The 8 best IPFS Storages

Off course many people nowadays are still looking for affordable storage and many known and unknown pinning and cloud storage platforms are upcomming or stil going strong.
In this article we are reviewing some pro’s and con’s for IPFS file storages and storages and taking a closer look at some of the 8 best players in the market today. InterPlanetary File System is referred to as IPFS. It is a peer-to-peer network protocol designed to share and distribute data in a decentralized manner. In contrast to conventional systems, such as HTTP which are mostly dependent on central servers. IPFS functions by distributing files over a network of users (nodes).

A lot has changed since the upcomming of NFT pinning and storage platforms. Some new came along and some changed their uploading regulations and free space capabilities.
From the 1th of July NFT storage classic is decommisioned for good. It is no longer possible to upload files in the free plan.
When you try to upload your files to the IPFS a message “Error: storing files: Invalid character in header content [“Authorization”]” is now displayed.

As of 30 June 2024 the free classic upload and pinning products from NFT storage have seem to be decommissioned.

The reason behind this is uncertain.
A strange message is viewable about it on the web: “All data you’ve uploaded will continue to be safely stored and accessible via IPFS and the Filecoin Network. Over time, latency and availability may degrade.”

Multi-signature access lock

There are systems on the market that grant access with multiple signatures and can be enabled by blockchain smart contracts. These multi-signature access systems allows safer decentrilized storage of patient data.
Patient data can be disseminated and stored in a safer manner with optional multi-signature access mechanisms. Take in mind a system that allows patient data to be safely kept in a distributed cloud that is accessible from several clinics, hospitals and practices that are part of the same data sharing network. No patient record or scan needs to be sent via an unsecure networks and access to them doesn’t need to be restricted. Rather, every workstation has access to the same “data lake” thanks to the distributed file storage system driven by IPFS and blockchain, which automatically synchronizes all data across all nodes in the network.

Ad hoc requests for scans or records are not necessary. However, because the data is encrypted, it is kept safe.

Only in the presence of the appropriate cryptography key or keys combined, can it be accessed and decoded. Patient data can be secured via a multi-signature access lock, which requires the presence of both the patient’s and the healthcare network’s private keys in order to access or unlock the data. Blockchain technology makes it possible to automatically track all activities and events pertaining to patient records and associated binary data.

For instance, a blockchain log of access to the IPFS storage objects is implemented using Platform API’s and blockchains. This makes it possible to create engaging and user-friendly scenarios where the patient maintains complete control over the unlocking and accessing of their data.
Once more by plan of blockchain, IPFS multi-signature shrewd contracts and the fundamental cryptography included, the persistent can be in full control and informed about when their information is decoded and accesed.

These are some of the key characteristics of IPFS:

decentralization:
The contents are distributed among various network nodes rather than being stored on a single location. This makes the system more robust because it is less prone to failure when a single server fails.

Content-based addressing:
Rather than embedding files using a URL that points to a specific location, IPFS uses a unique hash for each file. This hash is based on the contents of the original file. What this means is that the hash changes as the input changes.

Efficiency:
To improve the speed and efficiency of data overflow, IPFS uses a variety of techniques, including caching and deduplication.

Versioncontrol:
IPFS supports versioncontrol, meaning that different versions of the same entity can be retrieved and processed.

Possibilities for decentralized applications (dApps):
IPFS can be used as a storage solution for blockchain-based applications, hence it plays a significant role in the development of decentralized web gateways.

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a distributed file system that allows files to be stored and shared in a highly efficient and decentralized manner.
Sharing and pinning services are essential because they ensure that files remain accessible on IPFS even if the original uploader is offline.

Advantages:

• Durable storage. Pinning platforms provide long-term and reliable storage for NFTs, reducing the risks of data loss or file corruption.
• Accessibility. NFTs pinned on a platform can be easily accessible to users, making them easy to view, share or trade.
• Security. Many specialized storage platforms offer additional security measures to protect NFTs from theft or unauthorized access.
• Integration with blockchain. Platforms that focus on NFTs often have integrations with various blockchains, allowing users to easily conduct transactions and manage their NFTs.
• Ease of use. Pinning and storing NFTs on a user-friendly platform can make it easier for new users to familiarize themselves with this technology.

Disadvantages:

• Centralization. If a pinning platform is centralized, it can lead to a risk of dependency on a single service.
  If the platform fails or is attacked, NFTs could potentially be lost.
• Cost. There may be costs associated with storing and pinning NFTs on a platform, depending on their pricing structure and services.
• Privacy issues. If you store your NFTs on a third-party platform, there may be concerns about who has access to your data and privacy information.
• Limited control. Storing NFTs on an external platform may give the user less control over the asset, as opposed to managing the NFTs yourself in a personal wallet.
• Dependence on internet connection. Access to the stored NFTs may only be possible with a stable Internet connection, which can be problematic in situations where the connection is lost.

Popular IPFS pinning services

1. Apillon

Pro’s:

• User friendly interface, decentralized network of nodes.
• Built on top of parachain in Polkadot ecosystem.
• Domain hosting and identity services.
• Create your own minting app’s via Web3 project.
• Provides smart contract deployment service for NFT’s and airdrop for crypto projects.

Con’s:

• Can be pricey for larger storage.
• Some features are limited for free accounts.

2. Pinata

Pro’s:

• User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.
• Reliable and fast pinning service.
• Support for IPFS APIs and integrations with other platforms.
• Ability to create a free account with limited storage.

Con’s:

• Limited storage capacity in the free version.
• Can be pricey for larger storage or frequently used content.

3. Infura

Pro’s:

• Very reliable infrastructure that also supports Ethereum networks.
• Good integration with web3 projects.

Con’s:

• Less user-friendly for non-technical users.
• Some features are limited for free accounts.

4. Fleek

Pro’s:

• Provides an integrated solution for both IPFS hosting and web hosting.
• Support for frontend and backend hosting.
• User-friendly interface and clear documentation.
  

Con’s:

• Quite pricey for large projects or long-term storage.
• Less well known than some other pinning services.

5. Temporal

Pro’s:

• Easy and instant pinning service for small and personal projects.

Con’s:

• Less advanced features or integrations compared to larger services.
• Possibly not as fast as some of the larger providers.

6. Estuary

Pro’s:

• Open-source and strong focus on decentralization.
• Support for multiple storage providers.
• Users can choose their own storage providers, offering more control.

Con’s

• More technically complex than other options, which may deter beginners.
• Limited support or documentation compared to commercial services.

7. Web3 Storage

Pro’s:

• Easy to use for developers working with Web3 and blockchain applications.
• Free tier available for small users.
• Automatic pinning of stored files.

Con’s:

• Stored files are dependent on the service’s infrastructure.
• Possibly less known to the general public, which may lead to doubts about reliability.

8. NFT Storage (classic)

Pro’s:

• Very well known and discussed on many training videos.
• Reliable storage and accessible via IPFS and the Filecoin Network.
• Easy and instant pinning service via NFT UP.

Con’s:

• Over time, latency and availability may degrade.

When choosing an IPFS pinning service it is suggested to keep some factors in mind:
usability, cost, integrations, reliability or decentralization. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses so it may be helpful to try out or combine, depending on your specific needs.

IPFS has the potential to fundamentally change how we organize and handle data, particularly in a world where privacy and decentralization are becoming more and more important.

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