Akash Network, a decentralized cloud platform leveraging globally distributed computing resources, aims to address the acute shortage of computing power exacerbated by the rapid growth of the AI industry. Currently, a handful of global cloud providers control over 70% of the global cloud market. Companies like Google, AWS, and Azure dominate the market, but they are expected to face limitations soon. Akash Network and similar blockchain-based decentralized cloud computing platforms have emerged to offer a solution.

At KBW2024, Block Media spoke with Greg Osuri, Co-founder of Akash Network, about the competitiveness of Akash and the future of decentralized cloud computing.

# Introduction and Background
Greg Osuri, Co-founder of Akash Network and CEO of Overlock Labs, has spent his entire career as a programmer, focusing on developer tools for the past 15 years. His experiences ultimately led him to establish Akash Network.

“We aim to solve the issue of resource scarcity for ML and AI developers by providing high-performance computing resources, such as GPUs, through a permissionless and decentralized network of globally distributed computing clusters,” Osuri explained.

# Genesis of Akash Network
Akash was inspired by the desire of developers, including Osuri and his colleagues, to create an open-source cloud. Despite the cloud’s essential role in modern society, it is concerning that major corporations like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft control it. Akash Network aims to create a freer, more resilient cloud through decentralization.

# Transition to P2P Infrastructure
Initially, Akash was not connected with cryptocurrency. The shift came from the need to address the sustainability of open-source software. While successful open-source products like Docker existed, the companies behind them often struggled to survive. Decentralization was seen as a new method to ensure the software’s evolution and sustainability.

# Solving GPU Scarcity for AI Developers
High-performance GPUs are vital for AI development, but acquiring top-tier GPUs like Nvidia’s H100 is challenging. Companies often face long waiting times to access these chips. Akash leverages idle chips, making them available via the cloud at a more competitive price. This enables more companies to efficiently utilize the necessary resources.

# Maximizing AI and Cryptocurrency Synergy
AI development demands significant computing power, a need that Akash meets by providing essential GPUs through its network. This enhances AI-cryptocurrency synergy, proven by the fact that large entities like Nvidia are utilizing Akash.

# Improving Accessibility for Non-Crypto Users
Recognizing the barriers non-crypto users face, Akash plans to launch a ‘trial wallet’ feature in a month and a half. This feature allows users to access Akash without needing to install a separate wallet or purchase cryptocurrency, thus improving accessibility to the decentralized cloud.

# Short-Term and Long-Term Goals of Akash Network
In the short term, Akash aims to increase user adoption. Long-term, the focus is on transitioning from a resource marketplace to a service marketplace, offering additional services like databases, cache, and load balancers, thereby positioning Akash as a truly global cloud platform.

# Message to the Korean Market
“Korea is a remarkable country, especially in AI achievements. I encourage Korean AI companies to use Akash Network. Also, ensure that companies utilizing blockchain technology are truly decentralized,” Osuri advised.