Crypto at its best is a use case and driver of investment in decentralized databases. However, that leads to the question of whether we need decentralized data

Crypto at its best is a use case and driver of investment in decentralized databases. However, that leads to the question of whether we need decentralized databases. Networked computing tends to lead to centralization of services, if not at a single node then in a collection of nodes each of which is the best at what they do. Google is for search, Amazon is for e-commerce, etc. Given the tendency towards natural monopolies, do decentralized databases make sense? They are slower and more duplicative than centralized databases. Decentralized databases shine when a multiplicity of providers reduces the power of each node. In the parlance of monopoly, the node operators of a decentralized database are price-takers not price-setters. Decentralized databases make economic sense when the operational costs associated with them are offset by the lower prices on offer compared to a monopolistic price-setter. However, the tech monopolies currently offer their services free or at cost, with all the efficiencies that come with scale. I don't think we need decentralized databases now. Still I think it's something good to have in your back pocket if the state of monopolistic software gets worse. I see the crypto market as crowd-funding R&D for something that may be needed in the future.