Sui’s Mysten Labs launches Walrus Protocol public testnet for decentralized storage

Mysten Labs has launched the public testnet for the Walrus Protocol, a decentralized storage network designed to efficiently store large data files, such as videos, audio, and images.

The testnet, built on the Sui blockchain, introduces several important features, including the ability to delete stored files, a staking system, and an explorer tool that allows users to search and manage their data. According to the press release, the goal of Walrus Protocol is to provide secure and resilient storage solutions, which differ from traditional cloud storage services by distributing files across multiple independent storage nodes, rather than relying on a centralized provider.

How Walrus Works

The decentralized nature of Walrus Protocol allows large files to be broken into smaller pieces, which are then stored across various locations. This method ensures that even if some of the pieces are lost or corrupted, the entire file can still be reassembled, allowing users to maintain continuous access to their data. This approach enhances the security and reliability of the storage system compared to traditional, centralized storage solutions.

Walrus on Sui Blockchain

The Walrus testnet is powered by Sui, a blockchain known for its high throughput and efficient management of decentralized storage systems. The testnet also features a native token, WAL, which users can stake (temporarily lock up) to help support the network and earn rewards. This staking system is a key element in maintaining the health and reliability of the decentralized storage network.

Walrus Protocol is particularly focused on making decentralized storage fast and reliable, with a special emphasis on applications that handle rich media, such as video or audio content.

Partnerships and Adoption

Walrus has already attracted notable partners in the space. Akord, a secure storage platform, is migrating its operations from Arweave to Walrus, while Decrypt Media is integrating Walrus to store its media files on the network. These partnerships signal growing interest in decentralized storage solutions for secure and scalable media storage.

With the launch of its public testnet, Mysten Labs is positioning Walrus as a viable decentralized storage solution for the growing demand of applications that store large, media-heavy files, aiming to compete with centralized cloud storage services while offering better security and user control over data.