February 2018 Summaries

At the "Hackers of the Caribbean" Box hackathon, participants utilized an internal alpha of the Box Skills Kit to create innovative enterprise solutions using machine learning to automate challenging processes. The event saw over 100 project submissions, including potential Box features and workflow automations. Box Skills, announced at BoxWorks 2017, is a framework that integrates machine learning with content stored in Box, transforming it into searchable metadata that can trigger various processes. Among the projects developed were a Document Skill, which automates the tagging and structuring of documents like W2s and invoices; an NDA Processing skill that automates the classification and integration of NDA documents into Salesforce; and a Data Loss Prevention skill that uses the Google Data Loss Prevention API to automatically classify and redact sensitive information in files. These innovations exemplify how Box Skills can enhance productivity, risk mitigation, and security in enterprise environments. The Box Skills Kit, which includes APIs, developer tools, and sample code, is set to enter beta testing soon, with further details available for interested participants.

Lara Knight, celebrated as Box's February "Innovator of the Month," is the systems applications manager and Box service owner at a major US home builder, known for her transformative approach to technology deployment focused on end-user needs. Her career in IT began in 2013 after a tenure at her company, driven by a curiosity for technology which led her to become a top power user and later transition into an IT role. Notably, she led the impactful project of retiring her company's legacy storage system in favor of Box, inspired by the announcement of Box for Office at BoxWorks 2014. Lara emphasizes the importance of "train the trainer" techniques by identifying and empowering power users, those who are naturally curious and ask challenging questions, as key advocates for new technology adoption. Her approach highlights the need for IT professionals to maintain open communication with department leaders and end-users to truly transform company operations by understanding and addressing their needs.

As businesses increasingly transition to cloud-based operations, managing vast amounts of data has become critical, particularly with the introduction of stringent regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates companies handling European personal data to comply with new data protection standards. Box, a cloud content management company, has proactively addressed these challenges by investing in GDPR compliance and introducing a global data privacy solution that simplifies the process for its customers. This includes a self-serve Data Processing Addendum (DPA) that requires only an electronic signature and outlines legal mechanisms for data processing. Additionally, Box Consulting offers compliance-focused engagements to assist customers in developing data protection frameworks and strategies tailored to their unique risk profiles, further enabling them to meet evolving compliance requirements such as GDPR, PCI DSS, FedRamp, and HIPAA.

Digital transformation is reshaping the Life Sciences industry, particularly in clinical operations, where cloud technologies are being adopted to replace legacy systems while ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards. The rise of Clinical Research Organizations and increased biotechnology companies conducting trials have necessitated robust regulatory and compliance measures. The complexity of study protocols often leads to budget overruns and timeline extensions, highlighting the need for efficient solutions. The introduction of electronic content management (ECM) systems and digital workflows has improved efficiencies, but the industry is now at a critical juncture with the advent of new digital transformation solutions like Box.com. These platforms offer secure, cloud-based content management with features like e-signatures and automated compliance testing, enabling faster onboarding processes and streamlined document management. By adopting such transformative technologies, Life Sciences organizations can enhance collaboration, reduce operational overhead, and expedite the launch and management of clinical trials while maintaining regulatory compliance.

In an era dominated by cloud-first and mobile-first workplaces, data security remains a paramount concern for businesses as they navigate the risks of data breaches, which can lead to significant financial loss and disruption. Acknowledging the challenges posed by this environment, Box has developed security classifications within Box Governance to help customers classify and protect sensitive content, preventing inappropriate sharing. By expanding its partnership with Palo Alto Networks, Box integrates their Aperture SaaS security service, offering comprehensive visibility and enforcement across user activities in enterprise SaaS applications. This collaboration aims to bolster data protection for joint customers across various industries, ensuring security remains integral to digital transformation strategies. To further aid businesses in building robust SaaS security programs, Box plans to delve into detailed implementation strategies in an upcoming webinar with Securosis and Palo Alto Networks, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive enterprise data while maintaining productivity.