Dropbox -modern cloud storage or DxBox -Blockchain-based cloud storage solution?

[hdtqisg]

Blockchain technology to store data have been used for a long time, but currently not effective! It needs a major change to be user friendly

[blckhawk]

So what it means is that traditional cloud storage are just for storage of data, with a centralized server with hard disks to store your data. In DxBox, the storage is not on a central server, rather like blockchain, it is distributed through nodes (computers) that are part of the network. It means that the hard drives used are those of like the miners who generate blocks for the blockchain, only this time knstead of transactions, it stores your data. That sounds unsecure, but there's cryptography for a purpose.

The advantage I can see in this scenario is that the server would most likely not be down since all cloud files are stored in every node. However, speed could be affected since not all nodes use the same hard drive and internet connection.

[Willitivity]

Being able to have some experience with Dropbox, their services are cool and simply does what it says. And they have really come a long way in providing cloud based storage services. Unfortunately, Blockchain cloud storage is pretty cool but since it has not gained much traction, not so many people know about it.
I know decentralised system stand out for their security and anonymousity, but in this case is the data not out there in the open Blockchain?

[NeuroticFish]

Have a look at this.
Due to the use of erasure coding mechanism, only part of data pieces are needed to recover the original file. Therefore, in case there are some storage hosts left the network, you can still recover your file using the rest of data pieces. For the detailed explanation, you can take a look at the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VERYY-LeUo&t=287s

Wow, thanks. It's more complicated than I thought and I don't understand all the details, but it sounds pretty good.
At least from what I understood, on a normal rate of storage entering and leaving the network, the files are pretty safe. It's not perfect, but close.. at least according to what they say.
I hope that the time will certify this. For now it sounds good. Good luck!

[bobelr]

DxBox is a demo application builds on top of DxChain Testnet v0.3.6. It serves as an interface which simplifies the process for users on file uploading and downloading. The application uses the client-provider model for data transferring, where the client is a node that uses DX Token, the DxChain cryptocurrency, for file storage, file uploading, and file downloading. Provider, on the other hand, is a node that provides storage services with disk space to get profits rewarded by the client. To become a provider, the node must make an announcement, which will be added to the blockchain.

First of all, it's not clear what happens when one (or 1000 !) providers leave the network (temporarily or forever). Is there a way to ensure that users' files don't get corrupted or missing?
Second: Dropbox is quite well integrated in tools. From "camera uploads" that works (while some competitors still have issues) to applications that can link with Dropbox account for sync... I think that maybe Google Drive can compete with that, at least on Android. Even if first problem is handles well, there's still a lot of work before DxBox will have a chance against Dropbox.

Have a look at this.
Due to the use of erasure coding mechanism, only part of data pieces are needed to recover the original file. Therefore, in case there are some storage hosts left the network, you can still recover your file using the rest of data pieces. For the detailed explanation, you can take a look at the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VERYY-LeUo&t=287s

What's the point of that.

Coins need software not more coins.

We are talking about software here not more coins.

[bobelr]

Have a look at this.
Due to the use of erasure coding mechanism, only part of data pieces are needed to recover the original file. Therefore, in case there are some storage hosts left the network, you can still recover your file using the rest of data pieces. For the detailed explanation, you can take a look at the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VERYY-LeUo&t=287s

Wow, thanks. It's more complicated than I thought and I don't understand all the details, but it sounds pretty good.
At least from what I understood, on a normal rate of storage entering and leaving the network, the files are pretty safe. It's not perfect, but close.. at least according to what they say.
I hope that the time will certify this. For now it sounds good. Good luck!

Awesome one from you. Thanks a bunch.

[bobelr]

Being able to have some experience with Dropbox, their services are cool and simply does what it says. And they have really come a long way in providing cloud based storage services. Unfortunately, Blockchain cloud storage is pretty cool but since it has not gained much traction, not so many people know about it.
I know decentralised system stand out for their security and anonymousity, but in this case is the data not out there in the open Blockchain?

Thanks for your comment. Perhaps DxBox is an initiative that is work-in-progress. The team is still on its development. Decentralization isn't for anonymity since everything is visible in the open blockchain just as Godx -the Dxchain project is an open source to buttress your last statement. information is available on Dxchain Blog at https://blog.dxchain.com

[bobelr]

So what it means is that traditional cloud storage are just for storage of data, with a centralized server with hard disks to store your data. In DxBox, the storage is not on a central server, rather like blockchain, it is distributed through nodes (computers) that are part of the network. It means that the hard drives used are those of like the miners who generate blocks for the blockchain, only this time knstead of transactions, it stores your data. That sounds unsecure, but there's cryptography for a purpose.

