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- Apr 2017
Decentralized storage means there are no central computer to take offline, which addresses the problems typically seen with centralized servers. Let's compare Sia and Storj, two popular cryptocurrency projects focused on decentralized storage solutions.
Sia - Simple Decentralized Storage
Sia's is focused on providing decentralized, incentivized storage, which will compete with centralized storage alternatives (Amazon S3), and is targeting the enterprise sector to provide a fast, reliable, cost efficient service. Sia has chosen not to spend any time towards marketing, so they can focus their energy to building this storage platform. Sia supports smart contracts on the blockchain, incentivizing hosts to store files, therefore the host will continue to get paid even if the client does not access their files. The downside to these contracts are the higher costs.
Storj - Peer to Peer Cloud Storage Network
Storj shares similarities with Sia for decentralizing storage, but it doesn't provide smart contracts on the blockchain - there's currently no method for automating agreements. The Storj model is pay-as-you-go, which means the host won't get paid once the user disappears. Price structures for storage and bandwidth are already in place, and anyone can start using their solutions.
Sia verus Storj
Let's compare Sia versus Storj...
Sia supports on-blockchain smart contracts that require hosts to store files in order to get paid. Once the contract is created, the host is guaranteed to get paid, even if the uploader never accesses the file. This contract also allows Sia to enforce penalties on hosts that go offline or lose data. Storj offers a pay-as-you-go model where hosts are paid with some frequency by the users. If the users disappear or go offline, the host stops getting paid.
Storj is still running test groups, and has not yet implemented a network where you can upload files. Sia does have a working network, and have been quietly designing, implementing, and refining the core Sia codebase. Sia is not interested in promoting a flashy product that does not work or has gaping security vulnerabilities.
One huge difference between the two has to with their implementation of their network. In the event the Storj network was to be taken down, the storage network would crash with it. With the Sia network, should their network be taken offline, their storage network would continue to remain intact and accessible. This is significant, because should a government ever intervene to force a network offline, storage solutions with Sia would remain safe, secure, and online.
Final Thoughts
Sia emphasizes strong engineering and uncompromising technology to build a foundation necessary to be the fastest, most reliable, lowest cost, and most rewarding storage platform. Their primary goal is to build a decentralized, incentivized, byzantine fault-tolerant storage. Their strong focus is on being a product for enterprises. Sia's interest is courting enterprise-level customers who need >100TB of storage, and it's near-ready for enterprise customers.
Sia - Simple Decentralized Storage
Sia's is focused on providing decentralized, incentivized storage, which will compete with centralized storage alternatives (Amazon S3), and is targeting the enterprise sector to provide a fast, reliable, cost efficient service. Sia has chosen not to spend any time towards marketing, so they can focus their energy to building this storage platform. Sia supports smart contracts on the blockchain, incentivizing hosts to store files, therefore the host will continue to get paid even if the client does not access their files. The downside to these contracts are the higher costs.
Storj - Peer to Peer Cloud Storage Network
Storj shares similarities with Sia for decentralizing storage, but it doesn't provide smart contracts on the blockchain - there's currently no method for automating agreements. The Storj model is pay-as-you-go, which means the host won't get paid once the user disappears. Price structures for storage and bandwidth are already in place, and anyone can start using their solutions.
Sia verus Storj
Let's compare Sia versus Storj...
Sia supports on-blockchain smart contracts that require hosts to store files in order to get paid. Once the contract is created, the host is guaranteed to get paid, even if the uploader never accesses the file. This contract also allows Sia to enforce penalties on hosts that go offline or lose data. Storj offers a pay-as-you-go model where hosts are paid with some frequency by the users. If the users disappear or go offline, the host stops getting paid.
Storj is still running test groups, and has not yet implemented a network where you can upload files. Sia does have a working network, and have been quietly designing, implementing, and refining the core Sia codebase. Sia is not interested in promoting a flashy product that does not work or has gaping security vulnerabilities.
One huge difference between the two has to with their implementation of their network. In the event the Storj network was to be taken down, the storage network would crash with it. With the Sia network, should their network be taken offline, their storage network would continue to remain intact and accessible. This is significant, because should a government ever intervene to force a network offline, storage solutions with Sia would remain safe, secure, and online.
Final Thoughts
Sia emphasizes strong engineering and uncompromising technology to build a foundation necessary to be the fastest, most reliable, lowest cost, and most rewarding storage platform. Their primary goal is to build a decentralized, incentivized, byzantine fault-tolerant storage. Their strong focus is on being a product for enterprises. Sia's interest is courting enterprise-level customers who need >100TB of storage, and it's near-ready for enterprise customers.