Bitcoin Forum

I've stumbled across many decentralized cloud storage platforms like Storj, Sia, Swarm (ETH blockchain), and IPFS. They seem to serve their purpose well, providing an "alternative" to existing cloud storage services which are utterly centralized. Technically speaking, everything is "reds and roses". But as far as mainstream adoption goes, decentralized cloud storage solutions are "left behind in the dust". Since you'd need to use a token or cryptocurrency for most decentralized cloud storage platforms, you're exposed to volatility risks. It's not the same paying for cloud storage with a volatile cryptocurrency than with Fiat. Maybe stablecoins will prove to be useful for both the "renter" and the "user"?

Of course, storage platforms like Sia and Storj are often much cheaper than their centralized counterparts. But for some reason, people seem to trust services like Dropbox, AWS, and Google Drive more than these projects. I'm starting to wonder if decentralized cloud storage will prove to be successful in the long run, or simply an idea that will fade into oblivion.

Do you think decentralized cloud storage platforms are worth it? Will centralized cloud storage services continue to reign supreme in the digital world? If not, why? Your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance :)

Google drive et al. is not just cheap, but free (with the expense of the user's soul ofc)! I think what we need is not about centralized/decentralized, but about secure distributed cloud storage with encryption, so the server cannot see and steal user's data, and they have multiple back-ups.

The token economy, however, is more about the ecosystem where users can earn money (token) from providing storage. It's like they (google et al. vs sia et al.) have different market.

They won't do so well, it's the least use case we need in crypto space presently because there are two many options available right under our palms, we have Google drive and others, building a project based only on decentralized cloud storage won't see good demands because of too many options available and for free

Too many free cloud storage services are available today, even on Android smartphones and IOS, I invested in an ICO project years back that had partnership with Microsoft, it's cloud based storage project but till date it's not doing so well and even they hardly raised soft cap target in ICO

Yes if you deal with really sensitive data then I think the idea of decentralized storage is really good because decentralized storage network are less prone to a data breach. They are more secure IMO

Decentralized cloud storage is a good idea and it's been in existence for so long now, I won't advice a dev to build a new project base only on this use case alone because there are already too many competitors available in crypto space e.g storj for example

If I have to compare Dropbox and Google Drive services with that of any crypto cloud storage projects it's certain that Dropbox and Google Drive will win because too many people at using these centralized cloud storage more than any crypto cloud storage platforms

Decentralized cloud is one of the most effective way of using blockchain technology. We've been using torrents for quite a time now and we know how it works. All we need is incentive for seeders and encryption of data for clients. If you can just use you space and bandwidth to generate passive income, a lot of people would jump in and as we have a lot of people seeding the same thing, we could achieve larger speed than SSD storage just from mass using HDD.

If this use case is that great sia coin and storj should be on top 10 right now don't you think? Decentralized cloud storage isn't bad at all but many other free options are available already, it's same think happening to VPN based crypto projects when we already have free VPN services on Android that can be downloaded from playstore

One of the reason why such projects are not working is due to their lack of exposure. People when spend money for storage, they'd want it to be safe and secure. In the hands of those who would be here for eternity. They won't be easily trusting a new project that have come up with some plans even though they are cheaper than other options. So, for it to work, these decentralize storage also need to provide some free storage to test out and maybe come up with a variety of other ways of making money to keep the business afloat.

They've been around for years but I haven't invested to these projects, the price of Storj and Sia had somehow grow already over the years.  

Google could allowed webhosting files which means your wordpress website files are on to them and if these decentralize cloud storage can also do this they may really win the hearts of crpto bloggers who are just starting.

As for me I will choose Google drive cloud storage over any crypto cloud storage projects, why? It's just too damn easy for me, I guess it's same thing for many people too, this use case shouldn't be all what a crypto project would have, it should just be a part feature of the project

Maybe renters could simply adjust the price of storages to certain prices fixed in stablecoins or some stable assets... that will probably mean combining  volatile tokens/coins with stablecoins... and you'll even then have multiple cryptos the users/customers can choose from.
 You could also just encourage many quality renters to contribute lots storages in order to keep driving down the price via competition, even as the price of cryptocurrency goes up. I think it should be very easy, attractive, fast and safe for renters with many kinds of devices (both small & large) to rent out their storages for this to be possible. You could attract them in different kinds of ways they would find hard to resist.

