2026-01-09 08:30:43

These days, the growth of data volume is no longer keeping up with our imagination. AI technology is exploding, and data demand has jumped from TB to ZB levels. According to the latest report from International Data Corporation (IDC), by 2026, the total global data volume will exceed 200ZB, with AI-driven data accounting for 45%. Imagine that, from training generative models like GPT to real-time AI agents handling dynamic content, each application requires massive amounts of unstructured data to support it.

But here’s a problem—what about traditional centralized storage systems? Google Cloud, AWS, and others sound impressive, but in reality, they are heavily constrained. High costs, data silos, privacy risks, single points of failure... these limitations are like shackles on data flow. AI developers face a dilemma: either accept the various drawbacks of centralization or seek a new way out.

This is why decentralized storage solutions are beginning to attract attention. Projects like Walrus Protocol are targeting this pain point. Their approach is very clear—rather than spinning within the existing framework, they fundamentally overhaul the storage infrastructure. Through decentralized architecture, data is no longer monopolized by a single platform, giving developers more control, significantly reducing storage costs, and greatly enhancing security and availability.

In simple terms, it’s about freeing AI developers from the shackles of centralization and embracing new possibilities in data storage. This is not only a technological advancement but also a reshaping opportunity for the entire Web3 storage track.

WAL-5.43%

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SchrodingerProfit

· 17h ago

200ZB, come on, cloud providers are probably panicking this time But can Walrus succeed? It feels like just another big pie project Centralized storage is a trap, with costs ridiculously high and privacy still being sold Is decentralized storage reliable? I still have some concerns about usability With such huge demand for AI data, who can truly capitalize on this wave of opportunity? Honestly, it's just been too long getting exploited by AWS, which is why I’m interested in on-chain storage

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HashBandit

· 17h ago

ngl, 200ZB by 2026? that's insane... back in my mining days we thought terabytes were the future lmao. but real talk, centralized storage pricing is absolutely brutal rn, been there done that with AWS bills eating my profit margins. decentralized storage actually makes sense here if the bandwidth doesn't become another gas fee nightmare tbh

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WhaleShadow

· 17h ago

200ZB, that number sounds outrageous... How are the cloud giants still relying on old methods? --- The centralized systems like AWS are getting more and more expensive each year, and you're locked into their framework. --- Projects like Walrus really address the pain points; decentralized storage seems to be the inevitable path. --- With this AI data explosion, the drawbacks of centralized storage are finally coming to light. --- From monopoly to independence, developers have been waiting for this moment.

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HodlAndChill

· 17h ago

200ZB? Forget it, centralization should have died long ago. This time, someone finally remembers how to save it. Protocols like Walrus are the right way to go; Web3 storage should be played like this. That AWS stuff is limiting to death. Now I finally understand what data freedom really means. By the way, can Walrus really be reliable? Don’t tell me it’s just hype again. Can the costs be reduced so much? I’m a bit tempted, ngl. Is decentralized storage really coming? Let’s wait and see. Who still trusts centralization these days? I’m tired of it.

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