Introduction
Filebase has taken a unique approach to storing data, and uses Sia as the underlying storage layer. Sia is a blockchain-based decentralized storage network with independent storage servers operating all around the world. Sia works by taking advantage of unused storage capacity and pooling it together. This capacity is then paired together with industry leading technology, including mechanisms for high-availability, redundancy, and privacy.
Filebase has built a direct integration into the Sia network. Every object that is uploaded to Filebase is split into 30 pieces using Reed-Solomon erasure coding, featuring a 10 of 30 algorithm. These 30 pieces are then geographically distributed to Sia host servers all around the world. Only 10 of the 30 pieces need to be available in order to process a download request. This storage mechanism creates native redundancy and high availability.
When servers on the Sia network go offline, data is automatically repaired and uploaded to new hosts. When data is in perfect health, Filebase is able to achieve 3x redundancy for every object.
Filebase automatically manages all aspects of the data storage layer and Sia integration. Customers of Filebase do not have to purchase cryptocurrency and will never be asked to do so.
When using the Filebase platform, there are two primary methods of managing data:
Filebase Browser Interface
Filebase S3-Compatible API
The Filebase browser interface can be used to manage, upload, download, and delete objects. This interface can also be used to manage, create, and delete storage buckets.
The storage backend seen through the browser interface is the same storage backend that is available for your account when using the S3-compatible API. Conversely, if you make changes using the API, the changes will be reflected within the browser interface upon refreshing the page.
The Filebase S3-compatible API can be used by several standardized software clients to manage data within the Filebase platform. There is a wide array of available software and tooling for S3-compatible APIs, and Filebase has certified several of these tools for use with the platform. Filebase certification consists of putting software tools through testing procedures to validate conformity with the Filebase S3-compatible API.
This documentation guide includes several pages covering specific software clients and tools. If you don't see your tool of choice listed - don't worry. That simply means we haven't had an opportunity to test it yet.