Recently, while exploring the Sui ecosystem, I came across an interesting project called Walrus. After careful research, I found that it is actually trying to address two major issues that Web3 has been facing over the past few years.

Looking back at the development trajectory of Web3 over the years, you will notice that two tracks have been running in parallel: one is the soaring complexity of DeFi and on-chain applications, along with increased user interaction frequency; the other is the growing demand for privacy and data autonomy — not just transaction privacy, but also large-scale off-chain data such as application data, file contents, business information, and user tags.

The Walrus protocol aims to connect these two lines. On one hand, it provides solutions for secure and private on-chain interactions; on the other hand, it has built a decentralized storage layer capable of accommodating large files and data. This way, dApps developers, enterprises, and individuals can operate without relying on traditional cloud services, completing the full chain of storage, distribution, and transactions independently.

**About the WAL Token**

WAL is the native token of the Walrus ecosystem, playing several roles within the protocol: firstly, as a value medium for application use and collaboration within the ecosystem; secondly, it takes on governance functions, allowing the community to participate in decision-making regarding protocol parameters and upgrade directions; thirdly, it provides constraints and incentives for network security and service quality through a staking mechanism.

From another perspective, the Walrus protocol is used to build and operate the infrastructure, while the WAL token maintains the network’s activity through economic incentives. These two are mutually reinforcing.

**Core Pain Points the Protocol Aims to Solve**

Currently, Web3 faces several practical challenges: high storage costs for large files, expensive costs for decentralized storage usage, and insufficient privacy protection for user data. Walrus seeks to make improvements in these areas, so that privacy interactions and data storage are no longer luxuries, but standard features of Web3 infrastructure.