u/triforce009

Hey y'all,

I wanted to share an application I am working on. It is a combination of two protocols I have really enjoyed learning and using. BlueSky's AT Proto (Authenticated Protocol), and Protocol Labs' IPFS (Interplanetary File System).

Years ago when I learned of IPFS I had a dream of a distributed and sovereign web where those who have computers can run the internet without the need for large conglomerates that monopolize the internet, and selfishly create a single point of failure for a necessary utility we all rely on. While that dream of a self operating system is not 100% realized I wanted a way to share my file storage but not have all the baggage of FileCoin or other Crypto.

FileOrbit's goal will be to run a Private IPFS swarm with a login that owns drives, folders, and files and who they share them with. Giving a Dropbox like experience but one that can be self-hosted with minimal technical skill.

I realized there will also be a need to host a PDS (Personal Data Server) which will allow folks to use FileOrbit as a trusted login and data provider for the file metadata. I created what AT Proto calls "lexicons" which essentially are JSON file formats/types that can be stored on a PDS per user that is cryptographically signed giving trust to who owns the record. It essentially points to a file on the private swarm and represents concepts that IPFS does not have, for example Drives, Folders and Access Control or a "Passport" for who owns the IPFS data and who its shared with.

I built a MacOS and Windows desktop application/installer. I am happy with the progress and wanted to share with folks here first on Reddit what I am building to get some honest feedback and put it out there for the first time outside my friend group and coworkers.

I am trying to follow the 37 Signals philosophy from "Rework" that guides future businesses to not take out massive capital, and keep a lean and small team, as well as build in public which is why I am posting here. I plan to sell my byproducts which is the PDS login and file metadata while not locking anyone in, allowing them to migrate but using that openness to foster trust. Building on AT Proto gives me that out of the box!

Well I rambled on a lot in this post. Here is the landing page; https://fileorbit.cloud/

The desktop app is in an early Alpha state supporting file/folder upload with resumable uploads, sharing drives/folders/files, if you self host and use a bsky.social login or any other AT Proto PDS provider it will be free and only use your own storage. Long term my goal is to make it so you can add "safe places" you trust starting with your desktop, laptop and eventually your phones storage and if you're friends and family want to share their resources thats the dream!

I would love folks feedback, would you use this? would you pay for it?

Yours in code,

Triforce