Blockchain technology may be used as database in Azerbaijan
The application of blockchain technology in Azerbaijan may begin with using it as a database, Maryam Taghiyeva, chief systems architect of the British Center for Citizenship, Enterprise and Governance, has told Trend.
She noted that in fact blockchain is a decentralized database.
“In centralized databases, there is one server and all the information goes into the server even if it is connected to different computers. In blockchain there is no main server. All those who are connected to this network – nodes - have a small copy of information stored in the blockchain. If any of the computers change the information, it changes not only on the computer itself, but on all other nodes too. This is the basic explanation of the security of blockchain, because if someone changes the information in the blockchain, everyone will know about it – absolutely anyone can enter and see the changes,” she said.
Taghiyeva said she believes using blockchain as a database is a simple and convenient solution, as this step does not require special regulation.
“I believe that for the introduction of blockchain technology in Azerbaijan it is necessary to first use it just as a database, learn to work with it, learn all the pros and cons, and only then begin to create something based on this technology. Today, everyone associates blockchain with bitcoin and rejects the technology due to the fact that bitcoin can lead to the growth of the shadow economy. Yes, bitcoin was used and is most likely still used to purchase weapons, drugs and other illegal goods,” she noted.
“Today it is needed to just sit down and study blockchain technology itself. The technology is developing very fast and needs to be explored. The use of blockchain as a database does not require special regulation.”
Besides, blockchain could be used not to create own cryptocurrency but digitize the currency of a particular country, Taghiyeva noted.
The blockchain community’s main problem not only in Azerbaijan, but throughout the world, is currently the shortage of qualified personnel, according to her.
“We have very few of those who know what blockchain is. And the existing knowledge is rather theoretical,” Taghiyeva said, adding she believes it is necessary to first explore this technology better.
Blockchain is a method of storing data or a digital registry of transactions, deals, contracts. Its main distinction and advantage is that the register is not stored in one place but is distributed among thousands of computers worldwide.
Int'l transport potential to reach 50M tons of cargo with Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway: Turkey's Ministry of Transport
The international transport potential with the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway (BTK) will reach 50 million tons of cargo per year, Turkey's Ministry of Transport, Shipping and Communications told Trend.
"BTK will also help both Asia and Europe enter new world markets," the ministry said.
"The BTK railway, the official opening of which will be held in Baku Oct.30, is one of the largest transport projects in the region," the ministry added.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was built on the basis of the Azerbaijani-Georgian-Turkish interstate agreement. The maximum volume of cargo transportation along the BTC corridor is projected at the level of 17 million tons per year. At the initial stage, this indicator will be at the level of 6.5 million tons of cargo. Also up to one million passengers will be transported.