A secure, distributed and open technology with lower costs that builds transparency and traceability in transactional applications describes which of the following?

The description provided aligns perfectly with the characteristics of blockchain technology. Blockchain is known for its secure and distributed nature, which allows for transactions to be recorded in a way that is transparent and easily traceable. Each transaction or data change is encrypted and linked to the previous one, forming a chain that is difficult to alter without consensus from the network participants.

The focus on lower costs in transactional applications also reflects how blockchain can eliminate intermediaries, streamline processes, and reduce fees associated with traditional methods of transaction processing. In various industries, blockchain is being utilized to enhance trust and accountability, making systems more robust against fraud and errors due to its immutable and transparent ledger features.

In contrast, analytics focuses more on data interpretation rather than the infrastructure of transactions. The Internet of Things relates primarily to connectivity and communication among devices, rather than transactional integrity. Artificial intelligence involves machine learning and data processing but does not inherently provide the framework for secure and transparent transaction recording. Hence, blockchain is best identified with the combination of security, distribution, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and traceability described in the question.