Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto unveiled Shelby, a decentralized hot storage network on 24 June 2025, delivering cloud-grade performance for Web3 and AI applications. The globally distributed platform operates chain-agnostically, providing compatibility with Ethereum, Solana, and other major blockchain networks whilst serving streaming video, artificial intelligence, and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) applications. The system aims to end the dominance of traditional cloud services controlled by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
According to Aptos engineering lead Pranav Raval, Shelby offers similar performance to leading cloud platforms whilst enabling developers to retain ownership and programme business logic at the protocol level. International Energy Agency data indicates that global data centre power demand is projected to double by 2030, increasing pressure for scalable storage solutions, particularly for AI workloads. Raval emphasised that when data is activated, it builds new worlds and powers new economics, creativity, and coordination, whilst AI agents can connect to live, contextual data anytime, anywhere. The platform utilises a decentralised cloud system including a dedicated fibre network, an auditing protocol, and an encoding scheme, whilst rewarding nodes for serving data.
Following Shelby's announcement, the APT token rallied 12% on 25 June 2025, demonstrating positive market reception for the decentralised cloud storage solution. Aptos Labs claims Shelby transforms static data into dynamic, readable, and on-demand content, creating an economic model where usage creates value, value creates assets, assets attract capital, and capital fuels innovation.
Sources:
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Benson Toti
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Vivian Nguyen
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bloomingbit
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Michael Ebiekutan
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