Introduction

Decentralised storage is more than a buzzword. It’s the backbone of resilient, cost-efficient apps that demand high throughput and airtight security. If you’re exploring blockchain storage implementation, you’ve likely encountered solutions like Storj. In this guide, we’ll compare Storj’s Docker-based approach with Irys Programmable Datachain, then walk you through a clear, five-step integration using Docker Extensions.

Why Docker Extensions Matter

Docker Extensions let you bolt new features onto Docker Desktop without rewriting the engine. Think of them as apps within your container environment:

Easy UI in Docker Desktop
Discoverable in the Extensions Marketplace
Built with simple HTML/JS and containerised backends

For blockchain storage implementation, this means one-click access to decentralised registries, smooth push/pull workflows, and no diving deep into custom protocols.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Storj vs Irys

Storj’s Approach

Mature network: Decades of peer-to-peer storage, S3-compatible gateway.
Custom protocols: Encrypted shards across multiple nodes.
Hosted gateway: Simplifies uploads but introduces trust in the gateway operator.
Limitations:
No on-chain programmability.
Variable pricing based on node availability.
Separate tools or gateways increase operational complexity.

Irys Programmable Datachain

Programmable data: Embed executable instructions within your data.
Predictable pricing: Stable, transparent cost model for storage and on-chain actions.
Interoperable services: Native support for AI workflows and smart contracts.
Seamless Docker Extension:
Single CLI or UI for push/pull.
No external gateways needed—calls go on-chain.
Full end-to-end encryption and data integrity.

The bottom line? Both options decentralise storage. But only Irys brings programmability and cost certainty to your blockchain storage implementation.

Prerequisites

Before we dive in, make sure you have:

Docker Desktop (version 4.0+).
An Irys account (sign up at https://irys.xyz).
Basic familiarity with Docker commands (docker pull, docker push).

Step 1: Provision Irys Programmable Datachain

Log in to your Irys dashboard.
Create a new Datachain instance.
Note the RPC endpoint and access token.

You now have a live programmable storage layer that supports on-chain workflows.

Step 2: Install the Irys Docker Extension

In Docker Desktop:

Open Extensions → Marketplace.
Search for Irys Storage.
Click Install and authenticate with your Irys token.

The extension adds a new menu and status bar widget. From here, you can manage your blockchain storage implementation directly.

Step 3: Configure Your Decentralised Registry

With the extension installed:

Open the Irys Storage panel.
Select Create Registry.
Define a name (e.g., irys-registry) and region.
Click Generate.

Docker now recognises irys-registry as a valid push/pull target.

Step 4: Push and Pull Images

Test your setup with a sample image:

docker tag alpine irys-registry.local/alpine:test
docker push irys-registry.local/alpine:test
docker pull irys-registry.local/alpine:test

Behind the scenes, images move through the Irys network. Your data shards are stored on-chain, and any embedded instructions in the image manifest execute on retrieval.

Step 5: Integrate with Your Application

Whether you’re deploying a microservice or an AI model:

Point your CI/CD pipelines to irys-registry.local.
Embed on-chain triggers for data validation.
Set up event listeners for storage-related smart contracts.

The result? A blockchain storage implementation that not only holds data but also drives business logic.

Benefits Recap

By choosing Irys over a pure Storj integration, you gain:

On-chain programmability for dynamic workflows.
Stable, predictable costs to stay within budget.
Native Docker support without juggling extra tools.
AI-ready services that plug into Datachain instructions.

Conclusion

A proper blockchain storage implementation does more than save files. It embeds logic, boosts security, and keeps your costs in check. With Irys Programmable Datachain and Docker Extensions, you can build next-gen apps that delight users and scale on demand.

Ready to upgrade your storage stack?
Discover the future of programmable data at https://irys.xyz and start your decentralised journey today!