Box
Box is a cloud-based content management platform that provides secure file sharing, automated workflows, and collaboration tools to help you manage your entire content lifecycle in one place.
RefWorks
RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service that helps you simplify the research process by capturing, organizing, and citing your scholarly sources in thousands of different styles.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Box | RefWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Website | box.com | refworks.proquest.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2005 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Redwood City, USA | Ann Arbor, USA |
Overview
Box
Box is a cloud content management platform designed to help you securely store, share, and collaborate on files from any device. Instead of juggling multiple versions of documents across email threads, you get a single source of truth where your team can edit files in real-time using integrated tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Apple iWork.
You can automate complex business processes like contract approvals and digital onboarding using built-in relay tools. The platform prioritizes security with enterprise-grade encryption and compliance controls, making it a reliable choice for businesses handling sensitive data. Whether you are a small team or a global enterprise, you can scale your storage and security needs while maintaining full visibility into how your content is accessed.
RefWorks
RefWorks is a comprehensive research management tool designed to help you streamline the entire lifecycle of scholarly writing. You can easily capture bibliographic data from online databases, library catalogs, and websites with a single click. Once your sources are saved, you can organize them into folders, share them with collaborators, and annotate full-text documents directly within the platform to keep your insights connected to your citations.
The platform excels at automating the most tedious parts of academic writing by generating bibliographies and in-text citations in seconds. Whether you are a student working on a thesis or a faculty member managing a complex literature review, you can access your research from any device. It integrates directly with popular word processors to ensure your formatting remains consistent and accurate throughout your project.
Overview
Box Features
- Secure File Sharing Share files and folders with anyone using password-protected links and expiration dates to maintain total control.
- Box Canvas Collaborate with your team on an infinite virtual whiteboard to brainstorm ideas and map out projects visually.
- Box Notes Create project plans and take meeting notes in real-time with your colleagues without leaving the platform.
- Automated Workflows Build custom triggers to automate repetitive tasks like document approvals and content reviews to save time.
- Box Sign Request and execute unlimited electronic signatures directly within your folders to close deals and contracts faster.
- Mobile Access Preview, edit, and share your files on the go with native apps for your iPhone, iPad, or Android.
- Version Control Track every change made to your documents and revert to previous versions with a single click.
- Advanced Search Find exactly what you need instantly by searching through file text, metadata, and custom tags.
RefWorks Features
- Save to RefWorks. Capture research materials and metadata from any website or database instantly using a simple browser bookmarklet.
- Write-N-Cite. Insert properly formatted in-text citations and bibliographies directly into Microsoft Word without leaving your document.
- Google Docs Add-on. Manage your references and format your papers in real-time while collaborating with others in Google Docs.
- Full-Text Annotation. Read, highlight, and add personal comments to PDF documents within your library to keep your notes organized.
- Style Library. Access thousands of citation styles including APA, MLA, and Chicago to ensure your paper meets specific journal requirements.
- Collaborative Folders. Share specific research folders with your peers or colleagues to work together on group projects and bibliographies.
Pricing Comparison
Box Pricing
- 10GB of secure storage
- 250MB file upload limit
- Standard e-signatures
- Mobile and desktop access
- Two-factor authentication
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited storage
- 5GB file upload limit
- Unlimited e-signatures
- Technical support
- Advanced user reporting
RefWorks Pricing
- Full access via university login
- Unlimited reference storage
- Unlimited attachment storage
- Institutional style sharing
- Priority technical support
- Everything in Institutional, plus:
- Personal ownership of data
- Access after graduation
- Thousands of citation styles
- Word and Google Docs plugins
Pros & Cons
Box
Pros
- Excellent integration with Microsoft and Google apps
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance features
- Unlimited storage on most business plans
- Easy to share large files externally
- Reliable offline sync for desktop users
Cons
- Search functionality can feel slow occasionally
- Interface feels less modern than some competitors
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced automation
RefWorks
Pros
- Excellent integration with university library databases
- Saves significant time on bibliography formatting
- Easy to share folders for group research
- Cloud-based access from any computer or tablet
- Reliable browser extension for quick source capturing
Cons
- Occasional formatting errors with complex web sources
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer tools
- Write-N-Cite plugin sometimes requires troubleshooting in Word