That article seems to be big on press releases and very light on detail. I think the network effect of Ethereum and the Ethereum DAPP ecosystem will render BTC and current Altcoins redundant.
You don't NEED SIDECHAINS in Ethereum so that counterparty press release appears to be complete bollocks.
BURST and QORA both have turing complete at's, capable of doing ANYTHING which eth can do.
You really need to go and dyor....