The challenge to Big Tech: a next-generation decentralized cloud
#Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto have introduced Shelby — a distributed cloud data storage platform focused on #Web3 and AI. The launch took place on Tuesday. In the context of the rapidly growing demand for information storage, Shelby offers developers a high-speed, scalable, and decentralized tool.
The platform is compatible with #Ethereum , #solana , and other networks, making it universal for multi-chain applications.
What makes Shelby unique?
Shelby is built on Aptos technology — a blockchain known for its speed and performance. The service offers cloud power comparable to AWS and Google Cloud, but without centralization. Developers can maintain full control over their data, set their own monetization rules, and program business logic at the protocol level.
"We provide the same performance as traditional cloud services, but without losing control," said Aptos's engineering director Pranav Raval.
AI and explosive growth in storage demand
The world has been swept by a wave of AI applications. They need not just computations — they need data. And the more, the better. According to S&P Global data, by 2030, energy consumption by data centers will double. This clearly demonstrates: the infrastructure is struggling.
This is where Shelby finds its niche. It allows AI agents to connect to live data streams in real time. This changes everything. Now models can be trained faster, more accurately, and without needing to wait for prior aggregation.
Decentralization, but with the speed of the cloud
Shelby offers what the major players do not. Availability, flexibility, an open protocol, and high performance. The platform is suitable not only for AI but also for streaming, DePIN applications, video storage, and large multimedia arrays.
In simple terms: developers get the cloud, but on their terms.
Will there be AI data marketplaces?
Yes. And Shelby is ready to become the infrastructure base for them. Users will be able to share data, monetize it, and simultaneously train models. All processes will be decentralized. This paves the way for the formation of new digital economies — with transparent rules and built-in tokenomics.
Competition with Big Tech: is it real?
At first glance — it seems difficult. AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure control the market. But they do not have a solution for Web3, and they are not focused on decentralized ecosystems. Shelby is emerging at a time when the demand for such products is just beginning to form. And this could play to its advantage.
What's next?
In the coming months, Shelby will scale up. A key indicator of success will be the speed of integration with dApps and demand among AI developers. If the platform can handle the load — this could be a breakthrough not only for Aptos but for the entire next-generation decentralized infrastructure.
