Amazon FSx vs. Box vs. IBM Cloud File Storage

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Amazon FSx
Score 8.1 out of 10
N/A
Amazon FSx is a cloud storage service designed to make it easy and cost effective to launch, run, and scale feature-rich, high-performance file systems in the cloud. It supports a range of workloads boasting reliability, security, scalability, and broad set of capabilities. As a fully managed service, it handles hardware provisioning, patching, and backups, and supports four widely-used file systems: NetApp ONTAP, OpenZFS, Windows File Server, and Lustre.N/A
Box
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
Box is an online Intelligent Content Management solution that caters to individual users as well as businesses.
$20
per month 3 users (minimum)
IBM Cloud File Storage
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
IBM Cloud provides a File Storage service allows the user to deploy and customize flash-backed NFS-based file storage from 25 GB to 12,000 GB capacity with up to 48,000 IOPS.N/A
Pricing
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Business Starter
$7
per month per user (3 minimum)
Business
$20
per month per user (3 minimum)
Business Plus
$33
per month per user (3 minimum)
Enterprise
$47
per month per user (3 minimum)
Enterprise Plus
$50
per month (billed annually) per user (3 minimum)
Enterprise Advanced
Contact us
per month per user (35 minimum)
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
Free Trial
NoYesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoYesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoYesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsA discount is available for annual pricing.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
Features
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
File Sharing & Management
Comparison of File Sharing & Management features of Product A and Product B
Amazon FSx
8.0
1 Ratings
4% below category average
Box
-
Ratings
IBM Cloud File Storage
-
Ratings
Versioning8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Video files6.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Audio files6.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Document collaboration10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Access control10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
File search8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Device sync8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Cloud Storage Security & Administration
Comparison of Cloud Storage Security & Administration features of Product A and Product B
Amazon FSx
10.0
1 Ratings
15% above category average
Box
-
Ratings
IBM Cloud File Storage
-
Ratings
User and role management10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
File organization10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Device management10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Cloud Storage Platform
Comparison of Cloud Storage Platform features of Product A and Product B
Amazon FSx
10.0
1 Ratings
14% above category average
Box
-
Ratings
IBM Cloud File Storage
-
Ratings
Performance10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Reliability10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Storage Reports10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Enterprise Content Management
Comparison of Enterprise Content Management features of Product A and Product B
Amazon FSx
-
Ratings
Box
7.6
26 Ratings
6% below category average
IBM Cloud File Storage
-
Ratings
Content capture & imaging00 Ratings8.119 Ratings00 Ratings
File sync, storage & archiving00 Ratings9.725 Ratings00 Ratings
Document management00 Ratings8.424 Ratings00 Ratings
Records management00 Ratings7.120 Ratings00 Ratings
Content search & retrieval00 Ratings8.324 Ratings00 Ratings
Enterprise content collaboration00 Ratings8.021 Ratings00 Ratings
Content publishing & creation00 Ratings5.015 Ratings00 Ratings
Security, risk management & information governance00 Ratings8.326 Ratings00 Ratings
Contract lifecycle management00 Ratings9.012 Ratings00 Ratings
Automated workflows00 Ratings9.014 Ratings00 Ratings
Artificial intelligence00 Ratings2.011 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile support00 Ratings6.823 Ratings00 Ratings
Integration00 Ratings9.623 Ratings00 Ratings
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Comparison of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) features of Product A and Product B
Amazon FSx
-
Ratings
Box
-
Ratings
IBM Cloud File Storage
8.5
39 Ratings
3% above category average
Service-level Agreement (SLA) uptime00 Ratings00 Ratings9.737 Ratings
Dynamic scaling00 Ratings00 Ratings8.836 Ratings
Elastic load balancing00 Ratings00 Ratings8.135 Ratings
Pre-configured templates00 Ratings00 Ratings7.631 Ratings
Monitoring tools00 Ratings00 Ratings8.037 Ratings
Pre-defined machine images00 Ratings00 Ratings8.133 Ratings
Operating system support00 Ratings00 Ratings9.636 Ratings
Security controls00 Ratings00 Ratings9.437 Ratings
Automation00 Ratings00 Ratings7.030 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
Small Businesses
SugarSync
SugarSync
Score 4.1 out of 10
Square 9 Softworks
Square 9 Softworks
Score 9.7 out of 10
DigitalOcean Droplets
DigitalOcean Droplets
Score 9.4 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
MediaValet
MediaValet
Score 9.0 out of 10
SAP on IBM Cloud
SAP on IBM Cloud
Score 9.0 out of 10
Enterprises
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
MediaValet
MediaValet
Score 9.0 out of 10
SAP on IBM Cloud
SAP on IBM Cloud
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
Likelihood to Recommend
9.9
(2 ratings)
8.1
(154 ratings)
8.8
(40 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(12 ratings)
8.2
(1 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(21 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(5 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(12 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(29 ratings)
10.0
(6 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(3 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(6 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Amazon FSxBoxIBM Cloud File Storage
Likelihood to Recommend
Amazon AWS
- For any enterprise-grade storage, this is the best option. - EDA workloads are very strong with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP and NetApp's FlexCache technologies. - Random read workloads such as OLTP are awesome on Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP. - File Services are the best in class on FSxN. - DR sites from ONTAP on-premises are amazing.
