In the face of Apple’s enormous iCloud launch, I often wondered how cloud services like Dropbox, Cloudapp, and Box.net would be affected. Well maybe they’re a little concerned themselves, as Box.net is launching a preemptive strike against iCloud, offering 50GB of free storage for anyone who uses an iOS device.
The deal gives the 50 gigs to anyone who uses a Box Personal account on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The personal account is the free option, which would normally come with 5GB of web storage. There would usually be a 25MB single file limit, but those participating in this promotion will get that lifted to 100MB per file as well. Box also offers a $15/month Business plan (which allows 500GB storage and 2GB per-file limit) for those wanting a little more freedom.
To sign up, simply get the free Box.net app from the App Store, and either sign in or register. Your extra storage and single-file limit should be immediately added to your account. The deal is already active, and runs for the next 50 days.
The company also updated their app for iOS 5, so you will be able to use AirPlay to stream your account’s media files to an Apple TV.
Though they all are classified as cloud services, companies like Box.net and Dropbox are actually different beasts altogether from iCloud. What they all have in common is that they store your data on their servers, ready for you to access anytime. But that’s where the similarities end. Companies like Box.net offer direct file storage that is accessed via web or application.
Apple’s iCloud, on the other hand, aims to remain in the background at all times. Sure, you can use iCloud.com to see your contacts, emails, calendar, and word processing documents, but that’s not the primary way of using iCloud. It’s meant to integrate into iOS and OS X applications, as an invisible entity that simply makes everything available to you no matter what device you’re on. The Box.net’s way of directly accessing files is the polar opposite of what Apple is trying to do.
Unless you’re completely allergic to the direct use of files, iCloud doesn’t necessarily make services like Box and Dropbox redundant. If you want to see if Box.net is for you, then you might want to do it within the next 50 days, while this promotion lasts.
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