The Interplanetary File System (IPFS) is a decentralized network protocol for sharing hypermedia in a distributed file system. IPFS can be used to link blockchain transactions This effectively timestamps and secures the content, without having to put the data on the chain itself. Filecoin, an IPFS-based decentralized storage cloud, is closely related with the IPFS protocol, and provides the incentive system.

Chain is a blockchain software company that creates blockchain-based systems for financial institutions and major companies. They've developed blockchain solutions for companies like Nasdaq, Visa, and Citigroup, as well as a variety of crytpocurrencies. Chain has been successful in incorporating distributed ledger technology in very large and influential companies. Their focus is on using the core innovations of blockchain to improve existing systems. Chain uses blockchain as a software tool that can be applied where it is important for services or product to have more trust, or to build a network without an intermediary

ChainLink is developing the LINK Network, which will enable connected smart contracts. LINK will provide smart contracts with a variety of external data and access to APIs. ChainLink's goal is to solve the connectivity problem that plagues smart contract based systems, and discourages mass adoption. Many decentralized applications are unable to connect with important external data sources due to limitations involving their consensus protocols. The LINK network wants to connect their smart contracts with external systems and APIs by using secure middleware.