Microsoft rolls out update for its IT infra designed for building apps using blockchain

Redmond-headquartered tech firm Microsoft in a blogpost said that it is rolling out its Azure Blockchain Workbench 1.7.0 update to accelerate development of distributed ledger-based solutions.

"Blockchain Workbench helps with building the scaffolding needed on top of a blockchain network to quickly iterate and develop blockchain solutions. Workbench 1.7.0 enables you to easily deploy the Azure Blockchain Service directly with Workbench," Brenda Lee, programme manager, Microsoft Azure, said. 

Lee also said that the new update of Workbench will also work with the Quorum blockchain network, which is a distributed ledger platform built by Microsoft in partnership with JPMorgan. 

Last year, the Windows maker had added a new Ethereum-based feature called Proof-of-Authority (PoA) to its Azure cloud platform as part of efforts to further leverage its use of blockchain technology.

The development came after Microsoft tasted success with an earlier project, named Proof-of-Work (PoW), that was also based on the Ethereum platform.

Ethereum is an open-source, blockchain-based distributed computing platform and operating system featuring smart contract functionality. Ether is a cryptocurrency whose blockchain is generated by the Ethereum platform. 

Reportedly, Google’s cloud business unit is working on a new blockchain platform to support its products and counter competition from emerging engineering startups. 

The Mountain View-headquartered company is expected to apply its blockchain tech to guarantee data security and integrity to its cloud storage customers.