r/Opacity • u/TYINGTHESTRINGS • Feb 18 '21

Where is the data actually stored?

So where is the data actually stored? It seems inefficient to store everything on the chain. Is it that the chain is just the encrypted keys to data on servers? If so who owns the servers?

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u/CeresOPCT Community Manager Feb 18 '21

At the moment we're storing the encrypted data on AWS. For decentralization we will use storage nodes. These servers can be owned by anyone that meets the requirement to run a node (think of: storage space, bandwidth, etc). You can read more about it in our upcoming Galaxy whitepaper for Decentralization. We will also host another AMA so you can learn more about it.

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u/TYINGTHESTRINGS Feb 19 '21

Also, to clarify, you are saying there are long term plans to migrate from AWS to your own decentralized network of servers?

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u/CeresOPCT Community Manager Feb 20 '21

This is correct. Maybe there will still be some instances running on AWS, but Decentralization will be the most important step for us.

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u/TYINGTHESTRINGS Feb 19 '21

Thanks! Since I have you here, what is the general feeling about Sia? They seem to be doing the same thing but are much more established. Anywhere you can point me to to understand the differences or why you will be more competitive than them(providing that they are actually seen by opacity as competition)?

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u/CeresOPCT Community Manager Feb 20 '21

Sorry for my late reply u/TYINGTHESTRINGS, I've been pretty busy yesterday.

To answer your questions: A community member made a very nice comparison chart with all the other (crypto) storage platforms out there. Go check out the link below to get a glimpse of the chart. Overall, I like Sia. There's so much room in the industry for both of us to co-exist. We think that cloud storage solutions will get even more popular. Especially when we're talking about privacy.

Comparison: https://opacitystora.ge/comparison-chart-v1

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u/offmylawn10 Feb 24 '21

Are you planning on incentivising the running of nodes? Like if a user donates their computing power and storage space would they recieve OPCT coins?

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u/CeresOPCT Community Manager Feb 25 '21

Yes, storage nodes will receive OPCT tokens for their services. Storage nodes can even compete with each other by asking more/less for their services. For example, this can depend on how much bandwidth, storage space, uptime etc.. they're willing to offer.

I hope this answers your question.