Datum Storage

Datum Storage is decentralized cloud storage running on the Datum Network. Datum Drive adds a virtual hard disk to a computer that behaves like a folder, while the storage service is designed for the Amazon S3 API format and custom S3 endpoints. The product says files are end-to-end encrypted and users hold the key. Storage accounts link to a Datum Identity, which requires email and phone verification to create. After setup, users receive a URL plus key and secret credentials equivalent to S3 access credentials; Datum recommends Signature Version 4 when backup software offers multiple signature choices. Arq Backup for Mac and Windows is listed as tested for compatibility. Duplicati, Duplicity, and Duplicacy are named as compatible S3 applications that have not been tested by Datum. Datum ID is listed for iOS and Android for signup and management of credentials and usage. However, the product page says the mobile workflow and purchase of additional storage are coming soon. A free plan provides one terabyte for the first year; additional storage is listed at $3.99/mo per terabyte and is also described as coming soon.

Datum Storage pairs S3-compatible access with a desktop-drive feature and a stated user-held encryption key. Its listed storage expansion and mobile workflow are not yet available, so confirm those fit your needs.

Datum Storage may suit people who want S3-compatible cloud storage and use supported backup software. Users who need additional storage purchases or the full mobile workflow should note that those are described as coming soon.

Datum Storage combines a virtual desktop drive with S3-compatible object storage on the Datum Network. It is aimed at privacy-conscious individuals and backup operators who can manage access credentials and complete identity verification. The free first-year terabyte is compelling for planned use, while buyers needing immediate storage expansion should be cautious.

Overview

Datum Drive mounts as a virtual hard disk and behaves like a normal folder on a computer. That makes everyday file handling familiar, while the separate S3 interface suits backup jobs and applications built around object storage. The service uses a hybrid network and does not provide IPFS support.

Every storage account is attached to a Datum Identity. Creating one requires both email and phone verification. After registration, Datum supplies a custom endpoint URL, a key equivalent to an S3 Access Key ID and a secret equivalent to an S3 Secret Access Key. If a backup application offers several request-signature methods, Datum advises choosing Signature Version 4.

Key features

User-held encryption

Datum says stored data is end-to-end encrypted and that the user holds the encryption key. That is a strong fit for owners who want control over access rather than provider-held encryption credentials. It also means credential handling is a serious responsibility; losing control of the user-held key can compromise the ability to reach protected data.

Drive and S3 access

The virtual drive gives desktop software a folder-style destination, while S3 compatibility opens the service to tools that support Amazon's S3 API format and custom endpoints. This dual approach is more flexible than a storage product limited to one interface, but it requires users to understand which endpoint and credentials each application should use.

Backup integrations

Datum identifies Arq Backup for Mac and Windows as a tested integration. Duplicati, Duplicity and Duplicacy are named as S3-compatible applications, although Datum has not tested those combinations. Arq users therefore have a clearer starting point; users of the other tools should allow time for their own configuration checks.

Mobile account management

The Datum ID app is offered through the App Store and Google Play. It is intended for signing up for storage and managing credentials and usage. Datum also says its mobile workflow and the ability to buy additional storage are coming soon, limiting the app's role until those capabilities arrive.

Pricing

The free plan is the natural choice for a single user evaluating the drive and backup workflow, with 1 TB for the first year and no charge during that period. It is not a permanent, unlimited free tier: the stated allowance is tied to the first year. The paid option starts at $3.99/mo per terabyte and suits users planning beyond the initial allocation, but purchasing that additional capacity is not yet available. That makes the headline price useful for budgeting rather than an immediate expansion path.

Platforms

Datum Storage supports Android, iOS and API access, and it has desktop apps through Datum Drive. The mobile app is intended for identity and storage management, while desktop access is where the virtual-folder model matters most. API access and S3 endpoints make it relevant to backup software and other automated workflows.

Who it's for

Choose Datum if you want a desktop-style remote drive, S3-compatible backups and encryption keys held by you. It is particularly suitable for users willing to complete email and phone verification and maintain their own access credentials. It is a weaker fit for teams or individuals that need instantly purchasable capacity, a fully established mobile workflow or a backup integration that has been validated for every listed application.

Pros and cons

Pros

• User-held encryption key: keeps encryption control with the account owner.
• Two access models: a normal-folder virtual drive plus S3-compatible endpoints covers desktop work and automated backups.
• Free first-year terabyte: provides substantial initial capacity at no charge.
• Arq compatibility: Arq Backup for Mac and Windows has been identified as tested.

Cons

• Expansion is not ready: additional storage is described as coming soon, despite the published per-terabyte price.
• Mobile workflow is incomplete: the Datum ID mobile process and storage purchasing are still forthcoming.
• Identity requirements: signup requires both email and phone verification.
• Uneven integration assurance: Duplicati, Duplicity and Duplicacy are S3-compatible but untested by Datum.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, see Decentralized Storage Services.

• Carbide Network is worth considering if you need Android, iOS, macOS and Windows coverage alongside API access and a home-provider option.
• Peergos is the better direction for users who specifically want a fully open-source, self-hostable server and reproducible builds.
• Sia suits readers seeking an open-source project with Android, iOS, desktop, web and self-hosted platforms plus a free plan.
• Stratos is an alternative freemium decentralized-storage service with broad platform coverage.
• Arweave is an option for buyers who prefer a paid service with broad platform and API availability and AGPL-licensed repositories.
• DeNet Storage uses prepaid GAS balances rather than Datum's monthly-per-terabyte model.
• Pinata is aimed at API and web users who need defined storage, gateway, request and bandwidth allowances in paid tiers.
• 4EVERLAND is a freemium web service with a monthly free allowance for IPFS, Arweave, build time, bandwidth and RPC.

Verdict

Datum Storage is a sensible choice for a privacy-focused individual or backup operator who values a virtual desktop drive, S3 compatibility and a user-held encryption key. The main reason to look elsewhere is operational readiness: additional capacity purchases and the fuller mobile workflow are still forthcoming, so users who need immediate, self-service expansion should choose a more mature alternative.