Along the lines of what you're working on, I think what you really want is a form of network browser capable of locating files stored redundantly across a completely decentralized network.
Done correctly, this would make notions like "backups" completely obsolete, and "my files" would exist on any computer that allowed me to log in to the appropriate service.
Fast, decentralized, redundant network systems are a beast to engineer though, but it's do-able.
Bonus points if you figure out how to let users store private data on such a network, and keep it private, while also allowing them to share specific files with specific individuals or groups of individuals.
Pull that off, and you'll have the holy grail of data storage.
I've only got some rough notes on this; I don't think I'd start trying to actually implement it for another two years yet.
Done correctly, this would make notions like "backups" completely obsolete, and "my files" would exist on any computer that allowed me to log in to the appropriate service.
Fast, decentralized, redundant network systems are a beast to engineer though, but it's do-able.
Bonus points if you figure out how to let users store private data on such a network, and keep it private, while also allowing them to share specific files with specific individuals or groups of individuals.
Pull that off, and you'll have the holy grail of data storage.
I've only got some rough notes on this; I don't think I'd start trying to actually implement it for another two years yet.
Beat me to it! I'd rather take a vacation. :-)