beyond Bitcoin explores the economic forces underlying the design of their features...