Filecoin Managed Services

[Richvanduysen]

Open Grant Proposal: Project Title
Filecoin Managed Services

Project Name:

ClearSky Filecoin Partnership - Vision, Strategy, Execution and Metrics:**

Proposal Category:

Managed service solutions with drive business in combination across all listed categories and likely create new ones.

Individual or Entity Name:

ClearSky Technology Partners

Proposer:

[email protected]

Project Repo(s) Please list Github repos used for this project work.

Not applicable at this time.

(Optional) Filecoin ecosystem affiliations:

The Filecoin Foundation, Protocol Labs, Ansa Research, DAIS, Data as an Asset, Business Service Orchestration planning and alignment with key partners such as Holon, Lotus Data Group/Pegasus, CID Gravity, Ramo as well as others.

Please disclose any existing work relationships with organizations in the Protocol Labs Network, including Protocol Labs, Filecoin Foundation, Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web, and any others.

The Filecoin Foundation, Protocol Labs, Ansa Research, DAIS, Data as an Asset, Business Service Orchestration planning and alignment with key partners such as Holon, Lotus Data Group/Pegasus, CID Gravity, Ramo as well as others. There is a list of individuals and influencers we are currently engaged with as well.

(Optional) Technical Sponsor: If you have previously discussed this project with a member of the IPFS or Filecoin project teams and they have agreed to be a technical sponsor, include their name and/or github handle here

There are ongoing discussions across team members without any specific assigned technical sponsor. We are open to having a technical sponsor assigned.

Do you agree to open source all work you do on behalf of this RFP under the MIT/Apache-2 dual-license?: Please respond with "Yes" or "No".

Yes, as it relates to Web3 technologies, decentralization and handoffs at the layer1 and layer 2 levels to access storage capacity via blockchain.

Project Summary

Summary
ClearSky, in collaboration with the Filecoin network, offers decentralized storage and managed solutions for data-intensive industries. We focus on data resiliency, compliance, and scalability. Our phased approach integrates decentralized storage with enterprise systems, optimizes data infrastructures, and uses AI for large-scale workloads and protection compliance.
ClearSky is seeking a $50,000 grant to develop proof of value (POV) for managed service layers and solution packs for the Filecoin network. The POV includes a 45-day pilot with customers and a managed service provider to evaluate decentralized storage adoption. Results will guide the creation of data ingestion and orchestration layers for Filecoin. ClearSky has plans with Web3 storage providers and opportunities for Filecoin, aligned with future phases. Additional funding may be needed to achieve these phased objectives, supported by guaranteed ROI pipelines.

Key offerings include:
• Data Protection & Recovery: Backup, restoration, and ransomware resilience solutions.
• Compliance-Ready Storage: Verifiable and secure storage aligned with governance standards.
• Hybrid Web2 and Web3 Solutions: Seamless interoperability between traditional and decentralized infrastructures.
• High Performance Compute: Infrastructure solutions for AI and large data sets for compute, power, mechanical, electrical and sustainability.
• Partner Ecosystem Growth: Strategic alliances to expand market adoption and innovation.

By combining ClearSky’s enterprise expertise with Filecoin’s decentralized capabilities, we aim to redefine data resiliency, mitigate risks, and drive cost efficiencies for modern businesses.

Impact

Vision
Providing enterprises with decentralized storage solutions that treat data as a strategic asset. By combining ClearSky’s knowledge in enterprise markets with the capabilities of the Filecoin network, the goal is to improve data protection, recovery, and compliance while enabling scalability, cost-efficiency, and trust in a data-driven economy. The objective is for Filecoin to become the preferred choice for data archiving by integrating its features with ClearSky's managed services to address enterprise requirements.

Strategy
Focus on enterprise needs: Utilize Filecoin’s decentralized storage technology to tackle enterprise challenges like data verifiability, data sovereignty, compliance, and recovery. Create solutions for high-value use cases in regulated and data-intensive industries. ClearSky will propose certified solutions that support informed decision-making for executives.

1. Build Trusted Infrastructure:** Create scalable service layers and standards frameworks to improve governance, reduce risks, and enable interoperability between Web2 and Web3 systems. Focus on hybrid solutions for enterprise adoption by developing innovative managed services through ClearSky's partner programs and go-to-market strategies.
 
