What is Salesforce Blockchain?

What is Salesforce Blockchain?

We were very excited when Salesforce Blockchain was announced at the TrailheaDX event. Now that it's officially part of Salesforce, we'd like to explain to you exactly what it is and what you can do with it.

What is Blockchain?

For businesses, blockchain is a relatively new way of storing data. Blockchain is a unique and secure way of storing data because it consists of a chain of blocks filled with data that are decentralized. That means that the data is stored distributed across different data servers. Simply put, a block within a chain consists of data, a hash (the identity of the block) and a previous hash (the identity of the previous block in the chain). This is also how blocks connect to each other and the reason blockchain is so secure. When you fiddle with a block, the hash of that block changes, breaking the connection to the other blocks and thus leaving you with no blockchain.

Yet another way by which your data is secure with blockchain is because the chain is distributed over a P2P network. Anyone can be part of the chain and when a block is added each device in the chain (node) must verify the block, check that it has not been tampered with, before it is added to the chain. This creates consensus; each node determines which blocks are good and if they are correct within the chain.

Salesforce Blockchain

Salesforce Blockchain is a low-code platform where you can use the blockchain technology within Salesforce. Blockchain allows you to build your own chain and collaborate with partners in a secure way. As with regular blockchain technology, the chain is decentralized and spread across multiple parties, each member can see the data and optionally get a notification when something has been changed or added.

Within Salesforce, it is possible to create blockchain networks, data and apps with clicks instead of code. So Salesforce helps you leverage blockchain data with the capabilities of built-in Salesforce functionalities. Finally, Salesforce Blockchain also helps you share your blockchain with your partners with Lightning Apps or built-in APIs for partners who do not use Salesforce.

Colin Hammer

Colin Hamer is a Software Engineer at CaseNine. He is responsible for various Salesforce projects at clients.