Box is basically a social networking site for sharing files! It allows collaboration in teams at work, school, or even for personal use. Box allows users to upload files and then share these files with anyone that the user allows. You can share files with just certain team members, entire office buildings, or even globally by making the files public. Users have total control over who has access to the information and files and who does not. Box.net is a secure site and will only allow access to those the have the required links and password information.
Fox example, in group work, especially at Full Sail University online, many projects require large files to be shared between group members. Although Google Documents provides a good avenue for completing basic office applications as a team, it does not allow people to share large files efficiently. With Box.net, the team member would upload the files that need to be shared, and then e-mail the rest of the team members with a link where the file can be accessed and downloaded. Only users that are granted access to the file have permission to view and download the content, so you can be sure that everything is safe!
Box.net also allows for third party applications. Users can upload documents and with the click of a button send the document via fax to another party. The possibilities with third party applications are nearly endless and can even be used to sign and send legal documents! Box.net can also be used to print shipping labels with Fedex for instant tracking numbers.
In today's world, people are always on the go and many people need access to information in a mobile environment. With Box, files can be accessed from a wide variety of mobile devices. The iPhone and Android mobile devices both have applications that can be downloaded that allow the user access to Box.net on their mobile phone.
For more information on Box.net or to sign-up for service click here!
This image taken from the Box.net website shows the current pricing plans for a subscription to the service. There is also a 14-day free trial to test out the service and see if it's right for you!
Brian, before I comment on box.net, I have to tell you how much I love the name of your blog! Hilarious. Anyone that can get a Monty Python reference in somewhere has got to have good things to say.
ReplyDeleteThis is one great tool! There have been many times I just want to create a short-term collaboration and share files without giving someone my iDisk information and setting it all up so only a few files can be viewed rather than my entire drive, etc. I've had some glitches with Google docs, so have been looking for an easy way to set up sharing. I do use Google docs with my grade-level teaching partners, and for the most part it's been successful, although occasionally one of us can't get in. This makes the rest of us scramble, then, to find a makeshift alternative on short notice. You're right, larger files can be a real concern. Box.net looks perfect for these, and, too, for a temporary collaboration rather than an ongoing group. Thanks for a comprehensive review; I'm going to box.net to take a look!