I think not appealing for me too. Google storage cloud is enough for me. But what amaze me are those projects are working on a decentralized aspect where Google Drive does not.

Also crypto and non crypto will probably picking it over thousands of new storage ICO project since they used to it already. No offense to those who have those tokens that OP mentioned but in terms of use case, I dont understand how this works for them in the long run.

Also there no solid markets for this unlike Google that have plenty of clients.

It's something that files fm project tried to do in 2019 I think and they failed big time, upon all the big partnerships they failed to gain the attention of big and better investors, I have some big free cloud storage on files fm website just like many others but no one uses them, they are free but no single person uses his or her free storages

Maybe now it's not too worth, but we don't know what will happen in the future. If many people use cloud storage services, that will be the chance for the cloud storage providers to rise. But with many leaked data that has been stolen from the cloud storage, I think people will think twice to use the cloud storage, but I don't know. If you want to get more storage, you need to pay to the provider such as Dropbox or Google Drive, which is not cheaper than we think.

Decentralized cloud storage isn't a demanding use case in crypto space today, there are better options available for people's need, I can use Google drive through my Android smartphone or even Drop box, they are easier because they come pre installed in Android phones

First, with google drive I will just need to create a pile of accounts then I will have like a 150gb hard drive already.
That's the difference.
It's free and you will just need to list the account names and passwords in a piece of paper.
Some may say it's a lot of work but for just an average user it is useful and better since its free.

Decentralized cloud storage. I think this will work in companies only.
Maybe they are just on the wrong target. It might work out that way if explained well.

when compared to cloud storage like google drive or dropbox, decentralized cloud storage is much more expensive. we have to pay for every time you want to save a file, it is very ineffective compared to current technology where someone only has to pay to add storage. but if for alternative decentralized cloud storage options it's still worth it.

From my point of view, Cloud Storage is gonna be one of the big things that will be focused on. The opportunities revolving around Decentralized Cloud Storage will be big since lot incoming projects will surely need trusted and secured available storage. It is also possible that once they start recognizing the value of these Decentralized Cloud Storage, they will create their own or host their own.

I might be wrong but I think decentralised cloud storage service providers like STORJ offer a much lower storage price when we compare them with the likes of Google.

That's the main selling point of centralized cloud storage providers. So far that's not possible with their decentralized counterparts, as you need to pay in a specific cryptocurrency or token to sustain the network's operations. Maybe I'm wrong, and we'd get to see a decentralized cloud storage project offering free storage space to everybody. If there's demand for something like this, I don't see why it shouldn't become a reality in the first place. What I like most about decentralized cloud storage is the ability to preserve your data forever. Blockchain technology is known to be resilient against a single point of failure. Your data will virtually replicate itself across hundreds or thousands of servers (nodes) around the world without the need for a central operator. Projects like Sia, Storj, and IPFS work as intended, but not many people are using them. This means that farmers (or renters) will not be able to earn that much by allocating their unused free space to the network.

As long as big companies continue to dominate the cloud storage industry, decentralized cloud storage services won't be going anywhere. They will become a "niche" for geeks, tech gurus, and libertarians alike. The rest of the people will continue to patronize services like Google Drive and Dropbox because of their ease-of-use and added convenience. I'd expect decentralized cloud storage services to last a lifetime as long as there are nodes and renters/farmers supporting the network in every way. Just my thoughts ;D

This is very correct, everyone is looking for a free secure cloud storage even though personally I prefer decentralized cloud storage. The major reason why decentralized cloud storage won't be able to compete well with centralized version is issue of mass acceptance and also nobody wants to pay a fee for storing personal files for instance on some decentralized cloud storage, while it can be done for free on GOOGLE DRIVE for instance. I'm not talking about organizations which need bigger spaces to store files, this is where decentralized cloud storage will be cheaper. I liked the concept by projects like Internxt in the past, not sure if they still exist.

The idea of decentralized storage is really good, again, it will give us full privacy just like using decentralized coins for our anonymous transactions. I think the real transparency is on the decentralized system, so if it's newly introduce yet, for sure with continues support from the decentralized economy particularly in crypto world, this would succeed.

Although decentralized storage based projects and services are underrated and undervalued at the moment but personally i see huge potential in them because of the high demand and practical use case and couple that with advanced blockchain tech we definitely have winner here so for me future is bright for decentralized storage.

