With all the great tools available on the net for FREE these days, it seems like there's hardly any room or time to add anything new that will either simplify or complicate and consume our lives any further right? There are literally hundreds of sites popping up each week that try to compete and offer greater value than the next site. As I research what's out there, some of my favorite sites to investigate are the ones that might benefit us, our clients or our business.
Have you ever tried to email a file attachment that was too large for your email host, or too big for the recipient? Many of these email hosts and pop servers put a limit to the file size you can share, send, or receive. I wanted to share a file with someone the other day, and their email kept rejecting it because the file exceeded their email servers limits. It was only 3 megabytes.
So looking for a quick and easy solution, I remembered hearing about Box.net It's a file sharing site that allows you to upload all types of files and give others access to them. It can be used for public or private sharing depending on how you set it up. Having a site on the web to store files can also be a huge benefit if you ever need to access them while you're away from your own computer. Of course having your own server is best, but most don't have that luxury.
Box.net lets you upload almost any file type and allows you store up to 1.0 gigabytes of data FREE! You can also add additional services to your "BOX" like efax, Outlook, Gmail etc. You can add your social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Friendfeed, Twitter and others. You can even post files directly to your blog to share information with others all over the world.
Here's a sample of one of my Business Cards I uploaded. You'll get a kick out of that one! lol~ It's nice that there's no software or hardware required, it's really simple to use and easy to set-up, you'll have user permission controls, and they offer 24x7 phone support. Here's one of the quotes from their site:
Did you know? Over 50,000 businesses use Box.net to share ideas, create content, and collaborate in an online workspace? Users can access online file storage from anywhere - even on the iPhone or Blackberry.
Since they've been around awhile, that usually proves their value, stability, and WEB track record.
I think Box.net really simplifies file-sharing and team collaboration. There's no attachments or FTP uploads, you just send your clients or co-workers a link. This could be a useful tool to add to the many other tools and resources you'll find in the WEB 2.0 World. Thinking and working inside the "BOX" may help you or your business be more productive when you're outside the box. I'm just sayin... :-)
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There are so many good apps on LinkedIn to use now. I haven't used this one as our TEAM uses Google Docs for large ones but it's nice to have an option.
I'm just gonna subscribe to your blog...seems ridiculous to keep bookmarking everything you write!
Thanks for the information. We have our own server, but sometimes I have to share large files like when I send a contract to someone. Have had this problem dealing with overseas customers. Trying to get them a contract on the weekend was a nightmare, not from this end but from their end.
Hi Brad~ I am looking forward to the day when I have a business card just like that one, LOL!
Hi Missy - I actually found and used this over on LinkedIn, but also discovered you can use it outside too. I use google docs too, but it limits you to file type. (Only Theirs) I don't think google docs lets you host and store pdf's, or image files, or mp3 music or video files, and some of the other files on your computers hard drive. The BOX does.
I can upload a zip file right now and you could then access all the files contained in it. This could come in very handy for quite a few scenarios.
Hi Brad - Great info. I had been using a free serevice where you could load unlimited files. They are now charging if you want to load multiple files. Thanks for the new resource.
Looking forward to a time when I can use your business card as a template...but that's in the distant furure! LOL
Brad - seems like a good option. How do you think it compares to Google Docs?
Jeff
Thanks Brad, Just looking for a way to do some file sharing.
Hi Brad:
I'll keep that in mind. For now I am putting everything on google docs and stinking lovin it. I even put my bookkeeping on there and my accountant then has access to my data, its been fantastic.
Hi BRAD....Pretty good Links on LINKedIN...LOL Thanks
HelpfulHannah your friend in Philly
I got to get into that linkedin again... but I will say after the makeover2takeover I am a google doc fan! :)
Here's the difference between Google docs and Box.net:
Google Docs
No Sound, Picture, or Video Files. No zip or compressed files.
Types of files that you can upload:Documents (up to 500KB)
PDF Files (up to 10MB from your computer, 2MB from the web)
BOX.net
The free account has a file size limit of 25 megabytes for ANY file.
You CAN upload Video, Pictures, Sound Files, and Zip or compressed files.
24/7 Phone Tech Support - won't get that from Google Docs.
OpenBox lets you do more with the files on Box.
Upload your file and have options like document editing with Zoho, e-signing with EchoSign, photo printing with Zazzle, and more.
Box is also integrated with these Social Networks.
Box.net created 2005
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Both are fantastic sites offering some great tools and options, but there are differences. :-)
I'll bookmark this so I'll have it when I start looking for it as I need it.
