Box or Microsoft SharePoint: Who Reigns Supreme in this year? Maximize Your Impact with the Ultimate Comparison!

Box vs Microsoft SharePoint: The Ultimate Comparison!
Abhishek Founder & CFO cisin.com
In the world of custom software development, our currency is not just in code, but in the commitment to craft solutions that transcend expectations. We believe that financial success is not measured solely in profits, but in the value we bring to our clients through innovation, reliability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.


Contact us anytime to know moreAbhishek P., Founder & CFO CISIN

 

What is Box?

What is Box?

 

Box provides enterprise-level security and is an alternative to traditional cloud services such as file sharing, storage, and collaboration.

Anyone with a Box Account can easily access the data stored by Box. The Box allows you to work on documents instantly across multiple devices. This makes it a great cloud storage for companies to collaborate anywhere.

The Box is a service that allows you to store and share files online. Box offers many advantages over storing files locally on your PC.

  1. Tufts faculty and staff can store their belongings for free.
  2. You can access the service from any location with an Internet connection.
  3. The maximum file size is 15.0 GB.
  4. Store any file (docx, MP4, SCORM, etc.) ).
  5. Share and collaborate options
  6. Working offline is possible with certain folders.

What is the price of a box?

What is the price of a box?

 

Box Business' basic plan starts at $15 per person per month. The basic plan costs $15 per user each month. For additional integrations, customizations, and collaboration options, the price goes up to $35.

For the best content management, data security, and governance, the $35+ custom plan is recommended. The custom plan offers additional security features and compliance options not available in other strategies for sensitive documents.


Is the Box secure?

Is the Box secure?

 

Okta Broadcom, Splunk and others are some of Box users' most popular security applications. Users can only view or edit files if they have permission.

When file sharing internally/externally, Box users can require logins, verification, or passwords. Box's Enterprise users are prioritized for security and compliance, thanks to SSO, MFA, and strong user authentication, as well as device security and information rights management.


What Is SharePoint Online?

What Is SharePoint Online?

 

Sharepoint website development team collaboration tool that helps businesses worldwide to use online or offline with Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions.

The service offers features such as enterprise content management (ECM), file sharing, cloud storage, calendars, tasks, contacts, and task management among users.


Is SharePoint secure?

Is SharePoint secure?

 

SharePoint uses user permissions to control who can access SharePoint documents and sites. Individual users, entire organizations, departments, or groups can receive these permissions.

Azure Active Directory, a part of Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, ensures the secure management of identity for users and tenants who can access and sign in. Users can assign who has access to edit or review a document when sharing a collaboration link. Microsoft Defender Office 365 allows users to ensure that links in SharePoint documents do not lead to malicious websites or malware.


Downloads and products for SharePoint

Downloads and products for SharePoint

 

SharePoint can be referred to as one or several SharePoint technologies or products, such as:

  1. Microsoft 365 SharePoint: Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based, Microsoft hosted service for all businesses. Microsoft 365 plans or the SharePoint Online standalone service are available to businesses instead of installing SharePoint Server. Employees can share information and documents with partners and customers by creating sites.
  2. SharePoint Server: Organizations may deploy SharePoint Server and manage it on premises or through an Office 365 Enterprise Subscription to benefit from all of the new features. It also offers additional capabilities and features, including modern site pages and modern authoring and web parts, as well as modern lists, libraries and search.
  3. SharePoint Designer 2013: A program that was last free in 2013. Useful for creating powerful workflow enabled solutions. Used to edit the external content type for a Business Connectivity Services-based external data solution.
  4. OneDrive Sync: A desktop application that allows you to sync files from your team website or OneDrive at work or for school with documents on your computer to be used offline.

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What Does Box Integrate Well With?

What Does Box Integrate Well With?

 

Box is compatible with more than 1,500 different applications. Box can now work with a wide variety of file types, workflows, and applications.

Box is compatible with many popular applications, including Adobe, Office365 and Salesforce. In Box, workflows are available that can prompt the user to take certain actions and then notify them once they have been completed.

Below is an example screenshot of an application used to access a contract. It also shows how the contract can be created and edited, as well as the contract signed and completed. Notification capabilities are an important part of Box integrations.

Users can receive notifications via email or any other communication method they choose. Simple integrations, such as those that facilitate communication, collaboration, or file approval, work well in Box.


What is SharePoint compatible with?

What is SharePoint compatible with?

 

SharePoint integrates into hundreds of other applications. This allows it to be used for thousands of different functions.

SharePoint offers more collaborative and file-sharing functionality than previously mentioned. SharePoint offers more options for file sharing with its customizable pages/sites, complex flows and app integrations.

SharePoint and Box are both integrated with similar apps and technologies. The choice of which one is best for your company depends solely on the users and the goals you have for file storage.

SharePoint has more applications and features out of the box, so you won't need as many integrations in the future.


What are the pros and cons of Box?

What are the pros and cons of Box?

 


Pros

Pros

 

  1. Limitless file storage up to 250 GB
  2. The premium version is excellent for file sharing, collaboration and security. It has extensive compliance and security features to keep your files secure.
  3. Easy access to folders and files
  4. You can create flows to orchestrate the actions of end-users
  5. Updates are made frequently and often to the offline desktop sync, ensuring that files and information is current.
  6. Box has a user-friendly interface and is intuitive.

