Key Takeaways
- Framework Utility: Hyperledger Burrow provided a robust framework for implementing smart contracts in a permissioned blockchain environment, catering specifically to enterprise needs.
- Consensus Mechanism: It was built around a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus algorithm, promoting scalability and efficiency in business applications.
- Origins and Sunset: Originally emerging as ErisDB by Monax in 2014, Hyperledger Burrow was a vital part of the Hyperledger ecosystem before its sunset in May 2022.
Understanding Hyperledger Burrow
Hyperledger Burrow represented a pivotal moment in blockchain technology, specially crafted for businesses needing secure, scalable smart contract solutions. Unlike the public chains like Bitcoin or Ethereum, Burrow focused on reducing operational costs and latency, which are typical issues in open blockchains.
Launched by the Linux Foundation’s Hyperledger community in 2015, Burrow attracted substantial enterprise interest, including big names like IBM and Intel, integrally pushing forward the narrative of blockchain beyond just cryptocurrencies.
How Hyperledger Burrow Worked
At the heart of Hyperledger Burrow was the implementation of a permissioned Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This specialized EVM allowed Burrow to interact seamlessly with Ethereum-based contracts while maintaining the privacy and efficiency of a permissioned blockchain model. It served as a critical junction point, enabling interoperability and complex business functionalities.
Hyperledger Burrow Abandoned
Despite its early promise and development, Hyperledger Burrow encountered challenges, particularly pertaining to broad adoption and technological integration with the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape. It anticipated a connection with Ethereum’s mainnet through a two-way peg, aiming to enable fluid token and data transfers. However, these innovations did not fully materialize before the project’s cessation.
Is Hyperledger Really a Blockchain?
Yes, Hyperledger refers to an umbrella project facilitating multiple blockchain and distributed ledger technologies with a primary focus on enterprise solutions. Unlike more public, decentralized blockchains like Bitcoin, Hyperledger aims to cater to specific business needs with tailored, permissioned networks.
Why Is Hyperledger Better Than Ethereum?
The comparison hinges on application context. While Ethereum serves a broad audience, offering a global platform for decentralized applications, Hyperledger fine-tunes its blockchain services for exclusive, enterprise-oriented use. This specialization often dictates preference based on the privacy, compliance, and scalability requirements of businesses.
The Bottom Line
Hyperledger Burrow’s journey underscores a unique chapter in enterprise blockchain development, highlighting both the potential and limitations of adapting public chain technologies for commercial use. Although Hyperledger Burrow itself has been shelved, its lessons and aspirations continue to percolate through other ongoing Hyperledger projects.
Related Terms
- Hyperledger Fabric: A platform for developing applications and solutions with a modular architecture.
- Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): The component that executes smart contract code in the Ethereum network.
- Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT): A property of a system that allows it to continue functioning even if some of the nodes fail or act maliciously.
Suggested Further Reading
- “Mastering Blockchain” by Imran Bashir - A comprehensive guide to the concepts, technologies, and implementations of blockchain.
- “Blockchain for Business” by Jai Singh Arun, Jerry Cuomo, & Nitin Gaur - A pragmatic exploration into how varied industries can leverage blockchain for strategic advantages.
Hyperledger Burrow, although now relegated to the annals of blockchain history, remains a noteworthy experiment in the evolution of distributed ledger technologies for business applications.
