Best Automation Testing Tools

Automation testing means evaluating the software programs and running execution of test cases automatically, thus producing test results without any human intervention. It is one step ahead of man-made testing. It saves physical efforts and helps in saving time up to a great extent and it also leaves no or very less scope for errors in testing.

Once set for running, automated tests can be run any number of times to test the same application, thus minimizing redundant physical work of humans.

In this post, we have outlined 6 automation software testing tools that can greatly increase your productivity.

 The most popular automation testing tools are:

1. Selenium

Selenium is an automation source tool which is used for automating the tests for business carried out on web browsers. Since Selenium is open-source and is free, there is no licensing cost involved, which is a major advantage over other testing tools. 

 Other reasons behind Selenium’s ever-growing popularity are:

1. In any programming language, its script can be written: Java, Python, C#, PHP, Ruby, Perl &.Net.
2. Tests can be solved on any of these OS: Windows, Mac or Linux.
3. Tests can be solved using any browser: Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari or Opera.
4. It can be used to test a web application.
5. There is no reporting facility in selenium but we can overcome this problem by integrating it with frameworks like TestNG or JUnit.

2. Test Complete

Test Complete is a functional automated testing platform developed by Smart Bear. The software completely gives testers the ability to create automated tests. It runs on Microsoft Windows, Web, Android (Operating system), and iOS applications. Tests can be recorded, solved and manually created with keyword-driven operations and used for automated playback and error logging.

Test Complete contains three modules:

1. Desktop
2. Web
3. Mobile

Each of the above modules contains functionality for creating automated tests on that specialized platform. Test Complete is used for testing different applications, different types of computer tools including Web, Windows, Android, iOS, WPF, HTML5, Flash, Flex, Silverlight, .NET, VCL and JAVA. It performs functional testing and back-end testing like database testing.

It helps in creating, executing and making automated text across the desktop, web, and mobile applications easy, speedy, and cost-effective.  Some of the key features of it are:-

1. Industry-leading object recognition.
2. Support of 7 different scripting languages.
3. The ability to record robust-automated tests without scripting knowledge.

3. QMetry Automation Studio

QMetry Automation Studio leverages an open-source test automation framework like Selenium and Opium to bring structure, efficiency, and reliability to your automated testing efforts. This studio enables advanced automation with coded automation and allows manual testers to transition into automated testing easily with script-less automation.

The management supports typical testing scenarios like mobile barcode scanning, touch ID, location spoofing and many more. As a result, QMetry Automation Studio is well-suited for micro-services type application with various complex components for automated testing.

QMetry is tailor-made for agile testing and develops teams to deliver better quality software faster, with confidence. It simplifies the creation, maintenance, and management of test libraries and seamlessly integrates with major platforms.

4. Testim.io

Testim.io leverages machine learning for the authoring, execution, and maintenance of automated test business cases. They use dynamic locators and learn with every execution. The result is very fast authoring and through constant tests, the platform learns and eliminates the need to continually maintain tests with every code change.

Testis, a Heavy bit portfolio company, has dual offices in San Francisco and Israel (R&D) and is backed by Spider Capital (A purify, Pager Duty), Foundation Capital and other U.S. based investors.

Testim.io effectively removes the falseness of the automation suites and is committed to helping engineering teams in making application testing autonomous and integrative to their agile development cycle.

Testis’ self-learning tests adapt to code changes, eliminating a big portion of maintenance overhead. Organizations which are using it spend more of their efforts on developing new functionality as opposed to testing, without compromising quality.

5. Cypress

Cypress tests are used to test anything that runs in a browser. The Cypress test runner is formed to handle modern JavaScript frameworks as well. We have hundreds of projects using the latest frameworks like React, Angular, etc. It also works equally well on server-applied applications. It records test-runs in continuous relation so that you can understand failures and share results with your team.

Cypress has one of the best design principles which include packaging and bundling everything together to make the entire end-to-end testing experience really pleasant and simple for developers. It is open source with paid features. This test runner is everything that we can do on our local computers. It takes a different approach since it’s actually executed in the same run loop as our applications. This will let you natively access every single object without having to deal with object serialization or over-the-wire products.

6. HP Quality Center Enterprise (QC)

Integrated quality management software is one which helps you to standardize testing, engineer for enhancement, and fixes problems to improve quality. It delivers applications fast with confidence and courage. It provides a comprehensive, unified, and extensible software quality platform.