That's the point. Why look for a decentralized alternative, when you have centralized services which provide cloud storage for free? AFAIK, there are no decentralized cloud storage services providing such an offer. People won't think twice when choosing between a centralized or decentralized cloud storage service for preserving their digital data. Even if decentralized cloud storage services start providing "free space", they'll be missing on "ease-of-use" and convenience. Decentralized cloud storage has a steeper learning curve, where people need a certain level of technical knowledge to be able to use it. That's not the case with centralized services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. As long as this is the case, decentralized cloud storage will only serve as an alternative rather than a replacement.

Nonetheless, time will tell us what lies ahead for decentralized cloud storage's mainstream adoption. This is still experimental grounds, so one would expect some improvements in the future. If projects like Sia, Storj, IPFS, and Swarm become successful, then people will surely use them over well-known centralized cloud storage services in cyberspace. Everything depends on mainstream adoption, than anything else. Just my opinion :)

I suppose the choice of centralised vs decentralised storage really lies within the values of the user. If security is valued over risk then centralised storage platforms don't stand much of a choice while if users are about usefulness then probably Google drive and Dropbox could be a better option.

The way I see it with heightened danger of money cleanse due to various internet attacks, specially for people having significant holdings decentralised is the way. However, this may be a need only for the wealthy that could afford it. I think it depends on the type of people and their habits - though overall I'd say there's a good chance of a close 50-50 split or similar.

I am not sure that decentralized cloud storage will continue for the long term. I better use a free service like Google Drive other than that in my opinion is more understandable and easy to use. Lay people will also quickly understand it

Well, decentralized cloud storage platforms are completely open source. Anyone can continue building upon them, extending their lifespan in the mainstream world. While centralized cloud storage providers will reign supreme, decentralized ones will prove to be an alternative for those looking for censorship resistance and reliability. In a decentralized system, data lives virtually forever. It's self-healing as nodes on the network replicate the data around the world. With built-in encryption, and other goodies, decentralized cloud storage platforms could become the next big thing in crypto. IPFS is already extremely popular in the crypto/Blockchain space. But in the traditional world, it has a long way to go. There's room for growth, as the industry is in its early days. The main issue with decentralized cloud storage is that users are required to pay a fee in crypto in order to sustain network operations. This model makes "free storage space" unfeasible. It's this reason why centralized services have become much more popular than their decentralized counterparts. Not only that, but decentralized cloud storage platforms have a steep learning curve. Mainstream adoption is what counts here. And so far, centralized services like Google Drive, and Dropbox are in the lead.

Nonetheless, time will tell us if decentralized cloud storage platforms are worth it. They're just starting to blossom as most of them are still in beta stage. Whichever platform gets the most adoption, will become highly successful in the mainstream world. Comparing different decentralized cloud storage platforms, it seems that IPFS is in the lead. Storj and Sia would need to work harder if they want to become adopted at a large scale in the mainstream world. Otherwise, they'll fade into oblivion. I'd recommend to rely on both types of cloud storage, to gain benefits from one another. Just my thoughts ;D

If you are using Google drive to store every precious information then Google knows everything about you, as far now they are not taking any of the details other than advertisement purpose but in future we can't predict the things how it will be.So either we need to store things in decentralized manner or better in an offline storage if you really care about your privacy data.

I feel that the blockchain cloud storage will find it difficult to compete with traditional storages purely in terms of performance but what they offer is security and real decentralization. If that's what you are after then yes they are better .

The major challenge that would be faced with these cloud storage providers in the cryptocurrency market is the fact that there are several free cloud storage facilities which makes people unwilling to pay for the service. I know goggle drive give each email address the opportunity to store about 15gb of data which I believe is large enough for average users.

That's certainly true, mate. There's a huge difference in performance between centralized and decentralized cloud storage systems. You'd either sacrifice security/reliability over performance or all the other way around. Those looking to preserve their data without fears of censorship or single points of failure, will choose decentralized cloud storage platforms over centralized ones. There's still a future for decentralized cloud storage platforms as the space is just starting to blossom. With sidechains, and second-layer scaling solutions, decentralized cloud storage platforms could obtain the same level of performance as centralized ones. Everything will depend on developer's efforts to make this happen. I think that if decentralized cloud storage platforms want to stay ahead of the game, they'd need to focus on user experience above anything else. If they're easy enough for anyone to use, they can become a real contender to traditional cloud storage providers like Google and Amazon. Otherwise, they'll be used by the minority (mostly tech gurus and geeks).

