• Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto launched Shelby, a globally distributed, chain-agnostic cloud storage platform optimised for Web3.
  • Shelby supports high-demand use cases like AI, streaming, and DePIN, offering cloud-like performance with protocol-level control.

In a strategic move to meet the surging global demand for scalable data storage, Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto have launched Shelby, a decentralised cloud-based storage network tailored for Web3 developers and decentralised applications.

Unveiled on Tuesday, Shelby is designed to rival traditional cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

The platform is globally distributed, powered by Aptos’ high-throughput blockchain technology, and chain-agnostic, with support for Ethereum, Solana, and other major blockchains.

Built for Speed and Ownership

Developers building high-performance use cases such as streaming video, artificial intelligence, and decentralised physical infrastructure (DePIN) now have access to a tool that offers cloud-like performance with the added benefit of on-chain control.

According to Pranav Raval, engineering lead at Aptos, Shelby matches the performance of traditional cloud platforms while enabling developers to “retain ownership, control pricing and program business logic at the protocol level.”

AI and Data Demands Drive Innovation

With the global data centre power demand expected to double by 2030, scalable and efficient storage has become a pressing priority.

This trend is being accelerated by the explosion of AI workloads, which require persistent access to massive and relevant data streams.

“When data is activated, it builds new worlds and powers new economics, creativity, and coordination,” said Raval.
“For AI, that means AI agents aren’t just smart, they’re connected to live, contextual data anytime, anywhere. AI data marketplaces hosted on Shelby empower builders to train models faster, using relevant data streamed in as needed.”

Shelby’s launch positions it as a key contender in the future of decentralised cloud infrastructure, bridging the needs of emerging technologies with the resilience and flexibility of Web3.

Edited by Annette George