You can implement your entire quality and logistic testing and establish consistent, repeatable processes for managing all aspects of software quality. This extraordinary, unified platform helps you possess a complete IT quality management infrastructure, establish consistent, repeatable processes and applies the best practices for all business applications.

Assets sharing and reusability allowed HP quality center enterprise to deliver bug-free and reliable applications. It helps to maintain consistent QA procedures across the application lifecycle by standardizing testing. Thus, the integrated approach of HP quality center helps to monitor performance, fix defects, and reduce making costs.

Thus these are some very powerful and reliable automation testing software tools that you can use for your business applications. Aim for shorter development cycles with automated testing.

The best JS frameworks for Front End & Back End applications.

Are you on your way to create a remarkable web application?

If yes, then probably choosing the right and best JavaScript framework will be the toughest task on your list currently. Whether to choose AngularJS or Node JS or React JS might be giving you sleepless nights.

There are several parameters to consider before making the decision like maturity, size, features, interoperability, dependencies, etc. Without in-depth knowledge, this is a difficult choice.

In this blog, we have laid out the comparison between these three JavaScript frameworks for your reference.

1) AngularJS

Angular JS is a client-side web framework launched in 2009 by Google. It was aimed to resolve issues in creating single page application faced by angular developers. With a large support community, it has an extensibility feature and can work well with several libraries.

Reasons why AngularJS is recommended:

1) User interface

AngularJS has the plus point of using HTML for defining web app’s user interface. HTML is less fragile to recognize and also it is a declarative language. Overall it offers simplification of web development process in which you just need to define what you want.

2)  Flexibility

Web app development is made flexible with the use of directives and filters. The benefit of using directives is that they bring functionality to HTML rather than manipulating the DOM. Filters, on the other hand, are standalone functions that are separate from the app. Still, they take care of data transformations.

3)  Testing

Unit testing in AngularJS is done by injecting mock data and then measuring the output. This is a completely different way of testing web apps in which individual test pages are created.

Let’s go over the technical aspects for choosing AngularJS over others:

Advantages of AngularJS

• Easily testable framework
• Data synchronization is done automatically between the components and model view
• Vast Angular libraries
• Inbuilt dependency injection subsystem
• Simple routing
• Angular Data binding
• Marvelous UI design
• Customized Document Object Model can be created easily
• It provides strong template building solutions

Drawbacks of choosing Angular JS

• DOM elements come with performance issues
• Limited Routing offered
• Scopes are difficult to debug
• Angular gets slow with pages embedding interactive elements
• Third party integration is very complex
• The learning curve is steep

For more detailed information on Angular JS, here is a guide on Angular JS to help you understand the javascript framework better.

2) ReactJS

ReactJS is more of an open-source JavaScript library rather than a framework. With this, astonishing UI can be built with good rendering performance. React is more dependent on ‘view’ in the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture. It was launched to resolve the rendering issues of large datasets in JavaScript frameworks.

Reasons why ReactJS is recommended:

1)  SEO Effective

ReactJS can be easily run on the server and then a virtual DOM will be rendered which will return to the browser as a web page. This a benefit because search engines find it hard to read JS-heavy apps which is the main issue with JS frameworks.

2)  Excellent efficiency

ReactJS generates its own virtual DOM and also it takes care of all the changes to made in the DOM and any updates in the DOM tree. For gaining a good performance it is a great and flexible approach.

Here are the other pros and cons of React JS:

Advantages of React JS

• It offers faster updates
• Importing components is relatively very easy
• With ReactJS you can reuse the code
• JS debugging is smooth
• It has easy learning API and smooth interface designs  
• Fully component based architecture

Drawbacks of React JS

• The learning curve is steep
• It is not a framework and just a library
• Flux architectures
• If you integrate React into an MVC framework, some configurations would be required

3) NodeJS

NodeJS is a server rather than a framework which is powered by Google Chrome V8 JavaScript engine. It executes JavaScript on the server side. Its main application is done for simplifying development of complex applications.

Reasons why NodeJS is recommended:

1)  Server-side proxy

NodeJS can handle numerous simultaneous connections in a non-blocking manner as it can be used as a server-side proxy. Mainly it is used when you want to proxy different services with varying response times.

