Box.net & SFDC Integration

Box.net is an online storage and collaboration tool, described as a web-based content management system and filing system. For our purposes at Framework, box.net allows us to share photos, logos, PDFs and other documents not built "in the cloud" and share them online. The box.net tool can be easily embedded in our Google Sites and Civic Footprint Blog, reducing redundant file sharing and document storage. We can invite collaborators to edit and view the box, providing additional opportunities for collaboration amongst our shareholders, volunteers and interested users. Box.net is now integrated with our Salesforce.com as a tab and embedded as a widget  

The screen shot below is an example of our Box.net deployment in Salesforce.com.

 
 


We evaluated other file sharing SaaS's below. Here are the summary notes.

Syncplicity is a desktop sync tool that allows us to automatically sync desktop computers with a Syncplicity account (up to 2GB of storage with the free account). While we can invite collaborators to view and edit shared folders, they must create a separate user account. Online access is limited to account holders. Syncplicity allows you to sync your Google Docs folders with your Syncplicity Account. Syncplicity is a great tool for storing your files in the cloud, however creating a public space for sharing and collaboration of docs with Syncplicity is limited.

Ease of use for sharing files with like-minded organizations: Low

Drop Box: Drop Box provides File Sync (including for iPhone), File Sharing and Online Backup. Drop Box sync files in any location, so if you edit a document in one location, it will update the document on every other device (like Google Docs). File Sharing is limited, as users must be invited to view your dropbox. Links can be sent to specific files within Dropbox. Dropbox includes automatic sync. You cannot edit documents and photos online (must download and reupload to edit). Cannot embed on external sites.

Ease of use for sharing files with like-minded organizations: Medium

Foldershare links two computers that are already online, so you can share files between them. In order for Foldershare to work, both computers have to be online. Foldershare is best for accessing your files on mulitple computers at the same time.

Ease of use for sharing files with like-minded organizations: Low

Drop.io: Offers 100MB storage space for free. Allows files to be shared privately without accounts, personal registration or email addresses. The site is not searchable or networked, people must know the URL to the drop in order to view the files. Meant mostly for media fies (photos, video, audio).

Ease of use for sharing files with like-minded organizations: Medium

Microsoft Sharepoint: Is an enterprise solution for file sharing and collaboration. Provides access and revision control. Sharepoint is a desktop software tool that must be installed on a local Windows server.  It is an online storage space for documents and provides collaboration functionality. Sharepoint includes wiki-build options and an online editor and can run internally or from within existing websites. Create password-protected site to share documents with like-minded organizations. Updates on documents are not in real-time, but must be re-synced with the original document. Sharepoint is best used for building large scale intranet projects.

Ease of use for sharing files with like-minded organizations: High

OneHub is described as an FTP replacement. Files can be added to the hub using the drag & drop feature. Users must be invited to view the Hub. Trial version is available for 30 days, then pricing begins at $19/month. Can be used as collaborative software with task lists, calendaring and messaging.

Ease of use for sharing files with like-minded organizations: Medium
 
                                                                            Box.net                                                                    Syncplicity                                                                                    

Security
Password Protected Box Option. Pro account provides automatic password reset, SSL connections and and specialized account access
Must authenticate (sign-in) to access files. Transfers all your data using 128-bit SSL
Widgets
Blog and Web Widgets can be embedded on your Wordpress or Blogger site
No blogger widget tool 
Notifications
Can receive notifications when files are downloaded or uploaded
Users receive notifications of recently updated shared files.
Users / Collaborators
Free account - 5 collaboration folders.  Business account provides unlimited collaborationCan invite collaborators to edit and view docs
Sharing
Create links to public folders. Embed on a website, invite collaborators by email
Can invite collaborators or readers by email.
File Size / Space1GB (free) 5GB for $9.95/mth. 25MB per file. 10GB total for Business edition ($500 per year)Free accounts 2GB Paid accounts 50GB
Mobile AccessCan access files from an iPhone or Blackberry
Salesforce IntegrationIntegrates with Salesforce.com (can embed a widget)No
Desktop SyncIn Beta. Automatic, one folder, one userAutomatic, any folders