Box Alternative: MyWorkDrive vs Box

Architecture & Data Residency

• MyWorkDrive installs directly onto your infrastructure—either on-premises or within your private cloud. It runs on a domain-joined Windows Server (IIS-hosted) and connects to existing SMB/NAS file shares. No data migration or replication is required; all files remain within your environment and are securely stored using your organization's security protocols and access controls.

• Box is entirely cloud-native. All data must be uploaded into Box’s cloud storage. It does not support live access to your on-premises file shares.

Key Takeaway: MyWorkDrive maintains 100% data ownership and locality, allowing organizations to control their own storage space, whereas Box requires a complete data migration to its hosted environment.

Authentication, Permissions & Granular Access Controls

• MyWorkDrive integrates natively with Windows Active Directory (AD), enforcing NTFS file system permissions and supporting Access-Based Enumeration (ABE). Users authenticate through SSO providers (Azure AD, Okta, SAML) and access files based on their AD credentials. No user database synchronization is needed. MyWorkDrive provides monitoring and reporting of user activity, allowing administrators to track and analyze user actions for enhanced security and compliance.

• Box also supports SSO and MFA, but permissions are managed via its own internal access control list (ACL) model. File access and sharing policies are configured independently of your Windows security model. Box includes user activity tracking and reporting features to help organizations monitor user actions and maintain compliance.

Conclusion: MyWorkDrive enforces existing enterprise security policies directly, while Box overlays a separate access management system.

Secure Access Methods

• MyWorkDrive:

  • Web-based file manager over HTTPS

  • Mapped drive client with secure tunneling

  • Native mobile apps (iOS and Android)

  • Office 365 Online integration for browser-based co-editing

  • Built-in Data Leak Prevention (DLP): block downloads, control IP/device access, log file interactions

These secure access methods enable remote teams to collaborate efficiently from any location.

• Box:

  • Web portal

  • Desktop sync client (Box Drive) with real time syncing for users across devices

  • Mobile apps

  • Microsoft and Google Workspace integrations

Key Difference: MyWorkDrive delivers live, zero-trust access without syncing data to endpoints. Box depends heavily on file synchronization and real time syncing, increasing data exposure risk.

Security & Encryption

• MyWorkDrive:

  • Encrypts traffic with TLS 1.2+ (FIPS-compliant)

  • Keeps all files at rest on your storage infrastructure

  • Offers an optional Cloud Connector to manage SSL and NAT traversal without exposing file servers

  • Provides password protection for shared files and links to prevent unauthorized access

• Box:

  • Uses AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS for transit

  • Includes Box Shield for threat detection, DLP, and content classification

  • Supports Box KeySafe for customer-controlled encryption keys

  • Compliant with FedRAMP, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and others

  • Offers password protection for shared files and links, and allows setting expiration dates for shared links to enhance security

Summary: MyWorkDrive enhances your internal security posture, while Box provides extensive SaaS-based compliance controls.

Deployment & Management

• MyWorkDrive:

  • Deploys on standard Windows infrastructure—no SQL Server required

  • Configurable via GUI or XML

  • Integrates with existing monitoring and patching workflows

  • Can be deployed in under an hour

  • Organizations have complete control over their deployment and management settings

• Box:

  • Fully managed SaaS platform

  • No local installation needed

  • Administered through Box’s web console

  • Dependent on internet availability and vendor SLA

Verdict: MyWorkDrive offers full control and flexible deployment, whereas Box prioritizes a cloud-first approach.

Workflow & Collaboration Features

• MyWorkDrive:

  • Real-time Office Online editing for better collaboration and team collaboration through secure sharing and simultaneous document editing

  • Azure AD B2B for secure external file sharing

  • Public/private link sharing with permissions

  • Lightweight file activity logging and auditing

  • Ability to create and manage shared workspaces or folders for collaborative projects, supporting efficient team collaboration

• Box:

  • Box Relay for automation, approval workflows, and managing the approval process in document management

  • Box Sign for digital signatures

  • Collaboration tools like Box Notes and Canvas for better collaboration and team collaboration

  • Box AI for document classification, metadata enrichment, and content management

  • Robust document management capabilities, including creating and managing content workflows

Use Case Fit: Choose MyWorkDrive for secure, streamlined file access and editing. Opt for Box if you require advanced content workflow automation.

Pricing

• MyWorkDrive:

  • Fixed cost: $6/user/month maximum, all features included

  • No per-GB storage fees

  • No other fees or add-ons

• Box:

  • Enterprise plans: $35–$47/user/month

  • Requires full data upload to Box storage

  • Premium features like Box Shield and Relay incur additional fees

Financial Perspective: MyWorkDrive provides a cost-effective Box alternative with significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Box Alternative

MyWorkDrive is best suited for enterprise IT teams that:

• Require secure remote access without file migration or syncing

• Leverage NTFS and AD-based permissions

• Prefer to maintain internal control over compliance and data locality

• Need Office 365 Online integration without file exposure

• Seek predictable, cost-effective licensing

MyWorkDrive is a strong alternative to Box, offering organizations a secure and flexible solution for file access and collaboration. Organizations have a range of alternatives to box and can select the best alternatives based on their specific needs. Cloud based solutions like MyWorkDrive provide flexibility and scalability to support different business requirements, including remote work and team collaboration.

Box is optimal for organizations needing:

• A cloud-native content services platform

• Advanced automation, workflow, and AI features

• Rich external collaboration and e-signature capabilities

If your organization values control, cost-efficiency, and native integration with your existing Windows-based infrastructure, MyWorkDrive stands out as the most secure and practical Box alternative.

Support

MyWorkDrive is supported and backed by its co-founders, Intivix., with an over 25 year history of US based technical support. We don't outsource our support and pride ourselves on providing the best support in the industry. Customers love MyWorkDrive and our reviews speak for themselves.