2)  NPM

NPM(Node Package Manager) comes by default with your Node.js installation and gives support for package management. NPM’s concept is similar to Ruby Gems. The most popularly used NPM modules are:

• Mongojs and MongoDB
• connect
• moment
• bluebird
• pug
• socket.io and sockjs

Here are the other pros and cons of NodeJS:

Advantages of NodeJS

• The same piece of code is shared with both client and server side
• Big files can be easily streamed
• NPM has already become deep and rising at a fast rate
• Simple to learn
• Large support community

Drawbacks of Node JS

• Not scalable because one CPU is not sufficient to take advantage of multiple tasks
• Deep understanding of JavaScript is required to work with NodeJS
• Relational database issues
• Particularly suited for web servers and not meant for CPU-intensive tasks
• Nested callbacks

Summing up

All the above-mentioned JavaScript frameworks enjoy their own fame and are widely used across the world. They are advanced and deliver high performance. The major factor that will affect the choice of JavaScript framework is your business needs and desired app goals.

ReactJS requires you to write less code and perform more. Also, ReactJS is better than AngularJS when it comes to performance.

But AngularJS is a fully featured framework and ReactJS is just a library. AngularJS has a vibrant and large community support while React is just in the inception stage.

On the other hand, Nodejs is mainly created to build scalable and fast network apps. It is simply a JS runtime which is fast and lightweight.

We hope that this helps in the decision you are about to make.

At GoodWorkLabs, we have an excellent team of JavaScript developers who can bring great value to your project. Let us help you with your next project, contact us here.

Importance of Data Cleanups

Cyber attacks have cost millions in lost revenues to companies worldwide. By abiding to clean and consistent cyber hygiene methods you can save yourself from a world of hassle. For companies, it has become mandatory to training employees to maintain cyber hygiene and better the company’s overall defenses against cyber attacks.

Why does data cleanup matter?

Everyone today is connected to the internet. One does not necessarily need to belong to the IT industry to understand basic IT terminologies. But what people who are outside the IT terminology do not understand is the nuances of online cybersecurity. Being unknown to the triviality of it makes them vulnerable to hackers all the more.

Cleaning up after we access the networks we use is mandatory in a world that is so highly digitalized. You just never know when the smallest bit of information that falls into the wrong hands could wreak havoc for you.

What does it mean to do data cleanups?

Cyber hygiene improves cybersecurity and that is an undeniable fact in the IT fraternity. For many organizations out there, this would mean organizing hardware and devices, installing protective software or creating formal frameworks for handling online information without leaving traces behind.

Hackers have it easy when you leave your computers, or any device for that matter, logged in to important websites. These websites could be the ones you visit often like your bank account, your office’s main files, account and balance sheets. Keeping your account logged in without having any security around it leaves you at the risk of hackers to attack and retrieve important information.

What steps to take in data clean-ups?

To stay on your guard and ensure the safety of your data, you can use these simple hacks:

1. Remove files in history/downloads

Cleaning up your data from a device is important. This includes the files you download for whatever purpose such as a soft copy of your important documents. You would not want your device to be hacked into and those important documents reaching wrong hands.

It is similar to using a temporary place to stay. You have to tidy up after leaving and opt to be careful about leaving important stuff behind. This way, you won’t have a tough time to deal with breaches later on.

2. Logging off

Experts suggest that logging off from your accounts or securing them with smart locks is one way to keep hackers at pay. Two-way verification systems ensure that no unwarranted entrant is allowed into your account.

3. Use secure channels to browse the net

Vigilance on your end is to be maintained at all times. You are on the net round the clock. You, therefore, need to be mindful of where you log in. Also, you need to be careful about how secure the sites and their credentials are before you feed in vitally personal information.

To sign off

When it comes to online presence, one’s security is their own hands. Leaving no scope for hackers to move in is what cyber hygiene ensures. By maintaining regular cyber hygiene in the form of data cleanups ensures there is no storage of excess cache and cookies. This leaves malware and hackers zero room to function. This only goes to add to your defenses making your stint against online privacy invasion a formidable one.

Importance of IoT Privacy and Security

Digitisation is great. It has managed to make the world a smaller place. You feel more connected to people who would not be near you. But is all this connectivity safe for you? Have you weighed the implications of trusting IoT products with the risks that come with sharing private digital information?

How secure is the information in an IoT-connected world?

In a world made small by digitization, how secure is your information really? Privacy is a space you call your own. For your own safety, you need to protect information that is personal to you online. Making them public could lead to disastrous consequences for you and those associated with you.

