1. Project Overview
CESS (Cumulus Encrypted Storage System) is a decentralized cloud storage network focused on high-frequency dynamic data storage, aiming to provide secure, efficient, and scalable data infrastructure services for Web3. As a Layer 1 blockchain developed based on the Substrate framework, CESS combines the DePIN network concept to create a new value network where data sovereignty belongs to users and storage nodes are co-constructed and shared. Its competitors include Filecoin and Arweave, but CESS places greater emphasis on the practicality and performance of enterprise-level commercial applications.
2. Technology and Product Mechanisms
CESS has built a four-layer architecture including blockchain layer, storage resource layer, content distribution layer, and application layer, with key mechanisms as follows:
R²S Reputation Rotation Consensus Mechanism: Combines reputation (80%) and randomness (20%) to select 11 consensus nodes from candidate nodes, balancing fairness and security to achieve high-performance processing (theoretical single-chain TPS can reach 10,000);
PoDR² Storage Proof: Data is encrypted and stored in multiple redundant copies, with regular verification using TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) to enhance resistance to destruction and data security;
DeOSS Decentralized Object Storage Service: Designed for unstructured data, supporting millisecond-level retrieval, data access permission management, HTTPS transmission, etc., suitable for common Web3 scenarios such as images, audio and video, NFTs, etc.;
MDRC + Proxy Re-encryption: Achieving data rights confirmation and data transfer and sharing under confidentiality, supporting data monetization;
EVM + WASM Compatibility: Developers can directly deploy Ethereum smart contracts or use WASM to enhance ecosystem interoperability.
3. Track Positioning and Competitive Landscape
CESS operates in the decentralized cloud storage (DeStorage) + DePIN network space, targeting scenarios with high-frequency access and real-time data requirements, acting as a complementary competitor to projects like Filecoin that focus on cold data storage.
Compared to:
Filecoin/IPFS is more suitable for cold data archiving;
Arweave focuses on permanent storage;
CESS emphasizes hot data, enterprise-level use cases, and dynamic content delivery, offering stronger commercial adaptability.
At the same time, CESS leverages its dual compatibility with EVM and Polkadot, gaining a first-mover advantage in cross-chain data exchange and multi-chain interoperability.
4. Data Performance and Growth Indicators
The testnet has been launched to v0.7.6, with more than 7,600 active nodes and a total storage computing power of 44.54 PiB;
Daily tasks and incentive mechanisms attract a large number of nodes to participate, allowing users to redeem future $CESS tokens through computing power points;
DeShare airdrop event attracted over 2.6 million addresses, demonstrating strong community mobilization;
The mainnet is expected to launch in 2025, with the TGE anticipated to occur simultaneously.
5. Financing Background and Team Composition
Completed $8 million Series A financing in December 2023, with investors including HTX Ventures, DWF Labs, Infinity Ventures Crypto, Web3 Foundation, etc.;
The project is led by a technical team with extensive experience in data security and distributed systems, having received recognition from the Web3 Foundation Grant and the Substrate Builders Program;
Previously won first prize at the Polkadot hackathon, with a good track record in standard-setting and regulatory participation.
6. Token Economic Model
Token Name: $CESS (TGE not yet conducted)
Total Supply: 10 billion
Distribution Structure:
30% for storage miners;
15% for consensus nodes;
The remaining portion is for ecosystem incentives, governance, gas, development support, etc.;
The inflation model has not been disclosed, but user expectations have been strategically addressed through testnet point redemption and airdrops.
7. Market Prospects and Potential Risks
Growth Potential:
The mainnet and TGE are approaching, in conjunction with the decentralized CDN (DCDN) release plan, expected to cover high-frequency scenarios such as social media and streaming;
Multiple institutional support signals (IEEE P3233 standard drafters, participation in U.S. blockchain legislative dialogues, etc.) provide compliance margins;
Highly synergistic with the Polkadot ecosystem, possessing ecological niche advantages in the Web3 infrastructure layer.
Core Challenges:
The decentralized storage track is highly competitive, with Filecoin/Arweave already occupying user mindshare;
The stability of the mainnet and commercial-grade SLA guarantees remain to be validated by the market;
Global compliance requirements for data sovereignty and privacy regulations may pose technical adaptation and legal risks.
8. Conclusion
CESS is a DeStorage project with a comprehensive technical architecture, strong ecological compatibility, and clear commercialization orientation, holding potential to become a 'Web3 Data Cloud Service' provider. Its advantages in high-frequency data scenarios, synergies with the Polkadot ecosystem, and the upcoming launch of mainnet nodes and token incentive mechanisms give it high attention and speculative value even in the Alpha phase. Future monitoring should focus on performance after the mainnet launch and progress in commercial collaboration.