Aleph Cloud: How do AI agents benefit from decentralized, scalable computing?
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As AI systems become more common, there is a growing need for fast, secure, and flexible infrastructure that isn’t tied to any central provider.
What is Aleph Cloud?
Aleph Cloud is a chain-agnostic, GDPR compliant supercloud that delivers scalable storage, computing, and database services through a network of distributed nodes.
The platform combines dynamic, IPFS-based storage with mutable databases and secure compute resources to support applications ranging from real-time data processing in gaming to large-scale AI model deployment.
The broader Aleph ecosystem also features TwentySix Cloud, a suite of services that simplifies application deployment and management on this distributed infrastructure.
Benefits for AI agents
AI agents need constant access to reliable compute power and secure, up-to-date data. Aleph Cloud provides:
Scalable compute options:
- On-demand and persistent VMs: Aleph Cloud offers a variety of VM options—both on-demand and persistent—to suit different workloads. For compute-heavy tasks, confidential VMs provide an isolated and secure environment.
- Serverless functions: similar to AWS Lambda but built on a distributed network, these functions allow for efficient, event-driven computing without long-term resource commitment.
Secure processing:
- Confidential VMs: use hardware-based encryption (AMD SEV) and end-to-end encryption for data transfers to keep sensitive computations private.
Flexible, multi-chain integration:
- Multi-chain support: allow AI agents to interact with different chains seamlessly, making it easier to build and deploy applications that span multiple ecosystems.
Upcoming GPU marketplace:
- Set to launch in Q1, this feature will support high-performance tasks like AI training and rendering, further enhancing the platform’s capabilities for AI workloads.
Key technical features
Computing solutions
Aleph Cloud offers both on-demand and always-on VMs and serverless functions.
Confidential VMs—secured with AMD SEV encryption—provide an isolated environment for sensitive AI computations.
Storage and data management
Dynamic, IPFS-based storage paired with mutable databases and encrypted volumes.
This approach supports real-time updates and data management, which is essential for AI agents that require access to evolving datasets.
AI and GPU support
An upcoming feature is the public GPU marketplace (expected in Q1 2025), which will enable efficient AI training, image and video rendering, and high-performance computing tasks.
In conjunction with Libertai.io, a decentralized AI platform that securely hosts, trains, and runs open‑source AI models, AI agents built using LibertAI will directly benefit from the integration of GPUs on Aleph Cloud.
Real-time monitoring
Tools for real-time resource monitoring allow users to track performance metrics and dynamically scale resources.
Use cases
Gaming
Collaborations with Ubisoft have enabled the use of dynamic NFT metadata in on-chain games such as Champions Tactics and Captain Laserhawk.
Since 2021, Ubisoft has operated its own Core Channel Node, UbiStratLab, on Aleph Cloud, which validates the network and provides essential storage resources. This infrastructure enables Ubisoft to securely manage dynamic NFT metadata, allowing gamers to mint, transfer, buy, or sell in-game assets with unique, personalized traits.
In these applications, evolving in-game assets and fair trait distribution are managed through a Verifiable Random Function (VRF), ensuring transparent and equitable gameplay.
Decentralized identity
Partnerships with Synaps and Anima leverage Aleph Cloud for secure, self-sovereign identity management, allowing users to control and share personal data safely.
Data indexing
For applications built on high-throughput chains like Solana, distributed indexing provides an efficient way to query on-chain data.
This is particularly beneficial for applications in decentralized finance and other areas where real-time data processing is crucial.
AI-driven applications
Aleph Cloud supports the development of AI agents and large-scale AI models. By providing scalable compute resources, robust storage, and secure environments for AI inference, the platform enables both startups and enterprises to deploy innovative autonomous systems without relying on centralized infrastructure.
Token utility and economic model
Aleph Cloud utilized the native ALEPH token within a defined supply of 500M tokens, with approximately 247M in circulation and 93M currently staked.
For network participation, node operators are required to stake 10K tokens, and those running a Core Channel Node (CCNs) must stake 200K tokens – both without any lockup or vesting requirements. This staking acts as collateral to ensure reliable service, with operators rewarded in ALEPH tokens for their contributions.
Core Channel Nodes form the backbone of the Aleph network by ensuring security, processing transactions, storing data, and enabling cross-chain communication for decentralized applications.
Tokens are used for efficient microtransaction to pay for services such as storage, computing, and data synchronization.
Note that Aleph Cloud does not feature a governance mechanism for token holders.
Comparative landscape
When compared with other solutions such as Arweave, Filecoin, Render, Akash, AWS, and Google Cloud, Aleph Cloud distinguishes itself by combining dynamic storage with distributed compute resources in a privacy-first, chain-agnostic framework. For example:
- Against storage specialists (Arweave/Filecoin):
Aleph Cloud offers flexible storage with dynamic data management and integrated compute, rather than static, permanent storage. - Against GPU-focused solutions (Render):
Its upcoming GPU marketplace and versatile compute solutions provide broader support for AI workloads. - Against compute marketplaces (Akash):
The use of confidential VMs and a robust node structure enhances security compared to container-based deployments. - Against centralized giants (AWS/Google Cloud):
Aleph Cloud delivers cost efficiency and censorship resistance through its distributed architecture, without compromising on performance or security.
Conclusion
Aleph Cloud delivers a secure, scalable, and flexible supercloud solution ideal for AI agents and dynamic applications. Its combination of dynamic storage, robust compute, and multi-chain support meets the modern demands of AI-driven systems while maintaining privacy and cost efficiency.
To support developers and builders, Aleph offers a grant campaign providing up to $1M in cloud credits that enable teams to experiment, build, and scale projects.
For those interested in exploring these capabilities further, connecting with the Aleph team at ETH Denver is highly recommended.
For more details, visit the Aleph Cloud website or check out the documentation.
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Author: Diego Almada Lopez
