Box Review

The pandemic has brought to the fore the need to be able to collaborate on documents without being physically present. Many businesses and individuals that had not considered cloud storage solutions have been forced to start searching and adopt one. Box is one of the leading options especially because of its document and file collaboration features among others. Although many may be more familiar with Drobox and Google Docs, Box is an option that can give a run for the money to what you may be used to. Let’s delve into this comprehensive Box review.

What is Box?

If cloud storage is new to you, then you certainly would want to know what is Box. It is cloud storage that allows users to upload files from their desktops, mobile phones, and any other internet-connected devices. Once the files are uploaded, they can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have an internet-enabled device. With 10 GB of free storage space, that is physically weight off your shoulder if you run a business that is heavily dependent on documents that you might have had to carry around in a bag.

Box Storage

Box provides more than just storage for files, it is also a secure environment to share and manage files. Box storage is HIPAA compliant so users can be certain that sensitive information can be kept there with minimal risk of unauthorized persons gaining access to it. Some businesses use Box cloud storage as backup storage for their documents that they can access quickly and easily. Making the shift from office to working from home doesn’t have to involve carrying huge files to your home.

Box App

The Box app is available both on the Play Store and Apple store as well. It is described as one of the best cloud storage options and even received raving reviews from PC Magazine. For people who want to get work done on the go, this app is handy. Its ability to connect with other apps and accept files in different formats makes it a great Office tool. Even with the free version, it can get a lot done right from storing documents to collaborating and automating processes using a mobile device.

How to Use Box?

The first step in your Box journey is to sign up for an account. This is an easy step that anyone should be able to go through by simply following the prompts. When you have an account, you may need to know the following tools.

Box Notes: This tool helps you collaborate with other people on a document. You can write comments and update content using this.

Box: This is a mobile tool that allows you to access files stored on your account while using mobile devices.

Box Sync: It helps you access documents on your account using a desktop.

Edit: Use this tool to create and edit documents using your PC.

Capture: When you take photos or capture videos using a mobile device, this tool saves them onto your cloud account.

You will need to remember that Box doesn’t have an inbuilt editor, if you want to create a document, you need to have an App like Microsoft Office or Google Docs to do that.

Box Platform

For developers and anyone trying to create customized apps, Box platform is designed to meet their demands. It provides APIs which users can utilize to create their own applications. This tool is particularly helpful for enterprises looking to integrate other apps with Box. There’s no reason to start from scratch. The platform takes care of all the initial work that has to be done and the user can then customize it to their preference. Automation is achieved seamlessly and different groups can collaborate using the platform while a business manages content in the background.

Is Box Secure?

With all the storage, sharing, and collaboration going on, it is only natural to question if Box secure? The security for the app and software is designed according to strict industry standards to enable worry-free sharing, storage, and management of content. First of all, all data entered is encrypted from end to end. Files are also regularly backed up to ensure there is no loss of data. Access to files is grunted after 2-factor authentication. It is safe to say that Box is equipped to guarantee secure file sharing and to meet just about every industry’s safety standards.

Box File Sharing

Users of Box are not just looking for a place to store data, they depend on the cloud storage provider to also perform day to day tasks with that data. Box file sharing fits slickly into any business’s daily tasks like collaborating on documents, sharing information, and utilizing data to create more documents. Files can be shared with several apps for example files can be sent from Box to an email address or accounting software to create invoices, receipts, and so on. Box sharing is compatible with several enterprise apps.

Box Document Management

Certain features of Box can make it a worthy consideration as a DMS. Box document management hinges specifically on the following features:

• Setting up workflows is easy and users can streamline daily tasks and document approvals.
• With encryption and cloud authentication, Box can offer secure file sharing.
• It can be used to automate document quality.
• Document sharing is flexible to enable easy upload and sharing regardless of document formats.

Box Online Storage

For busy people that like to access their documents on the go, Box online storage is the perfect solution. With the app installed on your phone, tablet, or any other mobile device, you can quickly access your files. It also helps to organize your device and free up physical space on your phone since files are stored online.

Box for Business

Small to medium businesses can make use of the Box for business plan. With unlimited storage space and other starter plan features, there’s a lot that can be accomplished especially when working with teams. Collaboration is made easier when they utilize Box cloud storage. The pricing is also easy on the pocket.

Box Features

The majority of Box features make it ideal for businesses even though it can also be used by individuals who just need extra storage space and a solution to manage files across their devices. These key features include:

• The tool can be run on all browsers.
• Secure file sharing that supports all formats.
• Flawless document collaboration.
• Supports improved document automation.
• Enabled permission settings for file sharing.
• Integrates with other applications.
• Adherence to privacy guidelines.
• It can be scaled up or down to suit any business size.

As you use Box, you will discover more features that make it great for business as well as private use.

Box File Transfer

Box file transfer is described as hassle-free and that is accurately put. Whether you need to transfer a large file or a small one, you can do this securely and not even have to worry if the other person has a Box account. You can share a link via email and it will authorize the receiver to gain access to a file. With over 120 file formats supported, this is an easy solution for file transfer.

Box Free Storage Limit

Box is very generous with its free storage. A user will get 10GB free cloud storage once they sign up for an account. The Box free storage limit can also be bumped up to 50GB for people who download the iOS Box app. This was an offer that the company provided to celebrate their iOS app.

Box Vs Drobox

The battle of cloud storage providers will rage on as they try to impress users with different features. Box vs Dropbox is a common comparison and the competition seems fairly matched.

Let's take a look at some key defining comparisons:

Free storage: While Box offers a 10GB free storage limit, Drobox is a bit tight-fisted with a 2GB limit. If you are looking for personal storage, 2GB is okay but let's face it, Box is on a roll here.

Pricing: Box pricing plans accommodate 4 tiers. They are targeted at businesses with 3 to 10 person teams. The 100 GB storage may be a bit of a disappointment but an upgrade can give users unlimited storage. Drobox on the other hand has 3 plans. On a standard plan, a user has access to 3TB storage and it caters to a minimum of 5 users. The more you pay, the better it gets. Box cloud service and Drobox offer competitive pricing though some people feel Box may be on the higher side.

Security: Safety of user’s data is a main concern for cloud storage providers. Box and Drobox are aware of this and offer more than convincing security with encryption, password protection, and administrative features that ensure control of who has access to files. However, Box complies with HIPAA guidelines and that could be a deciding factor for some industries.

Verdict: It is a photo finish here, both Box and Drobox have features that make them great options. In the end, it may come down to small features that suit a business best. Determining which cloud storage is best might be a never-ending debate. Users simply need to find one that meets their needs.

When all is said and done, Box can give a user more than just file sharing and storage. In a fast-paced world, it is a relief to know that the Box folder can also be used for automation. Content stored in the folders can be accessed for document automation. You can also create workflows that incorporate cloud storage into daily tasks.

Box Review

In the end, most Box reviews focus on its generous 10 GB storage that every user gets once they create an account. There is however more to take note of such as its ease of use, collaboration abilities, and how it integrates with other third-party tools. Overall, when put head-to-head with other competitors like DropBox, it puts up a decent challenge as seen above. On average, user reviews indicate they are happy with its performance even though some paid customers feel they should have more storage space.

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