Decentralized Database Vs Cloud Database: Best 5 Platforms To Consider In 2024 For Data Security

Making the right decision between a cloud and a decentralized database for your organization is much more crucial than many would imagine, especially in an age where data security is no joke. 

So, Decentralized Database Vs Cloud Database: which is the better? If you prioritize security, privacy, and transparency, a decentralized database might be your best choice. However, if you need scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easy access, a cloud database is likely a better option. 

Here we’ll compare the two in more detail to see which one would be the best database for your data. We also suggest 5 platforms based on the comparison.

Core Insights

• If security, privacy, and transparency are your top priorities, a decentralized database might be the best choice.
• If you need scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easy access, a free cloud database is likely the better option.
• Blockchain databases are decentralized databases.
• Best 5 Platforms To Consider In 2024 For Data Security
• The specific use cases where decentralized database systems are the best choice

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Decentralized Database Vs Cloud Database

Databases play a key role in storing and managing data. Two popular types are decentralized databases and cloud databases. Let’s compare them to see which one best suits your requirements.

Decentralized Database

A decentralized database stores data across multiple nodes or computers. This setup means there is no central point of control. Each node has a copy of the data, and when someone updates the data, all nodes update too. This offers several benefits:

1. Security: With data spread across many nodes, it’s hard for hackers to attack. They can’t easily access all the data at once.
2. Reliability: If one node fails, others continue to operate. This ensures the system is always available.
3. Transparency: Everyone on the network can see the data. This builds trust as all changes are visible and can be verified.
4. Privacy: Users control their own data. They can decide who sees it and how it’s used.
5. Scalability: Adding more nodes can handle more data and users. It grows with the network.

However, decentralized databases also have some disadvantages:

1. Complexity: Managing and maintaining a decentralized database is complex. It requires special skills and an understanding of various nodes and networks.
2. Higher Costs: Setting up and running a decentralized database can be expensive. It needs more resources and infrastructure compared to a centralized database.

Cloud Database

A cloud database runs on cloud computing platforms. It is hosted online, meaning you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. Hardware, software, and security are all under the provider’s management. Key benefits include:

1. Scalability: Quickly increase or decrease storage and computing power. This helps manage costs and resources effectively.
2. Accessibility: Using an internet connection, you may access your data from any location. This is great for remote work and global teams.
3. Cost-Effective: Pay only for what you use. It is not necessary to spend money on costly gear or upkeep.
4. Automatic Updates: The provider handles software updates and security patches. This ensures your database is always up-to-date and secure.
5. Disaster Recovery: Cloud databases offer robust backup and recovery options. Even if something goes wrong, your data is secure.

Cloud based databases also have some disadvantages:

1. Dependency on the Internet: You need a stable Internet connection to access your data. Without it, you can’t use the database.
2. Security Concerns: While providers offer strong security, your data is still stored online. This can be a concern for sensitive information and requires trust in the provider’s security measures.

The Winner

Depending on your demands, you can choose between a cloud computing database and a decentralized database. If security, privacy, and transparency are your top priorities, a decentralized database system might be the best choice. 

However, if you need scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easy access, a cloud database is likely the better option.

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Centralized vs decentralized database design: Which is better?

Choosing between centralized and decentralized database design is important for your data’s security and usability. Let’s look at both options.

Centralized Databases:

Every piece of data is kept in one location in a centralized database. This design makes management easy because everything is in one location. It is cost-effective and simple to back up. However, it has some downsides. If the central server goes down, all data access is lost. Also, it is more vulnerable to hacking because there is only one entry point.

Decentralized Databases:

On the other hand, decentralized databases spread data across multiple locations. This makes them more secure. If one server fails, others can still provide data. It’s harder for hackers to attack because they must breach multiple points. Decentralized databases are great for industries like finance, healthcare, and blockchain applications where data security is crucial. They ensure privacy and transparency and are less prone to failures.

Which One to Choose?

Decide based on your needs. If you need simple management and cost savings, a centralized database might work. But if you prioritize security, privacy, and reliability, go for a decentralized database.

What Kind Of Databases Are Used By Blockchain Platforms?

Blockchain platforms rely heavily on decentralized networks to encrypt and trade their data. Even a simple security breach or data alteration can lead to a major loss. 

Blockchain decentralized databases help maintain data integrity in more ways than cloud systems ever could. Users don’t need to trust or rely on any user for data safety. Every node has a duplicate copy of the same data. It is easy to access and has no risk of interrupted transactions with so many servers actively working.

