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August 15, 2008

Box.net – File Storage for the Space-Challenged

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Many people store their entire entertainment system – movies, TV shows, music, and video games – on their computer. But after constant software updates, installations, and one-too-many music files, a hard disk just doesn’t know what’s hit it. Programs are running slower and the CPU usage is at 98%, but you can’t bear to part with those videos you downloaded. This is why a lot of people choose to opt for an online file-storage solution. It’s easier than installing a new hard drive, isn’t prone to mechanical failure, and, in the case of Box.net, you can easily organize files into several folders, mimicking the familiarity of your own hard drive.

The site is extremely intuitive, and unlike competitors, uploads are very quick and the menu is easily navigated. Once your files are uploaded, there’s the option of either sharing with other users, non-members, or even interacting with the files directly within your browser with many popular file formats supported including PDF, Word/Excel documents, movies, and audio. There are three tiers of pricing: Free, Individual and Business, with each tier offering progressively more file space, bandwidth and greater levels of support.

Practical Uses:

  • Send images and documents to remote office workers
  • Copy large files to Box.net for easy transfer between home and work
  • Backup important personal documents
  • Create a folder containing important reference documents for your kids containing things such as emergency contact phone numbers, prescription drug history, shot records, grades and class history –

Insider Info:

  • Use the batch uploading tool, or the drag ‘n’ drop feature
  • The site’s “collaboration” feature allows users to create a shared upload space.

What We Liked:

  • Quick uploads, including batch files
  • Option to interact with various file types
  • Large number of uploading/sharing tools and widgets that can be incorporated into your blog or home page

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Minimal space provided on free accounts, maximum upload size of 10MB per file, constant nags to upgrade
  • Inability to add Box.net as virtual drive on your computer which would make backups much easier

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: 2005
  • Privately held
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California
  • Founded by: Box.net Inc
  • Website: http://www.box.net

Costs:

  • Free Account: Free, 1GB space; 10MB per file; 10GB/month bandwidth limit; email support
  • Individual Account: $7.95/month; 1GB per file; unlimited bandwidth; phone & email support
  • Business Account: $19.95/months; 1GB per file; unlimited bandwidth; phone & email support; secure uploads

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