Walrus protocol: An important supplement to the Sui ecosystem

Following the Sui network and DeepBook protocol, Mysten Labs is developing a new decentralized storage project - the Walrus protocol. Although there are already several protocols in the decentralized storage field, Walrus has attracted widespread attention due to the following two characteristics:

1. Higher cost-effectiveness and security: Walrus's storage costs and security are superior to existing solutions.

2. Programmability: Through the Sui network, the data stored by Walrus can be programmed.

As one of the advanced projects in the field of decentralized storage, the future practicality and value of Walrus is worth looking forward to.

The Uniqueness of Walrus

Compared to existing storage solutions like Filecoin and Arweave, Walrus has three main differences:

1. Higher storage cost efficiency

Walrus adopts Red-Stuff encoding, achieving storage efficiency nearly 100 times higher than Arweave and Filecoin, while significantly reducing the probability of data loss. Walrus combines the low data loss risk of Arweave and the low cost advantage of Filecoin, achieving a balance between low-cost replication and high data security.

In addition, as the scale of the network grows, the burden on each node of Walrus will actually decrease, which makes its storage cost efficiency significantly higher than that of Arweave and Filecoin.

2. Powerful programmability

The biggest feature of Walrus is its "programmability". Through the Sui network, Walrus can directly reference or trigger stored data via smart contracts, giving stored data more functionality. For example:

• NFT image files can be stored in Walrus and associated objects can be created on Sui, addressing the traditional NFT "incomplete" issue.

• The data in Walrus can be stored as Sui objects, with ownership transfer or automatic changes controlled by Move smart contracts.

In contrast, Arweave and Filecoin have very limited dynamic integration with on-chain applications.

3. Flexible data access and deletion

Unlike existing storage protocols, Walrus allows users to delete or modify data as needed. This enhances Walrus's application potential in traditional enterprises and Web2 companies, broadening its market prospects.

The Synergistic Effect of Walrus and the Sui Network

Walrus does not distract from the attention on Sui, but rather perfects the applications on Sui as a storage stack. The two form an inseparable symbiotic relationship:

1. Walrus enhances Sui's storage capacity, addressing the issue of large-scale blob data storage.

2. Sui's unique storage fund mechanism provides economic incentives and sustainability guarantees for Walrus.

3. Walrus achieves programmability and controllability of data storage through Sui.

4. The use of Walrus will lead to more SUI being locked in the storage fund, making SUI a deflationary asset.

The Importance and Future Prospects of Walrus

1. Walrus is an important part of Mysten Labs' vision for building a complete Web3 decentralized infrastructure.

2. Walrus is not limited to the Sui ecosystem and can be used by any third party, and may even replace existing storage protocols or DA layer solutions.

3. Walrus is expected to become a bridge connecting Sui with external ecosystems, expanding the demand for SUI.

4. With its efficient operating mechanism, unique features, and the foundation of the Sui network, Walrus has the potential to become a leading protocol in the storage field.

Overall, Walrus is not only an important addition to the Sui ecosystem but may also become a key project in reshaping the Web3 storage paradigm. As development progresses, we will see how Walrus achieves its ambitious goals and brings innovation to the entire blockchain industry.