Stop Feeding Big Tech AI: Why We Built a Private Cloud Storage Alternative
Source: Dev.to
Introduction
Modern cloud storage is broken. When you upload your life’s memories, vital documents, or code projects to the “Big Tech” giants, you aren’t just storing files—you are feeding a machine. They scan your photos to train AI models, analyze your documents for ad targeting, and lock you into proprietary ecosystems so tightly that leaving feels impossible.
We are Pandatern, an indie developer lab based in India. We got tired of the surveillance economy and wanted a place to store our essential data without worrying about robots analyzing our family photos. Our solution is raw, secure object storage designed for people who value ownership over convenience.
What Makes Pandatern Different?
Zero AI Scanning. Zero Data Mining.
- We don’t train AI on your photos.
- We don’t scan your text files for keywords.
- We don’t sell your usage patterns.
You are not the product; you are the customer.
No Vendor Lock‑in (The S3 & WebDAV Advantage)
Pandatern uses standard, open protocols: S3 and WebDAV. This means you don’t need a proprietary “Panda” app. You can connect your storage directly to the tools you already love:
- iOS: Connect via Files or Documents by Readdle.
- Android: Use Owlfiles, X‑plore, or Total Commander.
- Developers: Use any standard S3 client or CLI tool to manage your buckets.
If you ever want to leave, simply point your S3 client elsewhere. Your data is truly portable.
Built for Speed in India (and Beyond)
We are proudly an indie Indian project. Our infrastructure is optimized for speed in the region, and we support native payment methods like UPI for frictionless transactions.
The 25 GB “Free” Question: A Note on Transparency
If you search around, you might see us mentioned as offering “25 GB Free.” We want to be 100 % transparent about our business model because trust is everything.
- We are an indie lab, not a VC‑funded giant burning cash to acquire users.
- We cannot offer perpetual free storage because “free” usually means “we are selling your data to pay the bills.”
Trial: We offer a full‑featured 3‑day free trial of the 25 GB tier. Test the speeds, connect your S3 clients, and see if it works for you—no pressure.
Pricing: If you like it, it’s affordable (starting around ₹59 / month). We also offer lifetime plans for those who want to pay once and forget it.
Take Back Control
If you are a developer looking for cheap S3‑compatible storage, a privacy advocate tired of being tracked, or just someone who wants a fast, 25 GB drive that works like a regular hard drive on your phone, give us a try. Your data should belong to you. Period.