Cons

Cons

 

  1. The automation of workflows is efficient, but limited to simple actions
  2. The enhanced support package offers 24/7 customer service

What are the pros and cons of SharePoint?

What are the pros and cons of SharePoint?

 


Pros

Pros

 

  1. You can easily share files or websites with other users
  2. Limitless file storage up to 250 GB
  3. Teams and groups are automatically synced when created within SharePoint. This allows for consistency in communication between apps.
  4. You can ensure maximum security by allowing only certain people to access, view, edit or review files.
  5. Invite as many internal users as you want to work on SharePoint sites or files
  6. Create elaborate/complex flow to initiate collaboration processes across multiple applications. When a Word document is completed, the email to the Outlook reviewer for approval will be sent automatically.
  7. Organize content and files efficiently within websites
  8. Updates frequently so that files are always current.
  9. SharePoint allows teams to easily customize and update their sites and can be used by all departments.

Cons

Cons

 

  1. SharePoint sites are accessible to those without a Microsoft account. However, the experience for users is less straightforward.
  2. It can be difficult to learn for new users

Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Build a SharePoint Site?


For whom is the box best suited?

For whom is the box best suited?

 

The best solution to store documents for small and medium businesses (SMBs) is Box. Box allows users with the right credentials to access files, store them and perform tasks.

Box's user-friendly interface makes it ideal for businesses that need only to share files and approve them. This is the best solution for those who need a simple and efficient way to work together on documents.


For Whom is SharePoint best suited?

For Whom is SharePoint best suited?

 

SharePoint works best with organizations who need a more costly solution for file sharing and collaboration. SharePoint can be used by any organization.

This includes large companies that share many files every day and who often send them externally. Users can also live-edit multiple files at the same time, share the file with different users or teams, and create workflows that are advanced for complex applications.

Teams within an organization can set up their own SharePoint site to categorize their data and allow others to view their updates.


Box File Sharing vs SharePoint Online Collaboration

Box File Sharing vs SharePoint Online Collaboration

 

Box makes it easy to download and share files. You can also create secure sharing links. You can restrict access to documents by changing permissions.

File sharing in Box includes login, passwords, and email authentication. The administrator dashboard also allows for internal monitoring of users' activity.

SharePoint Online members can collaborate on files and share them for editing simultaneously. Online sites can be tailored to meet your needs.

SharePoint libraries can share documents with others for viewing and editing. Permissions can range from accessing a SharePoint folder to collaborating on one document.


Box Versus Sharepoint: Integration of Apps

Box Versus Sharepoint: Integration of Apps

 

Box integrates well with Google Apps, Microsoft Office Suites, Jive and Salesforce. Customers comment on how easy it is to use Box.

It is also integrated with Microsoft Azure Active Directory for single sign-on.

SharePoint Online is deeply integrated with Microsoft Office 365. OneDrive, Outlook and SharePoint Online can all be connected to the same Microsoft 365 Account.

SharePoint Online can be linked to Google Drive and Gmail.


Box vs SharePoint: Pricing

Box vs SharePoint: Pricing

 

Box offers services for both individuals and business users. Storage is only 10GB for a personal Box account. Features are limited, but adequate.

The Box subscription for personal use starts at $5 a month, and you can upgrade from three to ten users with 100GB of storage.


Box and SharePoint Security

Box and SharePoint Security

 

SharePoint Online stores data in encrypted form during storage, transit and retrieval. SharePoint data is also controlled at all times.

SharePoint comes with a data loss prevention tool. DLP allows the user to utilize discovery tools in order to find and identify data that is sensitive. The sensitive data is then only accessible by certain users.

Administrators of a SharePoint tenant are able to track all user actions.

Box provides the same level of security that SharePoint. You have to make a lot of effort in order to protect your data.

Boxes can be used to generate encryption keys. Box will use an encryption key to encrypt a standard enterprise key. This ensures that nobody else has access to your data.

Box is unique among cloud storage providers.


Box and Microsoft SharePoint: Comparison of Features

Box and Microsoft SharePoint: Comparison of Features

 

Document management software that is good excels in document sharing, storage and organization. It then expands on this with a broader range of features.

The core features of each document management software go beyond just uploading documents.


Box Offers

Box is more than just a tool for managing and uploading documents. Box allows you to create workflows, track them and automate certain tasks.

For example, it can remind users to approve or review contracts and send out reminders.

Also, you can easily download and share items in the app, as well as create direct secure links. You can allow a recipient to download docs or have full editing rights by adjusting the viewing permissions.

Security is also enhanced by the sharing permissions. To share documents with others, you can ask for logins, emails that are verified, or passwords.

You can monitor internal user activity through the admin dashboard.


What Microsoft SharePoint has to offer

Microsoft SharePoint is a document management system that implements best practices for ease-of-use and productivity.

Live editing is possible while you co-author, share and edit files with your team. You can also customize the system so that it fits your specific needs.

