Cloud-based storage and sharing application Box.net has focused on offering its content management system wherever the workforce is, whether that be in the office, or on a mobile device. The startup offers iPhone and iPad apps, that allow users to access, share and collaborate on the go. Today, Box is upgrading its iPhone and iPad apps with the ability to access content even without a Wifi connection.
The new update to the apps allows users to save files for offline access so that users can read any content even if their mobile app doesn’t have wireless connectivity. The update also allows users to sync saved files with updated versions when a collaborator makes a change on any Box platform. Box has added support for iOS4, fast app switching, and high-res graphics.
Box.net’s co-founder Aaron Levie says that the startup is investing heavily in its mobile strategy for a number of reasons. First, the workplace is no longer only working only in the office; increasingly business tasks are being performed on mobile devices. And Levie says that competitors like Microsoft Sharepoint don’t have strong mobile offerings, so this is an opportunity to take charge of an open market.
So far, Box’s iPhone and iPad apps have seen 150K downloads. Up next, says Levie, are Android and Blackberry apps. Levie says in particular the Android app has been optimized for search within content systems.