Read full review
Box
I think Box is great for research teams or anyone that has a large number of files that need to be securely stored. Particularly in the case of social science research, where it is important to protect identifying data, Box is a great option. In cases where teams need a more reliable means for real-time collaboration, I would probably consider a different alternative
Read full review
IBM
well suited: Enterprise File Sharing and Collaboration: Scenario: our organization has teams working on projects across different geographical locations, and they need a centralized and easily accessible file storage solution. IBM Cloud File Storage can facilitate seamless file sharing and collaboration among team members. less appropriate Highly Transactional Databases: Scenario: Your organization has highly transactional and I/O-intensive database workloads that require low-latency access to data. In such cases, block storage or specialized database services might be more appropriate than file storage.
Read full review
Pros
Amazon AWS
  • Enterprise grade unified storage in the cloud
  • Multiprotocol access
  • PV for EKS
  • Data mobility
  • Data security
  • Integration with NetApp Cloud Manager
Read full review
Box
  • The main feature that I like the most in Box is that it makes collaboration seamless, workers can easily check the documents any time and make changes according to the needs.
  • Box manages and backs up all of your files on its cloud servers, and provides a very nice interface for creating, viewing, editing, and collaborating on the most commonly used file types (PDF, XLS, DOC, etc.).
  • Over the past few years, Box has built on top of its basic cloud storage management with a host of other tools, such as workflows, AI, monitoring, and analytics.
  • It is helping us to make good connections with clients and our workers themselves as to its syncing and viewing feature to all is very much helpful and easy to go.
Read full review
IBM
  • Simple file system sharing
  • Lots of storage space (up to 12 TB)
  • Choice of performance (up to 10 IOPS/GB)
  • Simple interface to order more storage
  • Quick interface to allow more servers to share the file store
  • Security - only allows access from specified server(s)
Read full review
Cons
Amazon AWS
  • Data Protection from AWS console
  • Advance Matrix
  • FlexGroups creating as part of AWS console
Read full review
Box
  • The graphic design of the dashboard should be simpler and more tangible that can be changed to the liking of the Admin.
  • Sometimes there are some syncing issues in the background.
  • The product has very limited functionality in some areas which could be a bit frustrating at times.
Read full review
IBM
  • We have sometimes experienced some outages and hope IBM will fix this soon.
  • Initial trainings are required for the teams to work and do the setup.
  • Support documentation from IBM needs improvement with [the] inclusion of more detailed steps and video tutorials for [a] better understanding of the engineers.
  • The billing process is very complex and you may have to incur additional overhead. Need a simpler approach and clarity on this aspect.
  • Support response from the IBM team is very slow and lacks information.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
I like the security features and I like the website. It's easy to use and create and move things around as needed. The main reason for a lower rating is because the Box Sync app is just not a good program. It's a memory hog, it's slow, transfer speeds are slow, and it's not the most efficient route. If you have a large Box account and you need to get a computer up to speed on a large amount of data within Box, you are in for the long haul. Last time I had to do this, it took 3 days to sync all of the files and we are talking around 100 GB worth of data
Read full review
IBM
IBM Cloud File Storage is a valuable tool in the arsenal of any small business. It's flexibility combined with its ease of use ensure that there is low operational overhead, combined with a solid return on investment. It's role based access control features combined with sharing capabilities make it a significant win for any business.
Read full review
Usability
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
Everything with Box is seamless. It can be integrated into virtually any other software or application. You can even get the app for your phone or tablet to work on the go. File syncing is so quick. The only reason I gave it a 9 is the issue I discussed earlier about the local file application rebooting and not continuing to sync files. Other than that, it's great!
Read full review
IBM
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
Yeah, it's always worked, I've never had any kind of connection issues, the only issues I've had it I've been on our end when the Internet hasn't worked.