Privacy also is a subjective concept, on a human level. What one considers to be private information would not necessarily be considered so by another person. This “user-defined limit” to sharing data online is based on the trust in a certain system or its privacy settings in particular. Privacy provisions and trust are the important determinants of how much personal information can be shared.

Privacy and IoT

As you would know, trust is a major factor when it comes to sharing information over the Internet. And as IoT is getting more and more devices connected, more and more people are having connections with companies, the government, conglomerates, etc.

There are an endless string of tools that help in data gathering – sensors, devices, data generated from IP devices, machines that analyze collected cache and cookies and many more. Connecting more IoT-supporting devices increases the threat to your personal data. It becomes more vulnerable to a breach. One cannot connect to IoT devices without lowering defense protocols.

How to protect your privacy in such a vulnerable digital setting?

1. Change your default admin password

Usually, your internet administration password is just “admin” or “1234”. Changing this to something more complex with alphanumerics passwords and symbols will make it harder for hackers to get through.

2. Set up numerous network IDs

Routers these days enable the user to set up numerous Ids. To build up a secure fence, set up networks for your computer, your printer, and other such computing devices. Also, create a separate SSID for your additional devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs. This is to restrict hackers to one network only, in case they break through.

3. Encryption

Against privacy invasion, encryption is your best bet. It is the strongest tool against online theft. Using strong, multifaceted passwords that are hard to decipher goes a long way toward securing your devices.

4. Setting up firewalls

Setting up a firewall is one of the best ways to keep malware and hackers at bay. Though they cannot protect against all sorts of attacks, a firewall can at least fend off backdoor attempts. Firewalling your smartphones and smartwatches should be a mandate in today’s day and age.

5. Connect to trusted Wi-Fi spots only

Free Wi-Fi spots are tempting. However, resisting this temptation is a must. You can easily walk into a mess, which is nothing but a trap laid for you by hackers. When you are on-the-go, only connect to trusted and secure Wi-Fi hotspots only.

Keeping these simple techniques in mind can make you resistant to a load of malware attacks online in an IoT-connected world.

Influence of Data Science on Web Development

The whole ideology behind technology is that it is subject to constant change. It has to be dynamic so as to pave way for something more optimized, beneficial, and less demanding. It is an inevitable path of progress, which has undoubtedly led us to where we are right now. The internet has been one of the turning points of this century. Its implications via technologies like data science are rippling through every sector conceivable including web development.

Enter the concept of data science in web development

Our reliance on web apps has increased over the years. This is because of the ease and convenience they bring to us in the long run. Web apps are software-applications that run with the help of the internet. They do things for you so that you can cut down on doing them manually.

So far, web apps have had a certain way of functioning. Apps were based on focus groups, surveys, and specific educated guesses. This would help programmers have an idea what the masses want. But this traditional method of web app development is soon going to belong to the archived files of modern day technological history.

Developers now have zettabytes of data at their disposal, owing to IoT (Internet of Things). People are constantly plugged in to the net and this generates data every second of every minute. This generated data is carefully analysed which then transforms into precious insights that can be acted upon. Here are some ways applying data science would transform web development for the better

1. Software production

Traditionally, which is also how things happen currently, a software development programmer would decide what goes on in the app menu, based on his or her understanding of what the users would like and appreciate. Data science, on the other hand, would generate data from similar apps and would then suggest what seems to be opted by the users more. Imagine it to be the Autocomplete feature going industrial, in terms of web development.

2. Upgrades would be automatic

Upgrades would no longer be something commanded by a team of programmers. Machine learning would compile the data generated by users using a certain app and introduce version upgrades as and when it seems appropriate. It is like the app learns from you and betters itself to help you better.

3. Personalization to the max

Apps will now have a more accurate AI (Artificial Intelligence) system integrated into its functionality. This would mean that your apps understand you better. Already, your smartphone gives you suggestions based on your location, previous searches, past likes, etc.

Your apps will now interact with you in a more customized manner as it will learn, based on the information collected from the other apps. How users use an app and would contribute to how you use it and the data generated from your usage would improve your user experience even further.

4. Foreseeing the impact

It is hard to estimate how far-reaching the impact of Data science would be in our day to day lives, but one thing remains of certainty that nothing would be the same as it is now. Factors like speed and functionality and security would perhaps remain the same, but what would be interesting to see is how an app ends up adapting to your interests.

These are some of the interesting ways in which data science is expected to transform the web development sector.

