Decentralized Storage: Concept, Implementation, and Prospects

Abstract:

Currently, Arweave, Filecoin, and Storj stand out as leading decentralized storage platforms, offering data storage solutions that break away from the dependence on a singular centralized control point, diverging from traditional cloud storage services. Arweave specializes in long-term or permanent storage, employing a one-time payment model. On the other hand, Filecoin and Storj established blockchain-based storage markets, providing adaptable storage solutions. Arweave incentivizes miners through the Proof-of-Valid-Data mechanism, while Filecoin ensures data storage through Proof-of-Replication (PoRep) ****and ****Proof-of-Spacetime. Arweave offers a straightforward, user-friendly storage operation, catering to a broad audience, while Filecoin and Storj target professional markets and traditional cloud storage users, respectively. The prospects of decentralized storage are vast, particularly in applications related to decentralized data, censorship resistance, and artificial intelligence.

Author: outprog

Translator: Tina XU

Reviewer: Jomosis

Decentralized storage is a revolutionary method that operates without dependence on a singular central control point. This stands in stark contrast to traditional centralized storage solutions, exemplified by popular cloud storage services like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud, which are conventionally administered by a single entity or organization.

Leading Decentralized Storage Platforms

Currently, the prominent decentralized storage platforms in the market include Arweave, Filecoin, and Storj. Each of these platforms exhibits distinctive features and design principles:

• Arweave focuses on long-term or permanent data storage.
• Filecoin provides a decentralized marketplace akin to traditional cloud storage, supporting flexible storage needs.
• Storj emphasizes offering secure and privacy-focused decentralized cloud storage services.

While all three platforms leverage blockchain technology, their application scenarios, technical architectures, and payment models vary, catering to diverse storage needs:

1. Arweave
   • Objective: Aiming to provide a long-term and permanent data storage solution. Arweave features forever data storage, primarily for long-term data preservation.
   • Technology: Utilizing a distinctive blockchain technology known as Blockweave. Unlike conventional blockchains, Blockweave incorporates references to earlier random blocks in each new block, designed to incentivize the enduring preservation of data.
   • Payment Model: Users make a one-time payment for data storage, theoretically granting permanent access to the stored data.
2. Filecoin
   • Objective: Aiming to create a decentralized storage market, similar to traditional cloud storage services.
   • Technology: Filecoin serves as the incentive layer for IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). It uses Proof-of-Storage and Proof-of-Spacetime to ensure correct data storage.
   • Payment Model: Users pay storage providers based on the amount of data stored and the duration. This follows a relatively traditional leasing model, allowing users to increase or decrease storage as needed, with corresponding payments.
3. Storj
   • Objective: Providing users with a decentralized cloud storage solution, with a focus on security and privacy protection.
   • Technology: Storj employs encryption and sharding techniques to fortify data security. Data is encrypted and split into small pieces on the client side before being distributed across network nodes globally.
   • Payment Model: Storj's payment model is similar to traditional cloud storage, based on billed storage space and bandwidth usage.

In comparison, Arweave distinguishes itself by emphasizing permanent storage, placing a greater focus on data censorship resistance and persistence. Both Filecoin and Storj utilize the storage market strategy, leveraging blockchain technology to redefine the landscape of storage solutions.

Business Architecture Analysis