Which Box is Your Box?

Many small businesses and freelance workers struggle when it comes to sharing files and collaborating on projects from different locations or devices. There’s nothing more tiresome than constantly emailing files to yourself or colleagues, while trying on stay on top of version control. FTP access can also involve tedious downloads and problems with software compatibility. It’s our opinion that online cloud-based storage services (SAAS solutions) provide a welcome alternative, enabling users to access and share files from any computer or device.

Our current favorites are Dropbox  and Box — both of which offer free versions, so you can give them a spin at no expense. Dropbox is focused on simplicity, with an orientation toward user-friendliness and ease-of-use. Save your documents to the Dropbox folder on your desktop, and they’re saved to any number of assigned computers, mobile devices, and the Dropbox website. Updates and file sharing can take place via a desktop icon or the Dropbox website, but the interface is geared toward a local experience.

Dropbox

In general, Dropbox is marketed toward consumers and freelance workers, and as was documented in a recent piece in Fast Company, they do a great job at conveying the simplicity of their service. Dropbox is compatible with the full range of mobile devices and there’s an app for the iPad.

For all these reasons, we think of Dropbox as a great solution for entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, and users who have no need for additional functions and utilities beyond storage and sharing.

Box

Box is directed more toward small businesses, with project management utilities and project-related discussions. The interface is web-based, so you must log on through Box.com. The free subscription is designed for consumers only, but the upgraded versions include extra storage and additional permission control, branding, and more. Like Dropbox, Box works with mobile devices and the iPad. Generally, we recommend Box for small businesses with more than three users and/or multiple locations and projects.

Note: we get no kickbacks or referral rewards for reviewing these products.

LimeTech is a creative tech company with a focus on innovation and adaptive change. We use technical know-how, design skills, and deep experience in entrepreneurship to help companies advance their business goals. Our specialties include mobile app development, website design, technology planning, and remote work solutions.