Preview Scoop: Box.net online file storage

UNEASYsilence was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of the upcoming revamped (Version 2.0) online file storage service Box.net.

File backups are crucial. I can personally attest to the inconvenience of data loss due to the lack of a simple file backup. While a local external hardrive backup is the ideal route to take, file portability and accessibility is minimized when compared to an external online backup source. That’s where Box.net jumps in. Online file storage through Box.net offers a handful of advantages as opposed to an external HD backup on your home desktop [stacking on top of papers and misc items].

1. Portability & Accessibility: Online access from any computer in the world connected to the net. Not only does Box.net provide users with access from any internet terminal in the world, the service also allows simple drag n’ drop file sharing to contacts on your ‘Friends’ list [Public & Private sharing]. Simply drag the file icon directly on to a contact in your list and you are prompted to a) email the invitation for file download or, b) create a static download link. Any shared files are marked with a ‘Public’ tag which users can toggle ‘On’ & ‘Off’.
2. Simple file uploading: In addition to the single file upload Flash interface, Box.net provides a Java powered client for direct drag n’ drop uploads.
3. Livesearch functionality [online!]: Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of the OSX Spotlight feature to drill down through never-ending file folder trees to locate files. Fortunately, Box.net provides the same feature [minus meta tag search mind you]. Upload your image, text, audio, PHP, HTML, or whatever other files you want access to online and Box.net immediately provides access to said files via “search-as-you-type” search functionality.
4. File organization: Aside from the ‘livesearch’ capabilities and nested folders, users are can also ‘tag’ individual files or complete folders. A list of active tags is displayed along the left of the screen for easy access
5. Image Gallery: Flickr this, gallery that. Box.net provides users with the option to create a presentable gallery of images using entire image folders as source.

The revamped Box.net service is completely free (1GB of file storage). Easy upgrades are available for a 5GB Premium or 15GB Pro account. In addition, Pro account users have additional mobile access for accessing files from mobile handset.

I’ve managed to integrate the Box.net service into my daily work-flow for shuffling files between multiple desktops, sharing, and data backup. The drag n’ drop uploader is a considerable time saver as opposed to be previous routine of uploading files to my Gmail account. Hopefully the current interface and data transfer snappiness continue with increased user loads. Scalability?

Check the images above for a peak behind the login screen. Accounts are not limited to single users. Box.net allows for additional sub-users perfect for maintaining a “business” account allowing multi-user access. Check the service out for yourself.

Version “2.0″ is currently in private beta, but on March 1st registration will be available to the general public.