The $WAL token is really important for the Walrus network. It is not something that helps the network work the WAL token is what makes the whole economy of the Walrus network run. When people want to store something, on the Walrus network they have to pay for it first using the WAL token. This means that people know how much they will have to pay so they do not have to worry about the cost changing all the time like it does with some other cloud services that use WAL tokens.
People who store things for the network have to use their WAL to join in. This means they will do a job because they want to get rewards. If they do a job they might get in trouble.. If they do a good job they will get something for it. The people in charge also let the community help make decisions. For example people who have WAL can vote on how to make the network better and what rules to follow. They can vote on things like updates, to the network and important settings. The WAL holders get to vote on these things because they have $WAL.
The way Walrus is set up with these tokens helps keep Walrus safe and working well. This means Walrus can handle people using it without any problems. Walrus will also be able to change and adjust as more people start using Walrus.
Highlights:
Predictable storage pricing
One of the biggest problems with traditional cloud storage and even some decentralized solutions is unpredictable cost. Prices can change based on usage, demand, or market conditions, which makes long-term planning difficult. For builders running long-term apps, AI systems, or hosting websites, this stability is a huge advantage over both Web2 clouds and volatile crypto-based pricing models.
Staking-based security model
Walrus relies on economic incentives to keep the network secure and reliable. Storage providers must stake $WAL in order to participate in the network. Because node operators have real value locked in the network, they are strongly motivated to behave honestly and maintain high performance. This creates a self-enforcing security system without relying on centralized oversight.
Community-led governance
For builders running long-term apps, AI systems or hosting websites, this stability is a huge advantage over both Web2 clouds and volatile crypto-based pricing models. Walrus is designed to be governed by its community, not a single company or authority. WAL holders can participate in governance by voting on important protocol decisions.