The advantage I can see in this scenario is that the server would most likely not be down since all cloud files are stored in every node. However, speed could be affected since not all nodes use the same hard drive and internet connection.

You seem to have good understanding of how blockchain works relative to the purpose it is meant for. But have you consider the different protocol algorithm used in securing the data, achieving consensus etc? These are what formed the strength and security part of the network.

[Wintersoldier]

Using Blockchain technology to store data is not the first time. It is much safer to store data in the blockchain. Then it is very likely that they will not disappear. And using the disk space of other users will only increase this probability. You don't have to worry about safety at all.

Blockchain as storage such as what Dropbox is now incorporating is a good idea. I am just worried about the security of our files since allot of nodes might be a candidate to store our data, the invention of the quantum computers and its implementation nowadays might be threat to the security of our files, I am worried that someday, these computers might decrypt and access the vulnerability of the blockchain based cloud storage.

[jmigdlc99]

I'd trust my files with dropbox more. This DxBox is too new a company and quite risky if you ask me.

When it comes to privacy and personal files, there is never too much caution to be had. There have been much more reputable companies out there that have been longer in the online storage service game. I'd suggest taking a look at Siacoin for example, or StorJ.

[bobelr]

Blockchain technology to store data have been used for a long time, but currently not effective! It needs a major change to be user friendly

Like what changes do you think it actually need to attract more adoption?

[bobelr]

I'd trust my files with dropbox more. This DxBox is too new a company and quite risky if you ask me.

When it comes to privacy and personal files, there is never too much caution to be had. There have been much more reputable companies out there that have been longer in the online storage service game. I'd suggest taking a look at Siacoin for example, or StorJ.

DropBox is in its development stage right now. Hopefully, it will get to that point where it will be more developed as dropbox.

[batang_bitcoin]

Blockchain technology to store data have been used for a long time, but currently not effective! It needs a major change to be user friendly

Like what changes do you think it actually need to attract more adoption?

I don't think that there should be major changes with dropbox. I don't use it all the time but I've used it before with my projects to store data that I need and my teammates too for which I find it very useful.

User friendly? I find it user friendly already so I don't understand on what part of it should be user friendly.

[Diamond_Darrell]

Dropbox

Recently, there has been change in the method of storage which has gained massive attraction due to its convenience and efficiency: users can access the data they stored in the cloud from anywhere and at any time with access to the internet. One prominent application used in this regard is "Dropbox". For the purpose of this blog, to establish the necessity of Blockchain technology in the storage sector.   

How it works

When users upload their data to the cloud, it will first arrive at the master control data server, which serves as the brain of the system. Data will then be transmitted to various data centers and multiple copies of data will be made in case one copy gets destroyed. Once the data is uploaded, the safety of them will be completely depended on the safety of the data centers. If data centers got damaged due to the natural disaster or human mistake, data may completely be erased. Google has once encountered this issue. In 2015, its data center located in Belgium was struck by lightning four times and caused permanent data loss.
Besides the concerns regarding data safety, centralization and lack of data encryption are other issues existed in modern cloud storage systems. Most cloud storage services only provide data encryption during transmission using SSL/TLS encryption mechanism, which is vulnerable to attack. In addition, due to centralization, the server administrators also have direct access to data stored on the server. Even though most companies have strict policies on protecting users’ privacy, as long as human beings are involved, there is a risk on the data breach.

This indicates there are "privacy and security issues associated with using centralized cloud storage.
If not checked, the essence of using cloud storage is jeopardized.


DxBox

DxBox is a demo application builds on top of DxChain Testnet v0.3.6. It serves as an interface which simplifies the process for users on file uploading and downloading. The application uses the client-provider model for data transferring, where the client is a node that uses DX Token, the DxChain cryptocurrency, for file storage, file uploading, and file downloading. Provider, on the other hand, is a node that provides storage services with disk space to get profits rewarded by the client. To become a provider, the node must make an announcement, which will be added to the blockchain. This is further explained in the article found

https://blog.dxchain.com/dxbox-blockchain-based-web-application-for-secure-data-storage/

Reading further from the above link, it explains plainly how Dxbox as a blockchain solution can be a complete solution to the inherent issues of Dropbox being a centralized form of storage service. Could cloud service be more better than this?

There is a good rule of life - if two know, everyone knows. In the case of shell data stores, this principle also works