Welcome to #2 episode of crypto battles, where I compare two cryptocurrencies / blockchain based projects with similar features, with overview of the technology, community, growth potential and other important characteristics. This time we will be talking about decentralized cloud storage platforms: Sia (Siacoin) and Storj. The idea of distributing data by using free space on computers from all over the world- it’s another big step towards a sharing (peer) economy and optimized usage of resources. Both Sia and Storj address to real problems that can be potentially solved by decentralization- privacy, security, speed and pricing of today’s cloud storage services.
1 . Key Features
Sia is mainly focused on complete decentralization and security. It’s relatively cheaper that Storj at this moment and payments are accepted only in Siacoins. Unlike its competitor, it has a storage marketplace. Currently the network has many bugs, but developers seem to have a good mindset.
Storj is more user-friendly with various payment methods and better UI, it has fixed prices and no storage marketplace. Storj could be called partially centralized because of its bridges, that are used as access points.
At this moment, Sia is more of a backup provider, while Storj is technically closer to a cloud storage with support of online usage. However, developers are constantly adding new features and according to the roadmap, Sia will get video streaming, instant sharing and other useful options. Besides, all payments for storage providers are quick and automatized via smart contracts, while Storj payments are received only once a month and include some manual steps.
- Growth potential and mass adoption
Apart from technical issues, decentralized cloud storage is the way to go. So, both Sia and Storj could succeed on long term, either by becoming a necessity for average users or serving businesses. Storj can be used as a platform to build decentralized applications upon it, Sia promises to deliver maximum security and distribution across the globe. Within several years, new and existing blockchain-based cloud storage projects must improve issues with scalability, upload/download speeds, payment terms, ease of usage etc. It won’t go mainstream if the technology is not good enough, so let’s be patient and adopt decentralization in small steps.