Externally sharing files allows anyone outside your company to easily view and edit the documents. They can work on a single piece or a folder.

This keeps sensitive data, like contracts and LLC documents, safe.


Results

Microsoft SharePoint is the winner of this round, despite Box's robust features.


Support box vs. Microsoft SharePoint

Support box vs. Microsoft SharePoint

 

When you have problems with the system, it's important to find the resources you need and to speak to the people who can help.


Box Offers

Box offers three levels of support. All Box accounts come with standard support, which covers help during normal business hours.

Premier Services includes access to growth experts and dedicated account representatives.

Platinum Services is the most advanced level of services, providing training and support that are tailored specifically to your company, as well as onsite training every year and a dedicated channel for support.


What Microsoft SharePoint has to offer

SharePoint is part of Microsoft's family and offers you high-quality resources, videos, tutorials, as well as Office 365.

SharePoint has support representatives available 24/7 to answer all questions. Microsoft offers a wealth of information and an expert team.


Results

SharePoint is a Microsoft product, so it has better and more extensive support. Box has a good support system, but it can't compare to Microsoft.


Microsoft SharePoint vs. Box: ease of use

Microsoft SharePoint vs. Box: ease of use

 

Everyone wants a simple system, whether they are tech-savvy. A user-friendly system is essential for efficiency and accuracy.


Box Offers

The learning curve is manageable. The navigation is not overwhelming and the toolbars make it easy to use.

Upload complete documents, archive files, edit documents online or create new documents entirely from scratch.

The familiar layout of the word processor makes editing easy.


Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft Sharepoint, on the other hand, is less intuitive. Although it's not as complicated or logistically difficult as Box, the software can be a bit sluggish.

The setup is more difficult, and the adoption process requires more work from users. Microsoft continues to work on making installation simpler, but customizing the software is time-consuming and the end results are not always worth it.

SharePoint is a great tool once it is installed, but the number of steps required to perform basic tasks (search, download and edit) are more than necessary.

This makes it cumbersome. The categories and organization are very clear.


Results

Box wins out with its intuitiveness, easy installation, integration with Microsoft 365 and ease of use.

Read More: What SharePoint Application Development Process Do You Follow In 2023?


Box vs. Microsoft SharePoint: Pricing

Box vs. Microsoft SharePoint: Pricing

 

Price is always a factor, no matter how great a product may be. How much are you prepared to spend on software such as SharePoint or Box.


What Box Offers

The Individual account, which is a free long-term option for Box users, makes it stand out. The 10GB limit is the only drawback.

Other features, while less impressive, are still sufficient for single users.

Plans start at $5/month for starters, which allows for 3-10 users with enhanced features, and up to 100GB of storage.

With the Business Plan, which costs $15/month for each user, you get unlimited storage, up to 50 versions saved of any file and enhanced reporting and analytics.

Box Business Plus costs up to $25/month for each user. This software allows external collaboration and activity tracking. It also lets you create templates.

Box Enterprise is priced at $35 per month for each user. You can work in a team and customize Box to meet your specific business needs.


What Microsoft SharePoint has to offer

Microsoft SharePoint costs more.

Even if you do not plan to activate other software, it requires an Office 365 membership.

Sharepoint implementation costs $5/month for each user, and can go up to $20/month.

The base plans do include a TB of space.


Results

Box is the clear winner, thanks to its long-term plan that's free and the fact you don't need to purchase any additional software.


Microsoft SharePoint vs. Box: Integrating with other software

Microsoft SharePoint vs. Box: Integrating with other software

 

You need to use a document management system for HR that is compatible with other systems so you can easily import files and share them.


What Box Offers

It's easy for Box to integrate with other apps. Both Google and Microsoft Office are already integrated. At setup, your Google account can also be linked with Box for additional simplicity.


What Microsoft SharePoint has to offer

Microsoft SharePoint integrates well with Microsoft Office. You can easily link your One Drive or Outlook to SharePoint.

It is also possible to link it up with Google Drive and Gmail.


Results

The two software solutions are very good at this, making the sharing of files and uploading between tools easy. The result is a draw.


Microsoft SharePoint vs. Box: Desktop sync

Microsoft SharePoint vs. Box: Desktop sync

 

The ability to sync software makes it easier for users when working off-line. It also reduces the risk of losing data.


What Box Offers

Box has a desktop application called Box sync, which you can download and upload documents offline without having to log in via the browser.

Box sync is a desktop app that allows you to upload and download documents without logging in to Box via a browser.


What Microsoft SharePoint has to offer

Microsoft SharePoint offline sync ensures that offline work is automatically transferred to the cloud database. It's a convenient way to work on documents on your computer without having to go on the SharePoint website.


Results

Both document synchronization tools work well. Box has a slight advantage over SharePoint when it comes to updating team documents.

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Box and SharePoint: A Conclusion

Box is the clear winner in the Box vs Microsoft SharePoint Comparison. To Build SharePoint sites does not have the same intuitiveness as Box.

Box is easy to set up, requires minimal operation, and offers affordable pricing. SharePoint Online is a good option if you are already familiar with Microsoft Office 365 or if customizations and customisations will be more important for your company.