2. Drive Ecosystem Growth: Build partnerships within the Filecoin ecosystem, decentralized infrastructure providers, and Web2 companies to boost adoption and innovation. Assess product market fit for compliance-ready storage solutions. Plan, design, and implement go-to-market strategies and sales support for our partners.
 
3. Enhance operations with AI and Big Data: Utilize AI-powered automation and analytics to improve storage, recovery, and infrastructure management for large-scale data workloads.

Outcomes

Adoption, Reach, and Growth Strategies

Execution

Phase 1: Foundational Services Grant
• Develop and integrate: Build managed service layers with Filecoin for enterprise data archiving.
• Leverage Web3 technologies: Develop enterprise solutions that ensure data protection and facilitate the recovery of critical business services
following catastrophic incidents, including cyber-attacks, operational damage, or data loss.
• Launch POV Programs: Implement pilot programs for decentralized storage adoption, providing proof-of-value and managed services,
leading to multi-year recurring revenue contracts.
• Solution Selling: Identify gaps in the current situation and facilitate an efficient transition to the desired future state using the BANT model:

            - Budget: Ensure funding for resources, services, and solutions provided.

	- Authority: Engage with senior-level decision-makers.
	
            - Need: Address specific pain points that our services resolve.
	
            - Timing: Align with budget cycles, available resources, and priorities.

Upon completion of Phase1, there will be a multi-channel go-to-market plan, consisting of sales and partner enablement capabilities, targeting the enterprise and managed services providers.

We are actively engaged with three proof-of-value programs across our targeted market. This phase of the grant and foundation services will focus on enabling a managed service provider with the capabilities to leverage decentralized storage solutions as an alternative for their operations and their customers. The initial program will transfer 250TB of capacity from an incumbent Web2 storage provider, coupled with a business development plan for their customer base to achieve data resiliency and compliance leveraging verifiability. The proof-of-value consists of onboarding capabilities by designing standards, certifications, and frameworks (in some cases platforms) to establish storage targets by operating a hybrid environment and consolidation solutions. Additionally, ClearSky will run a critical incident response service consisting of former FBI personnel and business executives operating a data restoration and compliance managed service. The expansion plan is to create new data archives on Filecoin with advanced solutions described in phases 2 and 3 below.

ClearSky's growth plan involves collaborating with our strategic partners to integrate decentralized managed services through various partner platforms, frameworks, channels, and ISVs, positioning ourselves as the MSP's MSP. Additionally, we are actively planning large data center optimization projects with our strategic partner to deliver solutions for HPC/AI-driven initiatives. These projects will encompass data center planning and buildouts, including mechanical, electrical, construction, and IT services. Solutions will target large data sets.

Development Roadmap

Phase 2: Advanced Solutions Note: Phases 2 and 3 may require additional funding, not in scope for grant.
• Roll out compliance-ready and verifiable storage solutions.
• Expand into AI-driven applications and develop pathways for integrating HPC/AI decentralized services into enterprise workflows.
• Support the growth of data economy ecosystems through decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) initiatives.

Phase 3: Scalability and Interoperability
• Enhance governance, automation, and resiliency in data infrastructure.
• Enable seamless interoperability between decentralized and traditional storage solutions.
• Position ClearSky as a leader in decentralized enterprise storage, leveraging the Filecoin ecosystem’s scalability and security.

The scope of this grant encompasses Milestone 1, which includes various elements and milestones. ClearSky aims to launch a Web3 managed service, bridging Web3 providers to the enterprise markets by building managed service layers with handoff to decentralized storage providers, aligning with their roadmaps and development efforts. ClearSky will handle sales and marketing on behalf of providers, onboarding large-scale paid storage opportunities for new archives, AI, and compliance initiatives. ClearSky plans to work closely with Fil Oz and other partners to help prioritize engineering and software development efforts in support of growing the Filecoin network and establishing our leadership in managed services and advisory.

ClearSky is dedicating its two most senior resources to plan, design, implement, and ensure the success of Phase 1, with a completion timeline of 45 days from commencement.

Total Budget Requested

The grant is limited to $50K. Upon the successful completion of Phase 1, additional investments or revenue allocations may be necessary to address the identified requirements and ROI opportunities.

| Milestone # | Description | Deliverables | Completion Date | Funding |
|===|===|===|===|===|

Maintenance and Upgrade Plans

ClearSky plans to continuously automate, develop, and integrate based on enterprise paid requirements while working with industry leaders, investors, analysts, and influencers. Additionally, ClearSky plans to launch its own immutable data team of advisors, with each group focused on the following areas:

• Working Groups:  Developing standards, best practices, and other materials through collaboration with subject matter experts from relevant industries.

