Does using centralized services defeat the benefits of a distributed blockchain? I'm reading about the blockchain concepts and there is one big thing i don't get: why in fact you need blockchain services such as https://www.ibm.com/blockchain/ or https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/blockchain/?v=17.23h

The entire concept of blockchain is that it is decentralized, doesn't going to a blockchain service break that idea entirely?

Why would someone need blockchain as a service?
I'm new to this but learning as fast as I can. Here's my understanding.


  Why would someone need blockchain as a service?


There are many applications for a decentralized database. Crypto currencies are one notable use, and (I believe) where the concept started. Blockchains could also be useful for transaction processing, identity management, logistics, medical records, etc.


  The entire concept of blockchain that it is decentralized, isn't going to a blockchain service breaks the it entirly?


It depends on the purpose of your blockchain. In the case of Bitcoin, decentralization is a core concept which the entire project depends upon. If a small business wants to use this as a way to store transactional data then a couple of servers in the US may be all they need. Hence these service offerings.