ICPay launches on-chain storage alternative to AWS S3
ICPay has launched icBucket, an on-chain storage service designed to give developers, AI agents and decentralised applications an alternative to traditional cloud object storage.
Built on the Internet Computer, icBucket provides an S3-compatible API for uploading, storing and serving files, allowing developers familiar with Amazon S3 to use similar methods without setting up a separate traditional cloud storage environment.
The service stores files across Internet Computer replicas, with the storage handled through a canister rather than a conventional cloud server. Public files can be delivered through HTTPS, while private buckets can use authentication for access control.
One of icBucket’s main selling points is its pricing model. Rather than charging based on a conventional monthly cloud-storage bill, users pay for 30-day storage plans using ICP through their ICPay balance. The service currently offers different capacity tiers, with pricing determined by the storage capacity selected.
ICPay is also highlighting the potential difference in data transfer costs. Amazon S3 charges for data transferred out to the internet after its applicable free allowance, with rates varying by region and service configuration. AWS’s published pricing includes a US$0.09 per GB example for data transfer out from S3 in Europe to the internet.
ICBucket’s model is different because files are served directly from Internet Computer canisters. ICPay says public files can be accessed through HTTPS URLs without requiring a separate CDN configuration.
The service also supports chunked uploads for larger files, public and private buckets, API key management and file metadata. SDKs are available for Node.js, Python, Rust and Go, giving developers several ways to integrate storage into existing applications.
For developers already using S3, compatibility is a key part of the proposition. ICPay describes icBucket as a drop-in alternative using familiar operations such as creating buckets, uploading files and downloading objects, although developers would still need to assess compatibility for their individual applications.
The service is aimed at use cases including AI applications, decentralised applications, static assets and backups. ICPay says files stored through icBucket are traceable on-chain, with content-addressable URLs providing an auditable record of stored data.
ICPay’s wider platform is built around Internet Computer infrastructure, with its bucket service operating through an on-chain storage canister. The company says this approach is intended to reduce reliance on centralised infrastructure while providing familiar cloud-storage tools to developers.
The proposition does come with trade-offs. Developers considering a move from established cloud providers still need to assess factors such as storage capacity, performance requirements, API compatibility, access controls and the needs of their applications.
For teams looking to keep more application infrastructure on-chain, icBucket adds another storage option to the Internet Computer ecosystem, combining familiar S3-style interfaces with Internet Computer-based storage and HTTPS delivery.
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