Blockchain-powered location network company XYO Network today said it will make its applications and services available on Microsoft Corp.’s Azure cloud.

XYO operates a comprehensive location network that’s enabled by data from devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart appliances and connected cars. The network is meant to provide “high accuracy, real-time location data” that’s validated by those devices, and provides a way to execute so-called “smart contracts” based on that data.

The network has several interesting use cases. For example, in the case of e-commerce, XYO’s network can be used to verify that a package has been delivered to the right location and then automatically facilitate payment upon delivery.

The network can also be used to help find lost items. The company sells what are basically little fobs called “XY Findables” that can be attached to frequently misplaced items such as keys, backpacks and dog collars. These small fobs connect to the XYO Network at all times, so any lost items can be quickly found by their owners.

In addition, XYO is trying to help bridge real-world locations and virtual reality through a recently announced partnership with Verses, which is a nonprofit foundation that creates standards and protocols for what’s known as the “spatial web.” The idea there is to create a protocol-driven network of location data that makes it possible to link virtual information to physical spaces. With location data, the spatial web would allow developers to link any place or object in order to create “smart spaces” that can be linked with “smart objects” to trigger programmable contracts.

Like many blockchain-based technologies, the XYO Network is powered by a digital token to encourage people to participate. Users who allow their connected cars to participate in the network would be rewarded with XYO tokens every time their vehicle helps another user track or locate an item.

By partnering with Microsoft, XYO said, its developer libraries and tools can now work with a wide array of Azure cloud services, including its compute, data and “internet of things” services. The company will also sell its geospatial applications and services through the Azure Marketplace.

“Microsoft’s network will enable us to make our blockchain-based IoT nodes integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Azure-based applications, ensuring that our solutions reach one of the largest customer bases and marketplaces in the industry,” said Arie Trouw, XYO’s co-founder and chief architect.

Image: XYO