Viacoin is a Script-based cryptocurrency derived from Bitcoin. Similar to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, Viacoin is also an open-source project. Viacoin aims to be the cryptocurrency of future, by integrating many innovative key technologies such as SegWit, APoW, Lightning Network, Dark Gravity Wave, and more. Viacoin claims to allow 25 times faster transactions than Bitcoin. It can be merged mined with the other Script cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, This is done by using an Auxiliary Proof-of-Work (AuxPoW) algorithm. Every six months, Viacoin halves the block reward that is given to users for Viacoin mining, resulting in a low inflation rate of Viacoin. Check out CoinBureau for the complete review of Viacoin.
Sia is a decentralized cloud storage platform similar in concept to Dropbox and other centralized storage provider where instead of renting storage space from a centralized entity, clients rent storage space from other peers. The only difference is Sia uses blockchain to facilitate transactions Nodes provide storage to clients using the Sia blockchain as contracts. Before storing the data, the data is encrypted into many pieces and uploaded to different hosts. Siacoin is created by David Vorick and Luke Champine of Nebulous Inc. As the traditional storage platforms are higher in cost, more expensive and data is not well protected. Siacoin promises to offer secured storage transactions with smart contracts which is more affordable and reliable. Moreover, it is completely open source which means many individuals have contributed to Siacoin’s software hence there will be an active community building innovative applications on top if the Sia API. In 2018, Siacoin aims to introduce file sharing and be the go-to cloud storage platform for companies. Their goal is divided into 3 time frames which are short-term, medium-term and long-term development. Short-term development focuses on file sharing between Sia users. This allows Sia users to share files in the platform without having to take it off the cloud while increasing network utilization. Medium-term development’s goal is to enhance partnerships. This means reaching out to large companies like Netflix and Dropbox to hopefully be able to be their storage and distribution framework. Lastly, long-term development aims to expand its horizon to share files with non-Sia users and support mobile wallets.