June 2019 Summaries

Box has implemented significant updates to its web application, specifically enhancing the Tasks and Notifications features to improve user productivity and task management. The new Task Center, accessible via a clipboard icon in the navigation bar, consolidates all actionable items, enabling users to view, assign, and complete tasks from a single interface, with task types now simplified into 'General' and 'Approve' categories. These updates aim to reduce stress by clearly separating actionable tasks from general notifications and improving the tracking of approvals and rejections, which can be exported for audit purposes. Additionally, the Notifications UI has been streamlined to provide a cohesive view of relevant activities, ensuring users remain informed about file interactions and mentions. These enhancements are designed to facilitate better management of workloads and automate processes through integration with Box Relay workflows, ultimately enabling users to manage their tasks more efficiently within the platform.

Box has introduced an updated version of Box Relay, a tool designed to automate and streamline various business processes within its content management platform. This enhancement allows enterprises to integrate both real-time collaboration and automated repetitive tasks, addressing the needs of modern agile businesses. Box Relay features a no-code user interface, enabling users to set up workflows without complexity, and supports a wide range of processes through its 'if this then that' (IFTTT) engine. It also facilitates external collaboration by assigning tasks to customers, vendors, or partners and provides visibility and control through a unified dashboard. Integrated tightly with the Box platform, Relay inherits security, compliance, and productivity features, benefiting from pre-built integrations with tools like O365 and Docusign. Beta testers, including companies like Zurich and Herbalife, have successfully used Box Relay for various tasks such as automating marketing approvals and streamlining recruitment processes.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is dedicated to assisting refugees whose lives are disrupted by conflict and disaster, providing education, protection, and economic empowerment in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities with the help of 13,000 staff and 10,000 volunteers. Under the leadership of CIO Madeline Fackler, the organization has significantly improved its technological capabilities, increasing global site connectivity from 33% to 96% and integrating Box for efficient content management and grant tracking. This has enhanced work efficiency, employee morale, and security, enabling better collaboration with around 1,000 external partners. The IRC remains committed to supporting distressed refugees and adapting to emerging needs by leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships, ensuring they continue to make a profound impact even in the world's most challenging environments.

Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day, marks the day when news of the end of slavery reached Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a celebration of recognition and empowerment for the Black community and its allies, and this year, Box chose to emphasize the success of Black businesses and entrepreneurship as part of their quarterly storytelling focus. The company hosted events across the United States, featuring distinguished Black business leaders such as Maggy Nyamumbo of Kahawa 1983 and Halle Lewis from Brown Estate in San Francisco; Hope Green from Emoji's Grilled Cheese in Austin; and Jamila McGee and Carlos Barksdale from Brooklyn Tea and Luya in New York. These events aimed to celebrate and support Black economic achievement, encouraging community participation in recognizing and uplifting Black entrepreneurs.

Box has launched Box Pulse, a new product feedback tool powered by UserVoice, to streamline the process of gathering and utilizing customer feedback for product development. This tool allows users to submit innovative ideas, vote on others' suggestions, and receive updates from the product team regarding the status and comments on their submissions. By simplifying this feedback loop, Box Pulse aims to prioritize customer-driven enhancements and shape the company's product roadmap to improve user experience. Users can easily participate by logging in with their Box accounts and contributing to the ongoing development and refinement of Box products.

Box.org, the social impact initiative of Box, celebrated its fifth anniversary by reflecting on its achievements in supporting nonprofits through technology, employee engagement, and corporate resources. Since its inception in 2014, Box.org has empowered over 8,500 nonprofits by providing them with Box technology, often at a discounted rate, and through initiatives such as coaching from Box employees. The organization focuses on building digital capacity and has established partnerships with entities like TechSoup and NetHope to support this mission. Employee engagement has significantly increased, with 74% participation in giving and volunteering activities, facilitated by efforts such as the Global Holiday Impact Day. Box.org also leverages Box's resources for crisis response and contributes to the Box.org Fund, which supports various philanthropic efforts. Looking ahead, Box.org aims to expand its impact by increasing nonprofit enablement, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering strategic partnerships to further its mission of powering global good.