Blockchain Technology and Data Security

When it comes to security, computers have never been considered as the most reliable ones. Someone always finds a way to gain access into your computer and misuse the data. This is where blockchains make their entry. In simple terms, a blockchain is an ever expanding list of blocks or records which are connected and secured with cryptographic methods.

Blockchains are used to share precious data over a secure medium. They store data with advanced mathematics and software that are not very easy for hackers to invade.

Let us understand why blockchains are considered secure. In a bitcoin blockchain, the data that is shared contains information about all the bitcoins that have been mined. This can be referred to as an accounting ledger which is stored as a number of copies on a computer network called ‘nodes’. Each time there is a transaction, the nodes ensure that it is a valid one. Valid transactions are added to the other blocks.

Why can blockchain security be considered as hack-proof?

This technology is considered secure with respect to two things:

• Cryptographic fingerprint (hash) assigned to blocks which are unique to them
• The process of sharing history on a network by the nodes also called ‘consensus protocol’.

Generating a hash is time and energy consuming. It involves a huge amount of computational power to earn a bitcoin. It acts as a seal too, because if the block is modified, a new hash is created. Hash verification is easily done by the nodes and the blockchain is updated.

Another feature is that hashes are the links in a blockchain. Each block carries its predecessor block’s hash. When an entry in the ledger has to be modified, a new hash needs to be calculated for all blocks. This has to be accomplished at a lightning speed or else other nodes will keep adding blocks. To achieve this, supercomputers much powerful than all the nodes put together are needed. Else, the added blocks will interfere with the existing ones and nodes would reject them. This process makes the blockchains secure, theoretically.

Any technology is subject to loopholes. Hackers have innovative ways to break into blockchains. There are ways to destabilize a blockchain and a hacker can control a node’s transactions by tricking it. There have been certain cryptocurrency hacks, in recent times where hackers have invaded the e-wallets. But hacking onto a blockchain is not worth the trouble. Since it is very expensive and consumes tons of computational power.

In conclusion, blockchain technology is indeed sturdy, private and secure. You cannot ignore it since it solves enormous problems everywhere, including businesses. After rigid testing practices in pilot cases and by governments and companies, blockchains have proved to be tremendously secure. Institutions everywhere are fast adopting it for their day to day transactions. The advantages are far more significant than the risks it poses. All systems are vulnerable in a world of technology.  Blockchains are still in the nascent stage and have a long way to go to achieve tamperproof perfection.

What You Need to Know About the New Google Assistant Update

As if we weren’t short of surprises this year particularly from the tech industry, Google made an announcement that could very well be the most pleasant one so far this year. At the Google I/O conference 2018 held this week, CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the Google Assistant will be getting major updates. And the updates are major indeed with several AI based application that could make life a ‘breeze’ for all you couch potatoes out there. Anyway, let us have a look at the updates that are soon going to hit the market.

Source: crowdfundingheadlines.com

Google Duplex

Speaking of couch potatoes, here is an update that is for the ages which could make that expression a literal one soon. The Google Duplex is an AI tool that will be assisting you with real world tasks all accomplished through the phone without you having to move an inch. With the ability to understand natural speech and complex sentences, the google assistant can now book appointments, reservations or orders and should any complication arise it will place a call to have a conversation with the concerned person and get it done. Which, while on the surface seems swell and all, but in the ‘real world’ when have we ever convinced a snooty receptionist at a fully booked hotel to make room. Maybe, Google should add the Jedi mind trick as part of their update if they haven’t already. ‘These are not the reservations you’re looking for’. Anyway, without digressing further, the application has to be trained in such conversations to become accustomed to and eventually become adept at it. And Google stresses that the application can only carry out conversations based on such scenarios and not answer questions like ‘why won’t my girlfriend talk to me anymore? I only made an observation about her dress’. For that, you still have to go to Quora.com.

Enhanced Interface

Google is also planning on changing the interface of the Google assistant on both iOS and Android platforms to make it more informative and interactive. A certain degree of automation will be available in the interface as well with timeline-based snapshots, suggestions, summaries of activities etc. being part of the order. All your planner based details from various applications will also be integrated to the assistant. As announced earlier this year Google’s Smart Displays will also be launched later this year which will further enhance the experience.

