Box-Salesforce partnership brings ECM features to CRM

A new Box-Salesforce partnership is bringing Box's cloud file-sharing and content management features to the Salesforce platform.

Announced jointly on Dec. 16, the Box-Salesforce partnership will allow users to access Box files and content through the Salesforce platform. The companies have also announced a new development tool that will make Box functionality available to Salesforce app developers.

The partnership matches a cloud CRM provider in Salesforce with a cloud file-sharing service that began as a consumer product, but has gained traction in the enterprise content management (ECM) market.

The joint content management venture is called Salesforce Files Connect for Box. According to the release, it will allow users to browse, share and manage content, regardless of devices, while maintaining permissions and securities of the original Box file.

"As companies are becoming more mobile, social and connected, it is critical that anyone can instantly access the information they need, no matter where it is stored," said Nasi Jazayeri, executive vice president of Community Cloud at Salesforce, based in San Francisco. "With Salesforce Files Connect for Box, files are available in context, exactly where they are needed -- attached to an opportunity, a marketing campaign, a case or any object -- creating a frictionless experience for users."

The development tool, Box SDK for Salesforce, will allow app developers to incorporate Box content management features into apps built for use with the Salesforce cloud.

"We're incredibly excited to deliver new tools that allow joint customers to leverage the content they work with on a regular basis in Box, directly from Salesforce," said Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box, based in Redwood City, Calif.

Salesforce Files Connect for Box is currently in pilot phase and is slated for general availability in mid-2016. Pricing will be announced at the time of general availability, and the product will be available on the Salesforce Lightning Experience, Salesforce1 and Aloha User Experience platforms. Box SDK for Salesforce is currently available for free on GitHub.