The GBA is developing the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) and we need your input.

We are currently working on the section of the model related to decentralization. Below is an extract of the model and we ask you to read it and provide your feedback in the form below.

Background

The purpose of the model is to provide a set of criteria for any blockchain solution. The BMM forms the basic layer of criteria. GBA Working Groups are also developing supplemental criteria that is domain-specific. For example:

The BMM has two types of requirements and expectations for assessment. They are Generic requirements and domain-specific requirements. Generic requirements refer to the set of elements that a blockchain solution should have for it to be a reliable solution. Domain-specific is a set of elements that are necessary for the application of blockchain technology for specific domains.

For a solution to be reliable for use by organizations, it must be capable of meeting requirements and expectations in the following Elements:

Governance
Identity Management
Decentralization
Performance
Privacy
Resilience
Security
Reliability
Sustainability

Within each element, there are five levels. The five levels relate to degrees of reliability and dependability for the given element or domain-specific element. The five levels are:

Level 1: Feasible	Suitable to assess readiness for research funding
Level 2: Functional	Suitable to assess functional readiness for proof-of-concept deployment
Level 3: Operational	Suitable to assess if a solution is ready for operational deployment – Documenting and recording
Level 4: Scalable	Suitable to assess scalability for enterprise-level deployment
Level 5: Sustainable	Suitable to assess sustainability for global-level deployment.

To be assessed at any level, all expectations of that level, and below must be met for all of the capabilities.

Decentralization

The goal of node ubiquity in a blockchain solution is to measure the degree of decentralization and distribution of nodes to maximize the benefits of blockchain technology. The table below describes the requirements associated with each level. The subparagraphs below the table provide the expectations and outcomes for each level depicted in the table.

Definition

Decentralization Score

A value or measure that describes the level of decentralization. It consists of multiplying the number of validator nodes by the percentage of nodes that need to achieve consensus.

Levels

Level 1: Feasible	The system shall be designed to write and read data to a distributed system wherein control is distributed among the persons or organizations participating in the operation of the system.
Level 2: Functional	The system shall consist of independently controlled validator nodes that have a decentralization score of five (5) or higher. No single person or entity may have administrative control of the hardware for more than 50% of the nodes. This includes nodes hosted on the same cloud provider.
Level 3: Operational	The system consists of independently controlled validator nodes that have a decentralization score of twenty-five (25) or higher. No single person or entity may have administrative control of the hardware for more than 25% of the nodes. This includes nodes hosted on the same cloud provider)
Level 4: Scalable	The system consists of independently controlled validator nodes that have a decentralization score of one hundred twenty-five (125) or higher. No single person or entity may have administrative control of the hardware for more than 15% of the nodes. This includes nodes hosted on the same cloud provider)
Level 5: Sustainable	The system consists of independently controlled validator nodes that have a decentralization score of six hundred twenty-five (625) or higher. No single person or entity may have administrative control of the hardware for more than 10% of the nodes. This includes nodes hosted on the same cloud provider)