The WebDAV protocol provides a framework for users to create, change and move documents on a server, typically a web server or web share. Some people use WebDAV as a network filesystem suitable for the Internet, to mount served content as a network drive. Box does support WebDAV. See Box support for WebDAV.

WebDAV is an older protocol, and has many known limitations when used in the current computing environment. Mapped drive WebDAV use is recommended only for uploading/downloading files up to 50 MB. For files larger than 50 MB it may still work, but some issues may occur, including:

• file locking or not working
• slow downloads/uploads
• timeouts

Coming soon: Streem technology

Box has bought Streem, a startup specializing in streaming. Streem’s technology allows users to “mount a cloud drive” onto their computers so that documents, videos, files, etc. are available and their use is unconstrained by a local hard disk. Box is currently integrating the Streem technology into their architecture.
This will both replace the functionality of WebDAV with Box, and provide a secure alternative to Box Sync. As soon as it is available to us, we will make it a part of Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst!

Using WebDAV with Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst

While we don't recommend using WebDAV with Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst unless necessary, it is functional.

Before using WebDAV with your Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst account, you first need to create an external password for it. If you haven't already done so, follow the instructions in Creating and using an external password for Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst, and then continue with the steps below.

Windows 7 and Vista

1. From the Start menu, right-click Computer and select Map Network Drive... .
2. In the window that opens, click Connect to a Website that you can use to store your documents and pictures, and then click Next.
3. Click Choose a custom network location, and then click Next.
4. Enter the address https://dav.box.com/dav, and then click Next.
5. When prompted for a user name and password, use your full UMass Amherst email address as the username. Use your Box external password for the password, and click OK.
6. Enter a name for your connection, click Next, and then click Finish.

Mac OSX (10.5 and later)

1. With the Finder active, from the Go menu, select Connect to Server.... Alternatively, with the Finder active, press Cmd-k.
2. In the window that opens, enter the address https://dav.box.com/dav and click Connect.
3. When prompted for a name and password, use your full UMass Amherst email address as the username. Use your Box external password for the password, and click Connect.

 

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