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. People are constantly on the verge of getting their data stolen, thanks to all the restless minds behind the monitors and keyboards. Here we’ll compare the two to see which one would be the best database for your data, and suggest 5 platforms based on the comparison.
Core Insights
- A decentralized database is a database system that doesn’t have a central server for data storage.
- It stores data in several servers in different locations for easy access and security.
- It doesn’t split the data and store parts in separate nodes like a distributed database, it replicates the data and distributes the copies in different servers.
- Less costly and way more fault-tolerant than a cloud data storage system.
- Blockchain databases are decentralized databases.
- A decentralized database allows the user to access data from anywhere without having to depend on a network or a single server.
- The top 5 decentralized database platforms are recommended here.
What Is A Decentralized Database?
A decentralized database is a storage system that doesn’t share one central storage path. It allows you to store your data on several servers in different locations. However, that might sound like what a distributed database does, but the decentralized database is way different.
It doesn’t split the same data and store them on different servers. Rather, the database replicates the data and sends the copies to other locations. Decentralized systems design their storage paths this way to ensure security.
Why Is The Decentralized System Considered More Secure?
The whole concept behind storing copies of data in several locations comes from the urgency of protecting data. The decentralized system ensures data security in the following way:
- Same data in different servers: The data is always the same as all versions, which are just replicated copies.
- There’s always a copy: Since the data is replicated into several copies, losing a node isn’t really a loss. You can still access the same data from an active server.
- Available offline: Decentralized databases allow for offline operation. So, you won’t always have to stay connected to the network to keep everything safe.
- No risk of trust: It eliminates the necessity of depending on a specific node or user to access the data. You can access needed information from any server without a second person. This is the best perk of having no central authority.
- Fault-tolerant model: Decentralized systems pay more attention to building a fault-tolerant model to eliminate the need to depend on a central authority and the chances of data loss. Other servers can easily back up data if a server is damaged, under attack, or inactive. Attempts to tamper with data are not that big of an issue because of that.
- Sharable: The data is easily replicated and accessible from different servers because decentralized models make them sharable.
How Is A Cloud Database Different From A Decentralized Database?
While both possess significant benefits regarding data management, a cloud database is a centralized system governed by a central authority. The central server connects all the other servers, so there’s basically one single destination for all the data. So when the central server is at risk or any of the pathways are down, consider your data gone. Or worse, tampered with.
Besides, as one server is in charge of storing anything, you’ll be required to expand the storage as time progresses. This can be irritating at certain points and costs a lot more than booking a decentralized storage unit.
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.
Decentralized databases help blockchain 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. The same data is replicated in every node. 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, for us, the decentralized database it is.
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. This protocol database was built to index all sorts of 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, 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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Wrap-Up The Content
We’re not being biased, just looking out for you. Yes, 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.
Hoping that you got the answer you came looking for. You’re guaranteed to have the best experience with one of our recommended servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can blockchain be used to ensure the integrity of data?
Blockchain is best known for its transparency and immutability. Once the data is encrypted, it can no longer be erased or altered, and the user can always keep track of the transaction.
How can fault tolerance be ensured in distributed systems?
The best way to ensure fault tolerance in distributed systems is to not keep the data centralized and have them replicated. Storing replicas of the same data in different servers in separate locations allows the user to easily access it, even when one node or server is down.
Is a decentralized database a data silo?
The concepts might sound related, but not really. The decentralized database keeps data separate for protection, uninterrupted transaction, and easy access; silos are separated but not accessible.
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