BigchainDB vs MultiChain: What are the differences?

Introduction: BigchainDB and MultiChain are both blockchain platforms that offer unique features and capabilities for different use cases in the distributed ledger technology space.

1. Consensus Mechanism: BigchainDB utilizes a consensus mechanism known as Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus, which ensures secure and reliable transaction processing. In contrast, MultiChain offers a variety of consensus mechanisms, including mining, proof-of-work, and round-robin voting, allowing users to choose the most suitable option for their specific requirements.

2. Data Model: BigchainDB is oriented towards storing large structured data sets efficiently, making it ideal for applications requiring complex data querying and analysis. On the other hand, MultiChain focuses on simplicity and flexibility, allowing users to store any type of data within the blockchain, whether structured or unstructured.

3. Permissioning: BigchainDB is designed as a permissioned blockchain, meaning that access to the network is restricted to authorized participants, ensuring data privacy and security. In contrast, MultiChain supports both permissioned and permissionless configurations, giving users the flexibility to create public or private blockchain networks as needed.

4. Smart Contract Support: BigchainDB primarily focuses on data storage and transfer, lacking extensive support for smart contracts and complex decentralized applications. MultiChain, on the other hand, offers robust smart contract functionality, enabling users to create and execute custom business logic within the blockchain network.

5. Scalability: BigchainDB is optimized for scalable decentralized data management, allowing for high throughput and low latency transactions across the network. MultiChain, while also capable of scaling effectively, may require additional configuration and optimization for large-scale deployment in enterprise environments.

6. Community and Ecosystem: BigchainDB has a strong open-source community actively contributing to the platform's development and adoption, fostering innovation and collaboration among users. In comparison, MultiChain, while supported by a dedicated user base, may have a more streamlined ecosystem focused on specific enterprise use cases and solutions.

In Summary, BigchainDB and MultiChain differ in their consensus mechanisms, data models, permissioning structures, smart contract support, scalability options, and community ecosystems, catering to varying needs in the blockchain industry.