Brad, I think I'll give this ine a try. I've been trying out sites like this and still haven't found one that I like.
The first thought when I read is video - I have wanted to share one now and then that I don't necessarily want to post. Inside the box - I was suspicious when I read it coming from you - you take me so many places outside - nice to go in now and then.
I have site that seems nearly identical; however, I know the size limitation is 100 MB for free and you can create as may various "Drops" as you like. You can also set a password to make it "Client Specific" and allow only the interested parties to access it. e.g. LO, Ins, Realtor, Appraiser, & Inspector.
It's called http://drop.io/ (No ".com" at the end)
I love this site, and my fellow readers will too. I have almost entirely abandoned my fax machine all together. All one has to do, is upload a file, create an extension name (http://drop.io/Activerainexample) and either allow it to remain public (as if anyone could ever find it without your help anyway) or set a password. If memory serves, it will last for up to a year.
There is also a training video on the site. And I noticed that it now has "Tweet.io" for sharing twitter files! (Although I have yet to try this one, but I think it could easily be linked to in one's rant; I mean blog!
I was just looking into Dropsend.com so thanks for giving me something else to look into.
Thanks for clarifying Brad. Your right Google Docs is only for Doc's not music and video files so this is a great enhancement and you can post to Friend Feed and FB and Twitter.
Great tip Brad...thanks. And I really liked the business card too...are you hiring? lol
cool idea something good to keep in the back of the tool box of toy tricks needed to get any job done
I've gotten at least 3 good tips off this. Thanks!
Brad- we have been using YouSendIt, but it's limit is at 100mb. Box.net sounds like a fantastic alternative to this- I will take a look.
I haven't had a need for large filesharing yet, but like that Box is integrated with LinkedIn. That's one less password to remember.
This is great. I use a service called smugmug.com to upload photos of properties and then email clients links so that they are not having to worry about emailing photos.
The whole file sharing thing is over my head! (Not really...I just don't have anyone to share with!) Ok not true!
I think I like the business card best of all!
Always full of great tips Brad! Thanks again!
I was going to recommend drop.io as well. There have been a few more I cant remember off hand. I like dropbox myself for sharing files between my computers.
Thank for the post, check 0ut Windows Live Syn at sync.live.com -
Great post, great info.
Brad - This is great information. I've been looking for something for those larger files and video and it looks like box.net will fit the bill. Better put that business card away....we're not letting you retire anytime soon! :)
Brad - you're right.... the card's a hoot and the scoop on box.net - awesome - hope to get over to check it out soon - thanks :)
Thanks, Brad. Just proves that if it can be imagined, it's probably on the web.
Brad - Good to see you back. Yet another site I have to check into. Just when you thought there were no more left.... another useful free site comes along that is extremely useful to all of us. thanks as usual. More storage places are a good thing.
Hi Brad -- Very cool, this is a great tool to know, and I've not heard of it before. Thanks!
Thanks, Brad! You find the greatest tools and sites for us to try!
LOL at your business card! I wish I had one like that... but it has to be true! Oh GOD I wish it was true *sob* ROFL And this is pretty cool site. I think I like it best of all the techie stuff you've shared.
Brad- AHA! I found it before you did:) I have been using Box.net for a while now and just love it. I have to use the paid version because I keep all my Webinar sesson recordings there so if anyone missed a session I can share the file with them and they don't ever have to miss out. It is SO easy to use. The video recordings of webinars are quite large, so it does take a little while to upload. Katerina
Hi Brad, The response box here looked different as there was not tool bar. As I was typing this is appeared. This is a great new resource and tank you so much. Will it respond the same if the attachments are photos ( larger mps). Thanks again and it sure beats Whale Mail.
I have been looking for a way to get files and videos when the recipient can't accept a large file. This is so cool. Will be checking it out early on Monday. Oh, it is early on Monday. I guess later in the morning on Monday I should say.
Thanks for the info. A great tool for a temporary placing those large and various files that you need to get to a client, customer, friend or foe but you can't email due to size or they can't receive due to size. We send a lot of photos back and forth and using this we can get it done in one swoop instead of piecemeal and although I don't seem to have a problem from my end here at home the Office server Robin is sending from does!
And FREE is always a big bonus -- especially these days.
Again thanks,
Sue of Robin and Sue
Congrats on your business card. ROTFL.
I "was" thinking outside of the box...that's why I came over here to visit you to see what you were up to. ;-) Great tip....;-)
Ever used File Share? I love it! Click, drag and drop in a folder on your desktop & subscribers can immediately pull from folders on their desktop!
