Integrating AI and blockchain technologies in the enterprise
The future of converging AI and blockchain
Several experiments are being undertaken on building new waves of digital solutions where AI and blockchains can co-exist to deliver optimal solutions that enable faster decision making and provide the desired transparency to all stakeholders. Some companies have already released products and commercial solutions offering the convergence of both technologies to consumers and enterprise businesses.
It is important we understand that this convergence is just beginning, as we are yet to explore the best of AI techniques to blend with viable blockchain and decentralized storage networks.
In the following diagram, I have provided a general representation of the hybrid solution architecture of a DIApp:
Fig 9.1: Reference solution architecture for a DIApp
The preceding diagram is a pictorial representation of reference architecture for the majority of DIApp solutions. I have identified all the major resources and stakeholders involved in the solution across five layers. I have depicted this in a layered format, similar to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model to provide an understanding of the concept. We have understood how to use several blockchain platforms and AI techniques in Chapter 8, Implementing DIApps. In this chapter, we are presenting the same knowledge in terms of a solution involving all common stakeholders and major technical components.
OSI is a network model conceptualized in the late 1970s. It was published Before we explore the real-world challenges, let’s understand all five layers of the solution architecture from the preceding diagram.
These layers are as follows:
- Application layer: The application layer consists of end users and client software installed on mobiles, laptops, and devices. Users will sign transactions through the middleware and access data through reporting tools from the presentation layer. The application layer also represents a wider range of deployment facilities, and administration of the DIApp through special tools such as an Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Presentation layer: The presentation layer consists of backend functionalities manifested in the clients, which are not visible to end users. This layer includes all the supporting tools and software required to enable blockchain functionalities in an application such as signing a transaction, propagating a signed transaction, and receiving results. The layer also contains tools required to enable AI-related functionalities that can help users gain insights from the application, such as visualization and reporting.
- Network layer: As the name suggests, the network layer consists of service networks consisting of blockchain validator nodes running a software bundle designated for verifying user transactions and blocks formed Now that we understand the reference architecture in granular detail, let’s go through some of the real-world challenges in the following sections. I will be providing ideas in these sections and you can use them to build POCs.