ass supports three methods of file storage: local, S3, or [Skynet].
### Local
Local storage is the simplest option, but relies on you having a lot of disk space to store files, which can be costly.
### S3
Any existing object storage server that's compatible with [Amazon S3] can be used with ass. I personally host my files using Digital Ocean Spaces, which implements S3.
S3 servers are generally very fast and have very good uptime, though this will depend on the hosting provider and plan you choose.
### Skynet
[Skynet] is a decentralized CDN created by [Skynet Labs]. It utilizes the [Sia] blockchain, the leading decentralized cloud storage platform, which boasts "no signups, no servers, no trusted third parties".
For hosts who are looking for a reliable, always available storage solution with lots of capacity and no costs, Skynet may be your best option. However, uploads tend to be on the slower side (though speeds will improve as the Sia network grows).
ass is intended to provide a strong backend for developers to build their own frontends around. [Git Submodules] make it easy to create custom frontends. Submodules are their own projects, which means you are free to build the router however you wish, as long as it exports the required items. A custom frontend is really just an [Express.js router].