• Alliance Partners:  Engaging a community of specialized trusted partners who provide services, technology, and solutions necessary to help our customers and partners implement the standards. The number and scope of these partnerships will expand as each initiative matures.

• Solution Providers:  Building relationships with select technology solution providers to offer ClearSky-endorsed turnkey data vaulting solutions, providing customers with the freedom of choice to achieve cost-effective certifications sooner.

Team

Team Members

Leadership Team Assigned to Filecoin

Rich Van Duysen
Founder and CEO

Rich uses his knowledge in technology, security, transformation, finance, partnerships, and operational processes to assist his clients as an entrepreneur and business technology executive.
He founded ClearSky Technology Partners to assist businesses with managing cyber incidents, providing data protection and recovery services. The firm ensures compliance with regulatory standards while supporting TCO/ROI outcomes, optimizing data storage for cost efficiency and reliable operations.

Rich's unique strategy enhances data security and profitability by aligning technology with business objectives, speeding up market entry, and implementing advanced services. He provides exceptional value to companies by collaborating with their teams to tackle issues related to data growth, risk management, and economic factors, fostering innovation, and advising on the selection of business technology solutions.
Rich and his team facilitate the implementation of innovative solutions that guarantee true data ownership, integrity, and clear paths to the desired future state. Rich's vision and expertise extend beyond simple technology deployment; they encompass the development of customized strategies that significantly reduce costs and enhance customer experiences, thereby fostering a culture of continuous innovation and value creation.

---

Michael Hill
Chief Information Security Officer

Michael is a Senior Cyber Security Leader with over 30 years of FBI experience. He excels in managing cyber incidents, network intrusions, and recovery operations, and has strong leadership, conflict resolution, and project management skills.
He supports cyber restoration, remediation operations, and global investigations, ensuring the restoration of client business operations like Microsoft Active Directory, VMWare ESXI, VMWare VCenter, Hyper-V, Azure, and backup solutions. Michael also develops strategies to increase revenue through vendor alliances and strategic partnerships, sharing a unified vision and direction.
Michael leads teams to achieve high performance by setting realistic goals and creating strategies and action plans. He drafts and negotiates partner contracts, prioritizes tasks in demanding environments, and collaborates internationally for support. Michael is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and proficient in communication and presentation skills.

Rich Van Duysen

Team Member LinkedIn Profiles

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-van-duysen-99ab051?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bi9CUxK1tT3iFFBGvlyYdbw%3D%3D

Michael Hill
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micha3lhill?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BXE8rogpaTa64YzQ5mnNn%2BA%3D%3D

Team Website

https://getclearsky.com/

Relevant Experience

See team member BIOs above:

We are team that was established on the fundamental belief that robust cybersecurity and data resiliency are essential for endurance of any organization. This approach benefits not only your reputation but also that of your industry and, most critically, your customers.

We aim to simply and accelerate the adoption of data resiliency for enterprises, harnessing state-of-the-art technologies while ensuring success for regulatory compliance.

Team code repositories

Not applicable at this time.

Additional Information

Participating in active planning, discussions and events throughout the ecosystem over the past two years.

[email protected]

After two years in the ecosystem and being a former enterprise executive managing numerous vendors and large-scale projects, it is evident that there is still no straightforward way for enterprises to understand and appreciate the value of decentralization and the technologies currently available. The ecosystem comprises some of the best engineering and developer talent in the industry but lacks the pathways and business acumen to bridge and deliver Filecoin as a service to the enterprise marketplace. ClearSky addresses this challenge by harnessing the power of Web3, decentralization, and the future of data to create tremendous opportunities.

In summary, ClearSky has made significant investments of time, resources, and money over the past two years to position itself and understand the true value of the providers and their capabilities. We firmly believe we are uniquely positioned to leverage blockchain-powered storage, compute, and decentralization to collectively make a difference. In our view, we simply need to align and move forward. We are eager to champion Filecoin. If there is no opportunity, we welcome that news as well, so we can plan accordingly.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

[ErinOCon]

Hi @Richvanduysen, thank you for your proposal! Do you have milestone specific deliverables and timelines available at this time?