Immutability protects the encrypted data from getting hacked, edited, or removed from the server. And then there’s the feature of fault tolerance keeping the flow smooth even when one server is down or a node is absent.

So, the best decentralized database is used for Blockchain Platforms.

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The specific use cases where decentralized databases are the best choice

Decentralized databases are great for many uses because they offer top security, transparency, and strength. Here are some key examples:

1. Data Security and Privacy

Best for industries like finance and healthcare where data breaches can be very bad. Decentralized databases don’t store data in one place, making it harder to hack.

2. Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Vital for blockchain uses. They allow secure, unchangeable, and clear transactions, which are crucial for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

3. Supply Chain Management

Perfect for tracking goods and checking if they are real. They give a record of transactions that can’t be changed, ensuring transparency and reducing fraud.

4. Voting Systems

Improves the trust in voting processes. Votes are securely recorded and can’t be tampered with, ensuring honest results.

5. Content Distribution Networks (CDNs)

Good for spreading content across many nodes, making access faster and more reliable. This is important for media streaming services and global businesses.

6. Inter-organizational Data Sharing

Allows secure and clear data sharing between different organizations. This prevents any one group from controlling the data.

7. IOT Networks

Capable of efficiently managing the substantial volume of data from Internet of Things devices. Decentralized databases manage this distributed data efficiently and securely.

In these cases, decentralized databases offer the best benefits for keeping data safe, clear, and reliable.

5 Best Platforms For Decentralized Data Storage

Now that you’ve made this far, it’s pretty clear what you want, and we have some platform recommendations for a smooth start:

01. The Graph

The Graph is a hotcake for those looking for a database for their blockchain trading. The purpose of this protocol database is to index various blockchain networks. Be it Ethereum, Polygon, or something newer in the market, The Graph protocol can develop indexing structures for all networks. 

With more than 200 nodes working under The Graph network and servers all around the world, you’re guaranteed to have your data flow uninterrupted 24/7. Open API systems offered by Subgraphs allow for easy access. All that in 60-98% less cost than most other similar platforms, making it a steal you can’t resist.

02. BigchainDB

BigChainDB takes pride in being the “database with blockchain characteristics”. This decentralized data platform is made solely for blockchain networks. The best thing about this platform is, that rather than growing the network, it already offers a big database to the users where you just have to add the blockchain attributes to get started.

It’s a P2P network-based database that is powered by and specializes in MongoDB queries. No restriction on currency type, so you’re good from any part of the world. This open-source database allows you to customize a private network that fits your goal.

Another brilliant attribute of BigChainDB is its immutability. You can relax without worrying about your data getting ‘accidentally’ deleted or changed as long as you’re on this platform. The Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) design keeps the data afloat, with fast transactions within seconds.

03. Fireproof

Fireproof is one of the hugely crowded live databases right now for its impeccable storage service. The cloudless, embedded service lets you work on your UI in real time as you integrate it with the application. The keys can be separately controlled with its end-to-end data encryption system.

This database features hash trees and Merkle clocks to protect your data from getting altered or deleted. Fireproof lets you have proof of transactions and queries through index sharing, and data slices that are offline capable. Automatically updates UI in real-time; top choice for many JS app developers and crypto investors.

04. Redwood

Redwood has been a trusted name in the field of data automation for 30 years, since the 90s. So you can easily assume that this is not just any database out there; it’s one of the best ones. Redwood is an application server that lets all users edit, update, and synchronize one common app through its state tree.

Preferred by web developers for secure, smooth storage and development of the assets, a git-esque system is also to be credited. Reliable network source for blockchain. Along with tree and subtree state structures, peer-to-peer messaging is encrypted to maintain utmost data security.

05. Threshold Network

Threshold Network’s main focus is to give users of T token the best experience of a decentralized server. This crypto-oriented server offers independent nodes to help with fast and easy access to cryptographic operations. 

Decentralized node distribution provides top-notch data transactions with complete privacy and uninterrupted flow. It’s the go-to server for Threshold cryptographic service users. Public or private, rest assured you have your crypto data secure for the rest of its digital days.

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Final Thoughts

A decentralized database offers top-notch security, privacy, and transparency. On the other hand, cloud storage provides scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easy access. 

We’re not being biased, just looking out for you. Yes, salesforce database cloud storage has some benefits that you won’t get with a decentralized database, but these really don’t stand a chance before the advantages offered by decentralized nodes. As a user, the safety of data matters the most and this is where this system outshines the counterpart.

We hope this guide helped you. With our recommended servers, you’re sure to have a great experience. Prioritize your needs and make an informed choice. Stay secure and make the best decision for your data storage needs.

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