Built on XDC network
File storage is a growing trend on XDC
What is cloud storage?
In the past decade, cloud storage over the internet for files and data has emerged as an efficient option to traditional paper or individual computer storage. This now traditional method of cloud storage offers many storage options to choose from that offer convenient and affordable places to house documents and most all electronic files. In fact, many businesses conduct their day-to-day business “in the cloud” to take advantage of the benefits the cloud offers.
What is the cloud exactly? The cloud is essentially a centralized set of servers that have enormous capacity to store files. Instead of saving a file to their personal hard drive, a desktop user sends that file to their hosting service — AWS, Google, iCloud, e.g. — and the file remains on those servers until it is reopened on by that user to make edits, print, send it to someone else, or even download it. It has become a reliable option for a broad base of users.
Potential issues with centralized cloud storage
As with most centralized solutions, they represent a single point of failure that threatens to prevent access to any of the files stored there. This same single point of failure provides a single point of access to a would-be hacker as well.
Although redundancy is built into most cloud storage platforms to ensure against major system disruptions, massive data and file duplication involved with that process drives up costs to the users.
Data centers and the vast amounts of hardware needed for traditional cloud storage are also expensive, and when redundancy is built in, that increases these expenses exponentially.
Lastly, one other major issue with centralized cloud storage is the ability to scale the centralized server system. Referencing the aforementioned costs associated with expanding and duplicating data centers, scalability can be threatened by cost alone, and the increased cost is typically passed down to the end user.
Blockchain cloud storage relieves these pain points
How blockchain file storage works: From a user’s standpoint, the process will be similar to traditional cloud storage described above. They will still use an interface that allows them to direct their file to a cloud-based storage option. Instead of being hosted on a central set of servers, the file will typically be stored in one of two ways on a blockchain:
The whole file and its contents are stored on multiple nodes (servers) spread around the world; or
The file’s contents are split and stored on multiple nodes.
Subscribers use a utility token to pay for cloud services through a hosting service that built its platform on the blockchain. It is usually private, secure, scalable, distributed, and cost-effective. In addition, storage providers (node farmers) get paid with these tokens and are incentivized to hold them. Retrieving a file works similarly to traditional cloud storage methods.
Why XDC Network file storage relieves centralized storage pain points
The decentralized distribution of files across a global network of high-performance storage nodes eliminates the worries of a centralized single point of failure.
The XDC Network uses the highly secure Delegated Proof-of-Stake method to validate all the records (but not private data) going onto the blockchain. This is one of the best consensus mechanisms to prevent hacking
Costs to store files through an XDC file storage provider are negligible when compared to traditional methods.
Speed and Scalability concerns are also negligible on XDC which was built with these factors in mind for all of the applications built on it.
Safety. Security. Speed. Scalability.
Along with ease of use, file storage on the blockchain just makes sense.
StorX on the XDC Network
In April 2022, StorX Network, decentralized cloud storage solution built on the XDC Network, joined the International Trade & Forfaiting Association (ITFA), a worldwide trade association for companies, financial institutions, and intermediaries. StorX intends to bring its expertise in safe and decentralized storage to the trade finance sector.
Learn more about the StorX project.