TL;DR. Decentralized Cloud Storage is the most secure and private way to storage your data. Internxt Drive, Storj and Opacity are some of the best Descetralized Cloud in the market but there are some differences between them, for example the limitation in the file size (Opacity) or the availability of mobile and desk app (Internxt is the only one that has both). But there are more differences so if you want to know which alternative suits you best read the full article.
The disruptive technology of the Blockchain, although very new, is making giant strides. This disruptive technology has come to stay. Beyond Bitcoin, more and more companies and organizations see its advantages. For example, the EU will use Blockchain for education or taxes, companies like Bosch or Nestlé see a clear benefit for their logistics, it could be used in U.S. elections to make votes fairer or maybe change the future cloud storage will be through Blockchain. And it is about the last one that we are going to talk about.
The Blockchain technology has recently been applied to cloud storage. By contrast to traditional cloud storage, the use of Blockchain technology in data storage is providing and proving with no doubts better abilities, securities and privacy for users. Interesting, isn’t it?
Perhaps if you are entering this world for the first time you are not yet familiar with the term “decentralized” which goes hand in hand with the Blockchain. “Decentralized cloud storage” is where our personal/business data is stored but not in giant databases all over the world but on decentralized networks by users or fellows who are usually incentivized with tokens and cryptocoins to store and keep our end-to-end encrypted data accessible. So, what are the best decentralized alternatives to traditional cloud storage?
1. INTERNXT DRIVE
Internxt Drive is a Spanish disruptive cloud storage start-up that bets on innovation and user privacy using blockchain technology. They use a zero-knowledge encryption, meaning that only you can truly access your files, not even the start-up. Internxt Drive has a network of suppliers around the world, which stores encrypted fragments of the users private files paying them with their own token $INXT. Of course, a modern company must care about the environment, which is why Internxt has an agreement with the OneTreePlanted NGO which plants 1 tree per subscriber. There are some differences between the 3 alternatives:
First of all, Internxt Drive is also investing in R&D they will put on the market Internxt Teams, Internxt Send and Internxt Photos in Q1 2021. Secondly, Internxt Drive does not store your decryption key, unlike other companies. And, as far as price is concerned, it is undoubtedly the cheapest of all the alternatives which also has a referral system.
Internxt Drive has four plans for consumers and three plans for companies. Going 2GB to 2TB for customers and from 200GB to 20TB for firms, all of them without limited downloads and unlimited file size for both desktop app and mobile app.
2. STORJ
Storj has 2 platforms, one is Storj for hosting a node and the other is tardigrade.io for storing data. Storj is decentralized cloud storage being an option if you are looking for a huge amount of space. Storj can host 999TB with 999999 downloads and will cost you $54,990/month. This platform, like the others, blocks any attempt at monitoring of your data. Basically, Stroj divides your data into hundreds of pieces and stores those small blocks on several computers all over the world.
To highlight, Storj doesn’t offer a free plan but the advantage of Storj is that you can create your own personal fare, so you can pay the exact amount of storage that you will use with money or they own token $STORJ but the downside of this is the high price. Furthermore, the first step when you have already registered, you have to put your bank account, even if you want to use the free trial storage.
3. OPACITY
Even if I have previously written a whole review about Opacity, it is necessary to compare it with its rivals. Opacity Storage is another cloud storage provider with a familiar interface that decreases cloud-related breaches with blockchain technology. Their advantage is that Opacity doesn’t ask for personal information, not even an e-mail, and you can pay the different plans with their own cryptocoin called $OPQ. As far as storage is concerned, you will not have the Storj advantage of being able to choose your own plan but you have a number of plans ranging from free to unlimited.
Also Opacity has a free trial that could host up to 10GB but let all be said, Opacity Free trial has a limitation file size (2GB) so if you are looking for a cloud storage for videos or heavy files, Opacity is not your option.
Here I leave you with a more graphic summary so that you can better evaluate the 3 options:
Do you use decentralized cloud storage? Did you think blockchain will change the way we move on internet? Please, don’t hesitate, comment on this post and let me know your opinions. I’m waiting for your reply.