Read full review
IBM
No answers on this topic
Performance
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
The general operation and management of Box is very efficient, both when accessing the account, and when adding files, downloading or modifying any document directly. The web platform, mobile and desktop versions work really well and quickly, making all the work and process flow smoothly and without setbacks. So far I have not been able to observe any inconvenience
Read full review
IBM
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
I found their support community lacking in clarity when I experienced a login issue. The error messaging was poor on my Box Sync application. I did not reach out to support staff for help, instead, I reasoned that I should try downloading the Box Sync application again and reinstall it. That fixed my issue, thankfully. I think a less computer-savvy user would've been much more frustrated.
Read full review
IBM
The IBM team provides effective support for all the cloud operations. They tracks operations and database functionalities closely to enhance reliable operations and remove inefficiencies that affect work processes. The support team has prepared video tutorials and manuals that guides our members on how to work with the database systems effectively.
Read full review
In-Person Training
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
The in person training was done in house and I helped with the training, people seem to respond well.
Read full review
IBM
No answers on this topic
Online Training
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
The documentation is good. Since Box is a popular service, there were also a number of YouTube videos and other sources that were helpful as we were considering the product and planning for deployment. Also, the ability to try the free version helped to prepare us.
Read full review
IBM
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
Be careful with settings. It is easy to get overwhelmed with updates. For example, you don’t want to be updated when doing historical data uploads. I recommend taking off notifications initially and then turn on post you have done your historical data upload.
Read full review
IBM
The IBM Professional services provided the re4quired infrastructure for getting the best out of this tool. It offered excellent guidelines that enhanced efficient integrations. The organization was pleased with the setup process that was completed quickly than expected. The application has been operation effectively after deployment. We have continued to get support from the IBM support team when there are challenges.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Amazon AWS
I have not worked with other reliable and powerful platform that is as reliable as this product. This platform has given us room to concentrate on more productive activities leaving our data under a safe system. It automates file transfer and saves time in uploading documents across all team members. It interlinks all our applications systems to enhance teamwork and increase production.
Read full review
Box
They are kind of the same. And both of them do their job as promised. But for company and project wise I think that Box slightly wins for some points. Which [makes him] win over Google Drive (don't forget that Google Drive is very easy to use and has a lot [of] nice features too).
Read full review
IBM
IBM Cloud File Storage, unlike other similar products, offers excellent Cloud data security and its overall data management quality on IBM Cloud File Storage is incredible and its data integration support is perfect because it allows big data migration across many Cloud platforms for effective data analytics generation and data visualization tools are great.
Read full review
Scalability
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Box
It's great, as we put more files on there it's done very well.
Read full review
IBM
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Amazon AWS
  • It improved our TCO by optimizing storage costs between SSDs and S3
  • It speeded our TTM with speedy deployment and orchestration
  • It removed needed expertise from our engineers
Read full review
Box
  • Box has been an only positive experience. It provides a seamless way for me and my team to collaborate on documents in such a way where we're not sending the document back/forth via email. It's a huge timesaver.
  • Box reduces the risk of sharing a sensitive document to the wrong person via email.
  • Box has provided a platform where my team can share notes in meetings - this has helped streamline and organize our meetings. Our meetings are more productive and actionable.
Read full review
IBM
  • Compared with company datacenter require less maintenance time with an incomparable high availability and business continuity features
  • The possibility to move snapshots on other data centers let this solution super scalable worldwide
  • The price for gb let us pay what we need without a pre commissioned storage buy
Read full review
ScreenShots

Box Screenshots

Screenshot of an overview of Box's intelligent content management platform. It provides a unified, AI-powered approach to managing and securing your unstructured data, or content. ICM provides organizations with collaboration, AI, security, compliance, and workflow tools, interoperable and customizable, to get the most from their content.Screenshot of how with Box AI, AI can be accessed right where enterprise content exists. While that work can reside within Microsoft, Google, Apple, and other productivity suites, Box helps users to tap the full potential of AI for unstructured data.Screenshot of how Box creates a central workspace to edit, review, and assign tasks. Users can automate business processes and centralize content workflows in Box, including a configurable content submission, unlimited e-signatures, user-drive no-code workflow, and task assignment to power approvals.Screenshot of how Box secures content from threats, including malware and ransomware, and recover from attacks if they happen. This helps to maintain a zero trust architecture to ensure proper usage of corporate data, and prevent data theft.Screenshot of how Box can connect to any productivity suite, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple. This extends any existing security investments with integrations into key DLP, SIEM, and network security tools. Thus, seamless experiences can be built for users in any system they use, whether that’s a business tool like Salesforce or ServiceNow, or communications engines like Zoom and Slack.Screenshot of an overview describing Box's scalability. With unlimited storage capabilities Box has an exabyte (1,000PB) of customer data plus 1 gigabit per second upload and download speed. At its core, Box is a multi-tenant global SaaS platform with enterprise-grade reliability and end-to-end encryption to secure content.