Google Maps

Google maps will now be integrated with the Google Assistant AI to allow multitasking. Now you can access weather-related information, songs, send text messages and even podcasts for some reason according to news outlets. This raises an interesting question, what are Google’s policies on driving while speaking on the phone? Because, hands-free or not, talking on the phone is something that I assume is frowned upon all the world. As a matter of fact all over India that is an offense punishable by law. So, food for thought?

New Voices

One of the most highlighted features of this update are the 6 new male and female voices. And the most highlighted aspect of these voices is that they are ‘natural sounding’. So instead of that persistent and seemingly strict lady asking you to take a left turn at 100 meters, you get John Legend and no you won’t be getting ‘all of him’, just his voice. Hey, at least now we can have a soothing semi-baritone voice telling ‘All your base are now belong to us’ when the machines take over. And if you think I am exaggerating, John legend himself feels threatened by his AI self. That’s why he felt the need to tweet out ‘Real John Legend > AI John.’ Anyway, the new voices will be playing a huge role in achieving the goals that Google seeks to achieve through Google Duplex. Furthermore, you will no longer have to use the phrases ‘OK Google’ or ‘Hey Google’ to trigger a conversation with the assistant. The new update will enable the assistant to distinguish conversations with others from the ones you make with it. Which again is not necessarily a reassuring prospect.

To sum up the new updates seem to be targeted at enhancing user experience by a huge margin and resolving some of the most infuriating issues people have had over the years with various google assistant functions. As ambitious as it is, the project will take a while to incorporate all these functions and hopefully, it would change our lives for the better.  And the question in everyone’s mind now probably is what is going to happen with Siri?

How industries are reaping benefits from Virtual Reality technology

Virtual Reality technology has provided the much needed visual impetus to have a second look at products or services. It comes as no surprise at how companies these days are vying to incorporate VR tech considering the number of possibilities and the revenue markets this technology opens up.

One of the prime reasons estimated behind the immensely popular VR tech is the freedom it renders to the person using it. You no longer are bound to where the camera angle goes or what your physical environment is. VR has the power to transport you to an altogether new world that transcends the boundaries of the real world.

In this post, you will get to know how and which industries are benefiting from VR.

1. The retail sector

Retail showrooms are all about the glitz and the finesse of visual appeal. How about having something that gives the same impression but at half the cost? VR makes that possible for retail outlets everywhere.

Showrooms can now play to their strengths and display things in every shade possible and offering combination suggestions would not be that difficult a process now.

This would also give retailers an insight into what is it that pleases their customers the most and then make necessary changes.

2. Architecture

The one thing you visualize when you hear the word architecture or architects is them working on huge blue sheets with scales and high-end pens etc. With the insurgence of VR, this would be far less a hassle.

It also allows them to experiment with the various fundamentals of erecting towers by using visual layouts and lighting and discuss the various outcomes of it all. This, in turn, saves building companies a lot as they come to know of problems before the actual construction takes place.

3. Travel & Tourism

Visualising the corners of the world would no longer require going there. And that explains why this technology is a phenomenal boon to travel & tourism companies.

The tourists get to virtually visit the location even before they actually travel there, thus aiding their planning. Tourists can finalize accommodations based on the proximity of where they’d want to stay, what view they’d prefer, etc.

4. Education sector

Out of all the sectors that rely on visualization for accuracy, the education sector would be considered to be the most important. It could be any branch of education for that matter.

From engineering to medicals, from linguistics to humanities to history and even geography. Bringing in VR would aid better understanding and recollection of concepts, thus making learning a wholesome experience.

5. Healthcare

Not only would VR aid learning about the human anatomy, but it would also benefit healing it. Getting to the root cause of the matter would bring in better treatment.

Accurate VR-oriented diagnosis brings about better prognosis and this itself would improve the quality of medicine and healthcare all over the globe. This explains why the value of the virtual reality healthcare market in the U.S. has grown from $525 million (2012) to $976 million (2017).

The benefits that VR technology imparts are multifarious and more than what could be enlisted in one article. It is a wonderful era to live in and VR adds essence to existence.

Blockchain Technology in IoT

The blockchain is rapidly emerging as a hot tech trend. It has the capability to disrupt multiple industry sectors and offer endless possibilities and ventures that were once impossible but now are quite the opposite. It is also promising fruitful outcomes through mergers with other technologies

When it comes to mergers, let’s talk IoT (Internet of Things). The technology that is said to connect every device that consists of an IP address and can receive or transfer information is revolutionary in every perceivable sense. But there are challenges IoT seems to face before changing the face of technology. And if experts are to be believed in this arena, Blockchain seems to have just what it takes to address those issues and get the tech rolling.