Sharing is "good juju" Brad - and you are one of the "sharing-est" guys around! Thanks for the tip.
Brad - Another good recommendation! Thanks! What? No Day Planner? No Credit? No Address? Sounds like a business that would qualify for a bailout from the government! LOL Have a great week!
Mary
Thanks for another great tip Brad. I too have been looking for something like this.
Brad - What a cool tool you are sharing. Thanks! I will bookmark this until I have time to explore.
Brad - Thanks for the recommendations ! Our homework list just increased ! You guys rock : )
Brad,
This could have bee what I need over the weekend when I was trying to send a large file to a client that is out of town. Thanks for the information.
Thank you for sharing this great FREE tool.
Bettina
What great timing you have. I was just trying to figure out how to send a HUGE file to someone!
I have used whale mail in the past but I like this one you presented. Most important, I love your card. So many REealtors get into the business with no exit straegy. You obviously have one. My new exit strategy is to be able to duplicate your business card!
Thanks Brad,
I just signed up and will begin using it for all future transactions. Google has a similar program but like most Google applications they are not self explanitory.
Brad - thanks for the the information and I will definitely check it out. I do like the business card . . . that is hilarious!
Thanks Brad. I don't know how you just keep coming up with new, useful stuff for us. Keep it up!
This definitely looks worth checking out.
Hahaha! Glad you're all getting a kick out of my sample "Business Card" uploaded on Box.net. I had to put something up there to show how it all works. lol~
Looks like this post has surfaced a few other great sites that allow file sharing as well. Comment #16, #22, #27, and #43. Thanks you guys, I'll definitely be checking out those sites too.
I think it would be really cool if we could offer a "File Sharing" platform right here on AR for our members. :-)
Brad --- thanks again for sharing something that I had not heard of. You keep coming up with these things --- I am impressed. I am all over the Box.net.
I get more good ideas and resources reading active rain. This is one of them.
Brad- Bookmarked again! I just discovered Google Docs, now will have to check this out--
Brad, Thanks will keep this handy. Never know when you'll need something like this.
Thanks, Brad! This is great info. On my last transaction, I could not send large files, so I would break them up. This information may solve my problem!
Brad ~ You consistently have the best ideas and tools and we appreciate your sharing them with us! I hope to replicate your business card someday -- we can all dream can't we?
Brad - Have never heard of it, will have to check it out. Thanks!
I'll be sure to check this out....as always your information is great.
Portsmouth NH Real Estate.
Brad - Thanks for the good tip. We are always looking for ways to make things easier - especially easier for our clients. Kudos to you! Pam
Brad - Just another insightful tip from one of the most informative guys out there. I am sure this will be a handy tool for me, and thanks for sharing.
OK..I need to take another look at LinkedIn..its been a while since I really checked it out. Thanks Brad for your fabulous tech updates:) Much love to ya!
Brad, I have been loking at another online storage site: www.adrive.com. They offer 50GB of free online storage! Too good to be true?
Alooooha!
Robin
Robin - that is incredible!!!
You sure got my attention with 50gigs of storage space for FREE. Guess where I'm going right now... :-)
Laura - LinkedIN is just where I found the box.net, it can be used outside of LinkedIn as well. It was smart for LinkedIn to add it as a tool for their members, but now all the social networks are tapping into file sharing and the social networking side of it. It's Very cool, just like you! ;-)
Good information Brad....but I wouldn't expect any less :)
Sounded great, so I gave it a try. It wouldn't let me register without a credit card even though I chose the FREE Lite Option. Hmmmm. Didn't finish the registration. Any idea what's up with that?
Brad, everytime I have a need, you guys are one step ahead of me. Just this week I FINALLY uploaded a few files to Gmail and I was fat, dumb and happy. Now I read your post and find I can just load to LinkedIn and it's already integrated with most of my social networks. As always, you ROCK! The man deserves a raise, I tell you!
Brad, this is totally cool! Question - one of the biggest problems my agents have is accessible storage for their photostory and ppt shows for the MLS. Would this be the place for them to store their presentations that would link out to other postings?
Bobbie - Box.net would be a great site for storing and sharing those photostory and ppt shows. Google docs is another for ppts. You should also check out comment #57 for a list of others that were contributed here by AR members. Here's a link to it so you don't have to scroll back up there. lol~ Comment #57 Hopefully all these options and choices will make it easier for you to decide which will work best for you and your agents. :-)
What an awesome tool! Thanks so much for sharing - I never knew this was available. This will really help to streamline my business!