September 2021 Summaries

NASA's ongoing success in space exploration is bolstered by collaboration among scientists, engineers, and astronauts, facilitated through cloud platforms like Box since 2017. Box supports NASA's Flight Operations Division by providing a secure space for content classified up to SBU and ITAR levels, reducing unauthorized file sharing, and enhancing network controls. The platform streamlines approval processes for policy documents and manages document versions crucial for the International Space Station. Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, highlights NASA's leadership in leveraging modern technology for mission success, ensuring data privacy and security. Box's FedRAMP compliance and Defense Information Systems Agency authorization further enhance its appeal, aligning NASA with other government bodies utilizing Box for innovative collaboration.

Box for Salesforce is a popular integration that enhances the Salesforce experience by allowing users to access and manage files stored in Box directly within the Salesforce platform. This integration enables sales teams to work more effectively by providing quick and secure access to critical content like contracts and proposals, contributing to faster deal closures and improved customer engagement. The recent introduction of Box Sign further integrates e-signature capabilities within Salesforce, allowing users to send and track documents for signature directly from Salesforce records. Additionally, the integration process has been streamlined with a new admin interface for easier setup, and Box offers consulting support and partnerships with Salesforce System Integrators to assist with complex integrations and migrations. These enhancements are aimed at improving collaboration and efficiency for sales teams.

Box is enhancing its integration ecosystem, which currently interfaces with over 1,500 applications, by announcing the Emerging Partners Program to support and highlight innovative enterprise SaaS companies. This initiative aims to introduce transformative integrations, such as those with Airtable, Coda, Hyperscience, Tray.io, and Unqork, which facilitate seamless collaboration and data management. The Box for Airtable integration syncs file information to streamline workflow collaboration, while Coda users can interact with Box metadata alongside various data types. The Hyperscience integration uses machine learning to enhance document metadata, and the Tray.io connector allows for automation across business processes. Unqork enables no-code integration of Box APIs for streamlined document management. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact their Box representative to leverage these integrations, noting that the Emerging Partner Program is currently invitation-only, with plans to expand next year.

Box Relay, a no-code workflow automation tool, has been enhancing productivity for organizations by enabling the creation of flexible, automated, content-centric workflows across various applications. Recently, Box introduced three new capabilities to further improve this flexibility: scheduled workflows for recurring tasks, workflow ownership transfer to allow secure handoffs between users, and workflow trigger APIs for initiating workflows from external systems. These features aim to streamline operations by ensuring that processes run smoothly and adapt to organizational changes, as seen in use cases like Sargento Foods, where Relay has optimized client onboarding and capital allocation processes. By integrating these capabilities, Box Relay supports businesses in automating critical processes, allowing teams to focus on strategic tasks and improving overall productivity across their technology stack.

Watermarking in Box is a security feature designed to prevent data leaks and unauthorized sharing of sensitive information by overlaying a semi-transparent display of the current viewer's email or IP address and access time on files. Box has introduced an advanced vector-based watermarking system that offers infinite resolution, searchable text, clickable links, and smaller file sizes, enhancing control and maintaining readability for large files and images. This new method benefits various sectors, allowing designers and researchers to share files with external parties without compromising the security or quality of the content. The feature is available for Enterprise Box accounts and can be managed by file or folder owners, co-owners, or editors, underscoring Box's commitment to integrating security into its content management solutions.

Box's internship program welcomes university students from around the world, empowering them to lead projects, ask questions, and find solutions. The program is highlighted through a Q&A with Shakeah Mitchell, a non-traditional senior at Augusta University studying cybersecurity, who chose to intern at Box due to its inclusive culture and commitment to diversity. As an Enhanced Support Intern, Shakeah focuses on improving customer service for premier clients and is currently developing a portal with a ticket tracking system inspired by Domino's pizza tracker. Her experience has been enriched through virtual engagement with her team via Slack and Zoom, and participation in intern social events. Shakeah advises future interns to embrace challenges, ask questions, and not fear failure, as growth comes from pushing boundaries.