MultiChain

Multichain, often stylized as MultiChain, is a software platform for building and deploying private blockchains. Developed by Coin Sciences Ltd, it was first released in 2015 to provide a permissioned alternative to public blockchains.

Key features include a permissioned model with configurable roles for participants, asset issuance and transfer, and streams that serve as an append-only data feed on the chain. It uses a Bitcoin-like UTXO-based transaction model, which allows fine-grained control over asset ownership and transfer. Networks can be configured to operate with custom rules, such as which entities can issue assets, who can connect, and which nodes validate transactions.

MultiChain supports creating multiple independent chains on a single server, enabling organizations to run private networks for different departments or partners, while sharing a common software stack.

Use cases include enterprise asset tracking, private financial ledgers, supply chain provenance, and data sharing among consortium members.

Administration and operation rely on a command-line interface and configuration files, which define permissions, assets, streams, and chain settings. The platform is distributed under an open-source license, with commercial support options from Coin Sciences.