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Your Important Files Anywhere. No Software to Download. Try Box.net for Free

Access, Backup, Share and Sync files across all your computers
Running low on disk space? Looking for an easy way to share files? Want an online storage solution? You can’t go wrong with Box.net!

Overview

Box.net is an online storage “box” where you can upload your files securely for remote retrieval later. Not only can you use Box.net as an online storage location for all of your important files, you can also set up file sharing so that you can securely share large files with friends, family members, and colleagues without having to use e-mail.

Features

• File Sharing and Collaboration - Share large files with collaborators and avoid the hassles of e-mail. Privacy protections are incorporated into file sharing so that only those with your express permission can access your files - and only the files that you want them to see.
• Data Protection - Box.net takes your privacy concerns seriously and uses 246-bit SSL security for encrypting your data. In addition, data spans across multiple firewall-protected servers scattered in facilities that are geographically separated from each other. Store irreplaceable files on Box.net and rest assured that your data is available to you (and only you) where ever you are, whenever you need it.
• Open Box Services - Box.net integrates with numerous popular Web applications such as Facebook, Blogger, Web Doc, and Zazzle. Simply upload your files once and easily link to them from within the Open Box related applications.
• Remote Access - Web based document storage allows you to access your data remotely, where ever you are and from whatever computer you happen to be using. You can even access files from your iPhone!

Benefits

While removable storage devices have become large enough to be practical, nothing quite compares with being able to access your important files remotely. Remote data storage ensures that if your computer and removable storage devices are physically destroyed or stolen, your data is still accessible.

Many professionals work on multiple computers day in, day out. This isn’t a problem for workers on a network with a network storage drive, but it is a problem for those who juggle data from various office branch locations, home computers, and laptops. Storing files on Box.net solves the problem. Now, you can easily find the file you need no matter which computer you are working on.

With Box.net, not only can you store your files in a central, Web-based location, you can also share them with selected individuals.

How it Works

Box.net is easy to use. Sign up for a Lite, Individual, Business, or Enterprise account and upload files up to the file limits of your account. From there, you can log in from any computer and manage your data.

Recommendations

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, secure, and easy-to-use online storage solution, Box.net is a top contender!

Feedback

Do you have experience with this product? Please share your thoughts or ask questions below …

Box.net is a cool Web site for storing documents and files and collaborating with other users. Several different account levels are available including a free account, individual user account, business account, and enterprise account. Obviously, each account type has different features and storage limits.

Mapsco USA offers dozens of different software products such as CD-ROMs containing detailed US maps. Depending on the software you have, you can customize and print maps. Certainly, you can upload files to Box.net provided that you have enough storage space and share those files with other users. However, if your intention is for each user to be able to access the Mapsco USA software and customize their own maps, that isn’t going to work. Box.net doesn’t host applications uploaded by users.

To upload individual files to Box.net, all you need to do is log in and click on My Files. From there, click the Upload button, designate a storage folder, and click Add Files. You can also drag and drop files into this space. Assuming you have an account with enough storage space, the files will upload. The free box.net account provides you with a full one gigabyte of storage. If you need more storage space to accommodate large files, then you’ll need to upgrade to the Business account which provides 10 gigabytes of box.net storage.

Once your Mapsco USA files, or any other file that you need to share, are uploaded, you’ll need to invite “collaborators.” Click on the Collaborators tab and then click the Add Collaborators link. Enter the e-mail addresses of each person that you want to share your files with. Designate the folder that they can access and then grant permissions such as whether or not the user can view files or edit them. Depending on how many users you have and how many separate collaboration folders you need, you may need to have a Business account rather than the free Box.net account.   

Box.net has a variety of additional services and features such as the ability to download files to your iPhone and edit documents online.