Decentralization – a key to IOT and Blockchain merger

One of the major challenges IoT faces is its reliance on centralization. This is done via the server/client model. The problem here is that since all devices are connected through cloud servers, in order for devices to be connected, they have to travel a long, long way even if the devices are at an arm’s length.

Yes, there is no denying the fact that cloud computing has revolutionized the tech industry, but looking at how much of data would be generated in the years to come, this system looks vulnerable to an electronic cloud-burst. It is imperative to find a surefire way to overcome this as industries like Healthcare and other very important aspects of human life will soon depend on IoT for its functioning.

This is where the decentralizing approach to IoT comes in handy, as per tech experts. Decentralizing IoT networks across the billions of devices that constitute IoT overall would ensure the absence of a weak spot. In case there ever would be a single spot of issue, it would still not pose enough threat to the entire network and the network would function just like it always did, without a glitch.

How blockchain helps the cause here?

Blockchain, primarily, is a technology that allows the formation of a distributed network of transactions that would not rely on storing information in central servers but rather function on the shared nodes of a network. Blockchains use cryptography to authenticate and spot out nodes that enable them to safely add transactions.

What’s the best part about blockchains is that it is totally tamper-proof and cannot be messed or manipulated with.

The fascinating bit about this is that the merger of IoT and Blockchains is already making all the news. Being backed by start-ups and corporate tech giants alike, this IoT-Blockchain merger is riding on a high wave.

Companies like Ethereum and Filament are putting the IoT-Blockchain merger to use and are finding some interesting implications of it.

Though there may be a lot counting on IoT to click for the good of all humanity and though Blockchains pose a genuine solution to most of them, it is far too early to say that IoT-Blockchain is the ultimate solution to it all. It isn’t yet the perfect option but it sure is promising. And for the moment, that’s enough to consider.

Blockchain Technology in Life Sciences

In the medical sector, new and innovative therapies keep improving life sciences. However, the same innovation challenges the supply chain. Life science is in a desperate need for authenticated and secure drugs that can become available whenever required.

Why is blockchain a solution?

Blockchain technology has gained an immense level of growth in terms of investment. Experts project that this growth can reach up to a $3 billion market level as we all reach 2025.

Blockchain technology is applicable in almost every step of the supply chain of life science. And at each of those steps, this technology offers a unique benefit.

1. Provenance

Verifying product’s origin point becomes immutable with this technology. Tamper-proof blocks allow the use of digital markers. This way, all the chances of counterfeit product get diminished. Plus, life science supply chain meets every regulatory requirement.

2. Record management

The industry faces a need for extensive documentation. Highly complex records are created and managed, which increases the costs and administrative activities. All these processes can become automatic with this technology. Businesses need smart contracts that include regulations and logic of processing. Hence, all business data can get verified without wasting any time or money.

3. Sensitive data security

Access control is also possible with this technology. Networks act according to incorporated rules and restrict access to critical medical information. Hence, authorities know who accesses certain information and when. This can become a great advantage for healthcare consumers as well, who want to keep their health records confidential.

4. Managing internal process

There is a huge list of internal processes that life science companies have to manage. Tracking products, transactions, and factory operations are a few major internal processes. All in all, companies have to concentrate on their products in different steps such as raw material collection, packaging as well as labeling.

Choosing this technology can integrate each and every process spread across systems. Companies can skip multiple reconciliations and track everything with the help of a single ledger. This ledger will be available to every authoritative body. So, no need to hassle.

5. Multi-party collaboration

Collaboration is the most valuable property of this technology. Hence, clinical trial officers, trial sponsors, and multiple regulators can access and share data at the same time. A secure and shareable network brings transparency to the supply chain. Hence, every considerable party receives trustworthy collaborative network to rely on.

With speed and trust in life science, this technology offers the ability to transform the industry for good. Complications can go away and sensitive data can become more secure.

Happier patients

Soon blockchain is going to enable companies to present more relevant data for patients. Accurate information, continuous product availability, and other features can improve patients’ satisfaction. However, it all comes down to the manageability of health care and drug companies.

Life science sector requires a technology boost to attain much-needed goals in terms of security, speed, and quality. Hopefully, companies will understand this requirement and move forward in this direction as soon as possible. Only time will tell!