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Do some of you have non-confidential (useful!) use cases for blockchain databases to share?
A blockchain isn't the only solution available, and it doesn't require a public blockchain. A blockchain could work in this space for storing decentralized time-series signatures.
(I make no judgement on whether these sources of friction are worthwhile or not.)
The benefit from using blockchain is that your data will be safely replicated and accessible from the cloud, and at the same time you are the sole owner of the data. Only your private key can access the data.
In this case, blockchain also facilitates a decentralized marketplace for sellers and buyers of data storage.
Edit: lots of downvotes for this comment but the evidence speaks for itself.
I'll give you an example, from one of my startup's enterprise customers. This company needs to ensure that their high-end auto inventory remains in the same state through transport — the mileage, the car body, etc. They've had issues with transporters taking these high-end cars for joyrides, and it's hard to detect when this happens.
Our solution lets the transporter timestamp the odometer reading and car body with photos at time of pickup, on a blockchain. When the car is dropped off, it's just a matter of comparing the blockchain record with the car's actual state. Our system lets many parties who don't know or trust each other view the same "shared state" on a public blockchain ledger (Stellar), enforcing between these parties.
We provide a similar service for researchers who want to prove they were the first ones to make a discovery. You can read more about that at https://assembl.net.
Edit: You can try our timestamping app (still in beta so excuse some kinks) online at https://app.assembl.net. I would love to hear your thoughts!
I know this question is probably intended as a technical one, but from a pragmatic/empirical perspective, the number one use-case of the blockchain is to raise money in a way that side-steps traditional causes of friction (e.g. financial regulations). (I make no judgement on whether these sources of friction are worthwhile or not.)
The biggest use case I have found of blockchain tech is timestamping, especially in a case where the timestamping party cannot be trusted to act honestly because of conflicting interests. I'll give you an example, from one of my startup's enterprise customers. This company needs to ensure that their high-end auto inventory remains in the same state through transport — the mileage, the car body, etc. They've had issue…
https://electriccoin.co/blog/encrypted-memo-field/
It looks like this capability is being expanded with in-band secret distribution: