Box Secure Online Storage, our legacy online file storage and sharing service, has been retired as of July 26, 2021, due to a dramatic cost increase and the end of unlimited storage.
Highlights
- Store and organize your files in a single location and access them from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
- Upload files or create documents directly in Box using popular office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs).
- Edit Microsoft Office files directly in the cloud.
- Customize how you share files using Box's flexible permissions settings.
- Post comments, assign tasks, or create entire workflows for easier, faster collaboration.
- [By request] Sync files across multiple devices and access them offline. Note: security restrictions apply to sensitive data.
- Use complex security and privacy controls to protect your data from unauthorized access.
About Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst
Box Secure Online Storage, UMass Amherst’s legacy online file storage and sharing service, will be retired in 2021 due to vendor-driven changes, including a dramatic cost increase and the end of the unlimited storage offering. IT Service Transition: Box Secure Online Storage Retirement Updates
Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst is provided by Box. This service provides a simple, secure way to share and store files and folders online. Box consolidates your content in a single location, easily accessible from anywhere, on any device. You can create files and folders, share them using a direct link, invite others to collaborate, and continue to revise and review your content. Though similar in appearance to other consumer services such as Dropbox, Box can directly integrate with existing UMass Amherst systems such as your user account for single sign-on with your NetID. Your Box account quota is unlimited.
Get a Box Account
Box is available to UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff with a valid NetID.
Access Box here and log in with your NetID and password.
About Cloud Storage
Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst is cloud storage. Cloud storage is a term used for an online service that allows you to store digital data (e.g., photos, music, documents) in "the cloud" (online) instead of on your computer. When a file is stored in the cloud, you can access that file from any device that has an Internet connection and access to that particular cloud storage service.
Cloud storage simplifies accessing files on your mobile device, laptop, desktop, and wherever else you access your files. Additionally, you no longer need to worry about losing flash drives or other storage devices since the cloud can serve as an off-site backup.
Storing University Data on Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst
Secure Online Storage at UMass Amherst can be used for storing or sharing most types of university data, using certain additional security measures, including some data that that is considered sensitive data. For specific information see Understand Sensitive Data at UMass Amherst. For information about the different types of sensitive data see Data Classification at UMass Amherst. For information about what data can be stored in Box, see Requirements for Storing University Data.
About Box and Internet2
Box is a commercial online content storage, sharing, and collaboration service offering personal Box accounts to the public since 2005. Box is part of the Internet2 NET+ Services program that provides "above the network" services to Internet2 member organizations, including higher education, government, and industry. Internet2 chose Box after reviewing many storage and file management services.
Box and Internet2 have partnered to provide enterprise (university-wide) Box service to Internet2 member institutions that are also InCommon subscribers. UMass Amherst piloted the Box service for one year prior to developing it as a full service.
More information
For video tutorials, visit the Box YouTube channel. To explore common issues, training resources, and community forums, see the Box Help website.
Box is available at no cost to UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff.
Many thanks to Indiana University Information Technology Services, whose Box documentation served as a model for these documents.
