Box Collaboration: CPO Insights on the Modern Workplace

The Evolving Workplace and the Box-Zoom Collaboration

Recent shifts over the last year and a half demonstrate a fundamental transformation in how work is conducted. Given the existing integrations between Box and Zoom, a deepening of their collaborative efforts is a logical progression.

Introducing the Box App for Zoom

The latest outcome of this partnership is the Box app for Zoom, representing a novel in-product integration. This allows users to incorporate applications directly into Zoom meetings, delivering a complete Box experience within the meeting environment.

Users can now securely access, browse, preview, and share files from Box while in Zoom, regardless of whether an active meeting is in progress. This functionality builds upon a Zoom integration Box launched previously, featured within its “Recommended Apps” section, ensuring uninterrupted workflows by providing Zoom access from within Box.

Insights from Product Leaders

Diego Dugatkin, Chief Product Officer at Box, and Oded Gal, Chief Product Officer at Zoom, shared their perspectives with TechCrunch regarding the importance of seamless partnerships in addressing the changing dynamics of the modern workplace.

Dugatkin emphasized that, with widespread digitization, integrating “best-in-breed” collaboration tools is crucial. He also noted a growing user preference for remaining within a single environment, rather than constantly switching between applications.

“This provides access to content without requiring users to exit the Zoom platform,” he explained.

Adapting to Hybrid Work Models

The integration facilitates access to both content and contacts across diverse scenarios. Previously, spontaneous internal meetings were easily arranged in a traditional office setting. Now, the value of flexibility is increasingly recognized, and both Gal and Dugatkin anticipate a sustained hybrid work model – a blend of remote and in-office work.

Consequently, there’s a growing need to empower employees to work from any location, according to Dugatkin. This naturally leads to discussions about secure document sharing, a capability enhanced by this collaboration.

Seamless Access Across Devices

The new Box and Zoom integration supports hybrid work by enabling meetings via chat, video, audio, computers, or mobile devices, while simultaneously providing access to content from all these methods, as Gal pointed out.

“Organizations must be adaptable to accommodate individual work preferences,” he stated. “The digital landscape is providing this essential flexibility.”

Future Enhancements and a Long-Term Vision

Dugatkin indicated that this partnership represents only the initial phase of ongoing improvements planned by both companies.

Both leaders foresee continued development of seamless integration capabilities before, during, and after meetings. This includes leveraging Box’s cloud storage alongside features for offline communication, ensuring uninterrupted workflow continuity.

“As Diego mentioned regarding digitization, we are witnessing continuous enhancement of collaboration through the communication aspects of meetings,” Gal added. “The ability to connect synchronous and asynchronous interactions with Zoom is addressing the future of work and shaping its trajectory.”