Authors:
Huynh Thanh Thien Pham
1
;
Frank Jiang
1
;
Lei Pan
1
;
Alessio Bonti
2
and
Mohamed Abdelrazek
3
Affiliations:
1
School of IT, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
;
2
IBM Australia, Melbourne, Australia
;
3
A2I2D, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
Keyword(s):
Blockchain Application Development, Blockchain Service as a Service, Microservices Architecture, Cross-Chain Interoperability, Empirical Study.
Abstract:
Blockchain application development remains complex and costly due to specialized cryptographic requirements and platform-specific protocols. Existing solutions often provide only isolated services, hindering cross-chain interoperability and limiting broader adoption. This paper addresses these gaps by introducing SChare, a platform founded on a unified Blockchain Service as a Service (uBSaaS) framework that abstracts blockchain-intensive tasks into microservices. This architecture enables developers to integrate blockchain features into applications as seamlessly as any third-party service, while supporting orchestration across multiple blockchain networks for enhanced flexibility. We evaluate the platform through an experimental cross-chain application to demonstrate feasibility and scalability. Additionally, a developer study involving hands-on usage and post-study assessments highlights SChare’s effectiveness in reducing both the steep learning curve and overall development overhe
ad. The results indicate that SChare facilitates more accessible blockchain development, thereby encouraging wider adoption. This approach advances the state of the art by unifying platform-specific capabilities, fostering interoperability, and offering a scalable, microservices-based solution for blockchain application development.
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