The Permanent Cloud, or permaweb, represents a new data storage technology that provides users with immutable accessibility to information.
What is the Permanent Cloud?
The Permanent Cloud is a network of web pages, applications, and files hosted on the Arweave platform. Unlike the traditional internet, all content uploaded to the Permanent Cloud is preserved indefinitely and cannot be deleted. As stated by the Arweave team, "the cloud looks just like the normal web, but all of its content – from images to full web apps – is permanent and decentralized."
Why do we need a Permanent Cloud?
The modern internet faces a high turnover of information, with many data points becoming lost or inaccessible. The Permanent Cloud addresses this issue by providing users with stable and reliable data. It is noted that "data has become the main commodity of today's economy, and the need for reliable and transparent information has never been more pressing."
Applications and Technologies of the Permanent Cloud
A variety of applications are being developed on the Permanent Cloud that allow users to work with permanent data. These include ArDrive – a file storage app, BazAR – a digital marketplace, and Wander – an Arweave wallet extension. Technically, the permaweb is built on three infrastructure protocols: Arweave, AO, and ar.io, providing durable and efficient data storage.
The Permanent Cloud represents a significant advancement in the evolution of internet technologies, ensuring the permanence and accessibility of data for future generations.