The first version of Box for Teams, released in 2018, was limited in scope and functionality and did not allow Box as a default file storage location for Channel files. It was also built by Microsoft on a Microsoft platform
The second version of the Box for Teams integration improves on the earlier version. It enhances the way you can share and access content stored in Box directly from within Microsoft Teams – without flipping back and forth between programs. This new integration also enables Box to be your common content layer in Teams, as it gives you the option to use Box as a content layer across all Teams, Channels, and Chats.
You do not have to uninstall the earlier version of Box for Teams, but using both simultaneously can create issues. We strongly recommend uninstalling the earlier integration before installing and using version two.
Here's a direct comparison:
| Feature |
Built by (v1) |
Built by (v2) |
Notes |
| Owned by |
Microsoft |
Box |
- V2 is an official 3rd-party supported integration available from Microsoft Appsource.
- V1 is classified as an unpublished application.
- Box is supporting and evolving V2. V1 will continue to work but will not be enhanced.
|
| Available in Teams and Group chat |
Teams Only |
Teams and Group chats Supported |
- V2 is supported in both Teams and Group Chat (1:1 chat, ad hoc group chat) scenarios.
- V1 supports only Teams and Channels.
|
| Create Box folders associated with a channel's or chat's Files tab |
Manual |
Automatic (can be configured manually) |
- V2 automatically creates a Box Files tab and dedicated folder mapped to each channel that houses all content shared within a channel or chat. You can create or select the folder you wish to use as the default.
- V1 requires you to manually assign a folder to a specific Channel's tab and go through extra clicks when sharing content to ensure it ends up in the mapped folder.
|
| Upload files from desktop to Box |
Manual |
Automatic |
- In V2:
- Uploaded file automatically maps to Box folder assigned to the Channel
- Content card displays with metadata and thumbnail preview of file
- Channel users automatically added as collaborators in Box to the uploaded file
- In V1:
- Individuals must take extra manual step of selecting what destination folder (Box or SharePoint/OneDrive) they want the file to be uploaded to
- No content card with metadata and thumbnail preview generated
|
| Share files from Box to channels in Teams |
Manual |
Automatic |
- In V2:
- You get the option of selecting desired file permission settings when uploading the file
- Content card displays with metadata and thumbnail preview of file
- Box creates a bookmark link to the shared file. Original file still remains in the same place and there is only a single copy of the file shared.
- Channel and chat members with access automatically added in Box as collaborators to the shared file; option to grant access to members who lack it.
- In V1:
- Requires an extra manual step of selecting what destination folder (Box or SharePoint/OneDrive) you want the file to upload to
- No content card with metadata and thumbnail preview generated
- Allows an upload of a new/second copy of file that already exists in Box
|
| Mobile |
Not supported |
Supported |
- V2 supports file uploads, sharing file from Box, and Box Files tab.
- V1 lacks mobile support.
|
| Central deployment for Admins |
Not supported |
Supported |
- V2 enables admins to automatically deploy Box to all or a subset of end users. When end users select Box for the first time they're automatically guided through the installation process (if it hasn't already been completed for their Team) and then through the authentication process.
- V1 requires each individual to set up a Box folder to the Teams Files tab.
|
| Admin settings |
Not supported |
Supported |
V2 enables Box Admins to:
- add additional permission checks when people share Box content
- toggle on/off thumbnail previews in content cards.
|
| Preview, delete, and rename content |
Not supported |
Supported |
V2 enables you to preview, delete, and rename content that has been uploaded to Channels via the Box Files tab. Changes made in Teams are mapped to the Box Web app, and vice versa. |
| Change Box file permissions |
Not supported |
Supported |
When the file is uploaded to the Box folder mapped to a channel, V2 enables you to select or modify the permissions of a Box file via either the Share from Box flow or the Box Files tab. |
| Drag and drop within Box window |
Supported |
Supported |
- V2 enables you to access drag and drop via Upload File to Box flow, accessed by the Box icon within the message extension.
- V1 requires you to select the destination Box folder when dragging and dropping files.
|
Related Links
Introducing Box for Microsoft Teams
Using Box for Teams
Assigning a Default Box Folder to a Teams Channel
Logging in to Box for Teams for the First Time
Deploying Box for Teams in your Enterprise
Understanding how Content and Thumbnail Permissions Control Display
Box for Teams FAQ
Box for Microsoft Teams - Earlier Version
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