Microsoft 365 and Box are two distinguished providers of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools designed for companies of different scales. Both provide special characteristics, cost models, and interfaces for the users; thus, the choice between these two solutions highly depends on organizational requirements. In the following article, you will learn how Microsoft 365 and Box compare several important parameters that are likely to influence your choice of an optimal solution for your enterprise.
Microsoft 365 is known as Office 365, Microsoft’s subscription-based service, and provides applications for productivity, collaboration, and communication purposes. It encompasses Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, as well as the relatively newer Microsoft Teams; therefore, it is an ideal solution for business entities seeking an application suite.
Microsoft 365 has different price points depending on the features and available storage capacity for Microsoft Teams, with the basic plan costing $6 per user per month and including only 1 TB of storage. The Business Standard plan is provided at $12. The monthly plan by Coda is $10 per user per month for its Standard plan and $22 per user per month for the Business Premium plan which includes other features and storage features.
The box is the first and foremost COSS solution that targets secure content management with an emphasis on the files. Several businesses where document management stands out together with workflow automation are some of the major fans of the SaaS.
Regarding the pricing policy, Box offers the basic plan for free with the storage space limited to 10 GB. The Starter package is $5 per month for 2 to 3 users with a disc space allowance of 100 GB. While the Business plan will cost $15 per user per month it provides users with the possibility to store as many files as they can whereas the Business Plus plan will cost $25 per user per month and it also provides users with enhanced collaboration opportunities.
Microsoft 365: This means that although Microsoft 365 is a powerful product, organization of the services, setting up for a new project, and mere usage may pose a challenge to first-time users. While SIM cards are easily transferrable they can be factory or provider-customized, but this may entail some learning.
Box: Box is fairly simple to use or at least, much simpler than some of the other cloud storage options out there hence ease of use is not an issue when using this cloud storage service.
Microsoft 365: Ensures proper compatibility with all Office applications and other utilities, making work interrelated for more efficiency.
Box: It also features capabilities that enable integrating it with other systems such as Microsoft 365 where users can easily link their Box account with the Office applications that they have.
Microsoft 365: It allows users to work offline and any modification made in this state is only effective once the user connects to the internet. However, there could sometimes be delays in syncing.
Box: As for Box, it provides a desktop application that enables users to function outside of the website interface and the web application. To illustrate, modifications made by the user instantly apply in the cloud as soon as the user is connected to the internet.
Microsoft 365: Offers enhanced security capabilities such as compliance instruments and data security features it is perfect for organizations with tight security requirements.
Box: Strong security features include Box Shield for threat identification and data leakage prevention; a very suitable and useful tool for companies that have rigid compliance and security needs.
Microsoft 365: Overall, the overall Microsoft 365 usage is described as rather pleasant, with references to the great number of functions and possibilities. However, it should also be pointed out that the given platform can be rather complicated for all users. Microsoft offers extensive information and support to the clients such as documents, forums, and chat among others.
Box: Box makes many good impressions, and one of them is the possibility for easy navigation and usage of the platform. People like its interface and the clear structure of the tasks in the management of the system. Box also provides training and customer service for the users, but, some of the more complex functions have been noted to require some form of assistance.
Microsoft 365 vs. Box deciding factors depend on the organization’s requirements and goals that need to be met.