Box Overview & Registering for an RPI Box Account

Overview

What is Box?

Box is a cloud file sharing service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive that provides end users with the ability to access files with any Internet-capable device from almost any location. Users can grant access privileges to other users as they see fit, allowing them to share files with coworkers, students, administrators, and colleagues around the world.

Details

What does it cost?

Box is being offered to Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff, free of charge.

What are the features of Box?

• Online Storage is unlimited starting with a 100gb block (can request more if needed by submitting a Support Request).  Please see note about Shared Box space below.
• 50 GB maximum file size
• Secure File Sharing (Security & Privacy Details >>)
• Box Drive (easily access all your files that are in the cloud from your desktop)
• Permission Controls (allows you to control exactly who has access to your files)
• Version History
• Box Mobile App (access all your files from any of your devices)
• Multi-layered encryption
• Secure Box-hosted file storage

Personal Box space versus Shared Box space

• Personal Box space is a solution for safe storage and easy accessibility to work-related documents that only you need access to or folders/files that you share periodically with certain individuals.  If you leave RPI, your RPI Box account will be deleted and collaborators will lose access to information you have previously shared.  Students, however, can convert their RPI box to a personal Box account.   Refer to article:  Taking Box @RPI With You
• Shared Box space is appropriate for an area where a department or group of individuals collaborate for a specific purpose.  While the maximum file size is still 50 GB, the quota is unlimited and files stored in the shared space do not go against an individual's quota.  The information is retained even if owners leave RPI and Box admins can adjust permissions if needed.  Please review the article on Shared Box space for additional information:  https://itssc.rpi.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360004771432-Box-RPI-Shared-Space   

If you have additional questions on what is the most appropriate solution for your purpose, please do not hesitate to submit a Support Request with your inquiries.

Get started with Box:

1. Registering as well as accessing Box after registration requires Multi-Factor authentication:
   https://itssc.rpi.edu/hc/en-us/articles/26139931138317-Duo-Mobile-Enrolling-in-Duo-Mobile-for-Multi-Factor-Authentication 
   
2. An RPI Box account is not automatic.  Whether setting up Box personal space or requesting a Shared Box space,  you first need to Register by clicking on the link below:
   Register
   Student, faculty, and staff can activate their accounts instantly.
   
   
3. Registered users:
   Login
   You must be registered with Box in order to log in.
   Box login also requires Multi-Factor authentication so after logging in with your RCS userid and password you will be prompted for MFA.  For additional information on how to login with MFA please go to: Duo Mobile - Multi-Factor Authentication
   
4. Get Box Apps:
   Download
   Download a variety of Box apps for Windows, Mac, Android, & iOS.
   

Box Training:

Box Overview and Training

References/Links

For more details see our Box Security & Privacy page and article on Box applications available.

Taking Box @ RPI With You

Information Classification Policy (requires connection to RPI network to access)

Last Reviewed:   27-Oct-2021