Nonetheless, time will tell us if decentralized cloud storage platforms will last for long. Adoption is still low these days, but things could get kicking once they're out of beta phase. Decentralized cloud storage platforms like IPFS and Storj could take the world by storm in the future, if they deliver as promised. The competition is fierce due to centralized cloud storage's dominance in the industry. But nothing is impossible. Hopefully, decentralized cloud storage platforms will become as comparable as their centralized counterparts sometime in the future. Just my thoughts ;D

You need a token to access many of the features of decentralized cloud storage when some centralized platforms offer these services for free. Unless you are taking what you are storing to be of high priority, I do not see the reason why DEX cloud storage will be an option. By the way, cloud storage such as google drive has gone far in such a way now that many of the users of the phone are directly asked to backup their data on google drive when accessing a new phone. Maybe in the nearest future, the DEX storage might worth it but not presently

I think it's a matter of time. People trust the usual centralized storage more because they have been using it for a very long time and they have formed a household habit. The more decentralized data storage is implemented, the more it will become part of our daily use and volatility will not be as important as it is now. Although of course this is a very important point.

That's certainly true, mate. Many decentralized cloud storage platforms require you to pay some sort of fee in a form of crypto in order to access their services. It'll be challenging to provide free storage space using this model. After all, transaction settlement between the farmer/renter and the buyer is performed on the Blockchain. Not to mention, decentralized cloud storage platforms are often much difficult to use than their centralized counterparts. It's these inconveniences which make people use centralized services more thoroughly. I think that we'll continue to see Google Drive and Dropbox in the headlines for a very long time. Decentralized cloud storage platforms will only serve as an alternative (rather than replacement) for those looking for censorship resistance on top of convenience. For different needs, will be the type of platform to use for cloud storage.

Nonetheless, I have high hopes that platforms like Sia, Storj, and IPFS could rival centralized cloud storage providers in the future. As long as decentralized solutions keep up with development and innovation, people will be able to adopt them more thoroughly in the mainstream world. Otherwise, they'll become an idea that will slowly fade into oblivion. Given that decentralized cloud storage platforms are still experimental, I wouldn't recommend them for storing large amounts of data on the cloud. Balancing between centralized and decentralized cloud storage platforms, seem to be the way to go nowadays. Just my opinion :)

I think the cloud is not a technology that will get influenced much by blockchain technology. For cloud storage, it will not matter if it is centralized or decentralized. I think blockchain can be used here to connect users and providers and users also can be made providers, something like that. At the moment cloud services are struggling with security concerns and here blockchain technology can overcome some issues related to it.

You just pointed out the main reason why it will be so difficult for decentralized storage to find relevance mainstream. If the cloud storage projects having a coin/token totally remove the idea of needing some coins for premium access to the DEX storage features, then there won't be a valid use case for their coins. Also, when it comes to storing important documents, most people prefer using reputable centralized storage firms including myself.

Decentralized storage services will remain in the digital world, as it makes it easier to back up data if you want to switch devices. so this is not a lowly concept if you can apply it with decentralized storage services.

Agree. Decentralized cloud storage services will survive a lifetime thanks to their open source and distributed nature. But in terms of mainstream adoption, centralized cloud storage platforms will still be the winner. Let's face it, decentralized solutions are still experimental and not ready for the whole world to use. Even if they were production-ready, they wouldn't be as comparable as their centralized counterparts because of their "steep learning curve". It's much easier to use a centralized cloud storage service than it's the case with decentralized ones. Only people that are tech-savvy and are looking for censorship resistance, will use decentralized cloud storage platforms more thoroughly. The rest will continue to use centralized cloud storage providers such as Google, Dropbox, and Amazon.

Nonetheless, it's important to know that decentralized cloud storage platforms are just starting to blossom. They have a long road ahead of development and innovation. There are many issues that must be "tackled" (especially performance) for decentralized cloud storage platforms to become as comparable as centralized ones. Platforms like IPFS, Sia, and Storj have done a good job so far. I'd expect the space to mature within a couple of years from now. Just my thoughts ;D