The following is a Plus Edition article written by and copyright by Dick Eastman. 

A new buzzword is becoming popular in high tech. Well, it isn't really a new buzzWORD as much as it is a buzzABBREVIATION (if there is such a thing). 

According to Wikipedia's definition of IPFS: 

"The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system. IPFS uses content-addressing to uniquely identify each file in a global namespace connecting all computing devices."

While that explanation is technically correct, I think it deserves a bit more explanation. I prefer the explanation offered on IPFS.com:

"A peer-to-peer hypermedia protocol designed to preserve and grow humanity's knowledge by making the web upgradeable, resilient, and more open.""

Even that is a bit cryptic. I would prefer:

"IPFS is the next iteration of cloud computing.'

Another simplistic explanation might be: "The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system."

I have been using IPFS to store backup copies of all my newly-created files for the past several months and I am very impressed with these low-cost file storage services. I thought I would describe them this article.

Cloud computing has become one of the major advances in computing technology of the past decade or so. It provides both increased file space for storage of thousands of files as well as (optional) backup copies of files already stored locally in your own computer(s). Again, referring to Wikipedia:

"Large clouds often have functions distributed over multiple locations, each location being a data center. Cloud computing relies on sharing of resources to achieve coherence and typically using a 'pay-as-you-go' model which can help in reducing capital expenses but may also lead to unexpected operating expenses for unaware users."

IPFS deviates from that definition in that each location does NOT need to be in a data center.

In addition, IPFS typically offers lower prices for data that is stored off-site. In addition, IPFS offers encryption and other techniques to keep your data private, meaning that nobody else can view any of your data other than yourself (unless you explicitly give others permission to view your files). 

IPFS is an abbreviation for "Interplanetary File System" which should win some sort of award for the coolest product name in the industry. "Interplanetary?" Just what is that?

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