Storj, pronounced as “stor-jay,” is an open-source cloud storage platform. Basically, it uses a decentralized network of nodes to host user data. The platform also secures hosted data using advanced encryption.
In a white paper published in December,2014, Storj was first introduced to the world as a concept. It was to be a decentralized peer-to-peer encrypted cloud storage platform.
Two years later, an updated white paper was published. Here, a decentralized network — connecting users who need cloud storage space with those who have hard drive space to sell — was described. The platform was launched in late 2018.
People with hard drive space and good internet connectivity can participate in the network. They become a unit in the network, called a node. Space providers are rewarded by Storj tokens.
## Who Are the Founders of Storj?
Storj was founded by Shawn Wilkinson in May 2014. Wilkinson was a software developer based in Atlanta. He saw how blockchain technology could be leveraged to build a decentralized cloud storage network.
Together with his co-founder, John Quinn, the first white paper was published late 2014. Since then, the concept and details have changed. The current version of Storj, V3, was launched in the middle of 2019.
In addition to being a blockchain enthusiast, Quinn had extensive background in business development. Prior to founding his own projects (including Storj) he had been involved in the investment banking industry. The concept was finally incorporated as a company — Storj Labs Inc. in May 2015.
At the company’s inception, Wilkinson served as CEO. Later, he stepped down for a more experienced hand to take the wheel, with Ben Golub currently serving as CEO. Wilkinson is now the chief strategy officer (CSO), while Quinn serves as the chief revenue officer (CSO) as well as a member of the company’s board.
The platform was able to raise 910 bitcoin worth about $460,000 in 2014 in a public crowd-sale. They raised $3 million in a seed funding round three years later and then held a token sale, generating an additional $30 million that same year.
## What Makes Storj Unique?
As a decentralized cloud storage network, Storj is unique in more ways than one. For one, unlike traditional cloud storage solutions that store data in huge data centers, Storj runs on a network of thousands of independent computers.
Anyone with a few extra terabytes of space can become a node on the platform by installing Tardigrade. All that is required is a strong and consistent internet connection.
The efficiency of the network means that hosts pay far less for the storage of their data than when employing traditional cloud storage services.
## How Many Storj Coins Are There in Circulation?
Initially about 500 million $Storj tokens were minted on the Ethereum blockchain. After Storj Labs hosted a token sale, 75 million of these were burned. Now the total tokens available in circulation is just short of 425 million.
In 2017, before the token sale, the company locked up 245 million tokens in a reserve. The token sale itself had 70 million tokens released into circulation.
## How Is the Storj Network Secured?
Storj Labs Inc., uses its Tardigrade software installed on node computers to create and secure user data. This network of anonymous nodes removes the need to trust cloud storage service providers to secure the privacy of our data.
The system is also peer-to-peer encrypted, which means that each file is encrypted before being dispersed to the network of independent hosts. Each node only receives a random fragment of a whole file with decryption keys split among each node and the host, making it almost impossible to hack.
Node operators get rewarded for hosting data as well confirming the safety and retention of the hosted files randomly in a process known in the crypto world as mining (PoW). The Storj token is used for this purpose. Individuals or organizations who want to store their data on the network provide the Storj tokens paid to nodes
This system ensures that user data are protected against hacks and other malicious attacks. It also removes the risk of storing data in a few isolated data storage units — which can be subject to a planned, coordinated attack, leading to mass loss of user data.
## Where Can You Buy Storj Coins?
As one of the earliest blockchain solutions, Storj’s token has liquidity. Over fifty exchange platforms have $Storj listed in pairs with other major currencies and cryptocurrencies, including Coinbase Exchange, Crypto.com and Binance. You can make a direct conversion of USD and Euro on Kraken as well.
Learn how other platforms are leveraging the Ethereum blockchain to drive innovation here.
How to Buy STORJ on an Exchange
Step 1: Choose a Reputable Exchange Platform
Select a trusted platform from among many available options for purchasing STORJ. Some reputable platforms include Bybit、OKX、Binance, and others.
Step 2: Register an Account
Here, we'll register an account on the OKX (registration link) trading platform. You may need to provide personal information such as phone number and email to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
For security purposes, some platforms may require you to complete identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions to provide necessary identity information (such as country/ID number) and undergo facial recognition. Once your identity is confirmed, you'll receive notification.
Step 4: Link Bank or Payment Method
Link your bank account or other payment methods to the exchange platform for making payments when purchasing STORJ.
Step 5: Purchase STORJ
Find the option to buy coins on the exchange platform, choose the C2C coin purchase process, and then input the quantity of STORJ you wish to purchase. Typically, you'll choose to buy USDT first and select your preferred payment method. Simply place the order, make the payment to the seller, and you'll receive the cryptocurrency. Once payment is complete, you can use your exchange assets to buy STORJ.
Step 6: Store Your STORJ
After purchasing, you can choose to store your STORJ in the digital wallet provided by the exchange platform or transfer it to a hardware wallet under your control.
Step 7: Security Reminder
To protect your exchange account and STORJ assets, be sure to use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
STORJ Price:Storj, pronounced as “storage,” is an open-source cloud storage platform.
The price fluctuates daily, You can go to the exchange: okx to check the price.
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