Box network storage

The Box network storage option allows you to use existing Box storage as additional storage space.

 

Adding the Box network storage

 

In the desired domain, navigate to the ACCOUNTS > Network Storage module. Click on the Add button, or right click anywhere in the grid area and select Add from the pop-up menu. In the Add Network Storage dialog window, select Box as the Protocol, then click OK. The Add "Box" Network Storage dialog will appear as depicted in the image below.

 

Before we describe the fields, let's discuss the two ways you can configure Box as Network Storage.

  1. Using the FTP/S protocol - This requires you enable FTP/S on your business/enterprise Box account. Access this link for details.


  2. Using the Box API - This option is a bit more involved, and it requires the creation of a Box Application. Expand the text below to learn how to create the Box Application.

 

 

  1. Connect to Box as a developer.

     

  2. Click My Apps, then click Create New App.

     

  3. Click Custom App. A dialog displays titled Create a Custom App.

     

    • On STEP 1 OF 2, enter an app name, description, and purpose. The latter needs to be set along with its corresponding additional fields. The information you enter here does not affect how the MFT Server app functions. Click Next to continue.

       

    • On STEP 2 OF 2, choose Server Authentication (with JWT). Click the Create App button.

       

  4. The details of the new app opens, displaying the Configuration page.

     

    • In the App Access Level section, choose App Access Only.

       

    • In the Application Scopes section, make sure the Write all files and folders stored in Box option is checked.

       

    • In the Add and Manage Public Keys section, click the Generate a Public/Private keypair button. This requires 2 factor authentication (2FA). If you need to enable it, the app will let you know. If 2FA is required, enable it. Click on the Generate a Public/Private keypair button again after 2FA is enabled. A JSON file is automatically downloaded by the browser after a successful generation of the keypair. Keep a copy of the JSON file. This is the JSON file that is needed when configuring Box Network Storage in MFT Server.

       

  5. Click on the app's Authorization page.

     

    • Click on the Review and Submit button to request authorization.

       

  6. Connect as a Box Admin or have your Box Admin authorize the app.

     

    • Click on Apps, then click on Custom Apps Manager, then click on Server Authentication Apps. Navigate to the app and authorize it.

       

  7. Using the Box Developer console, open the app. There should now be a Service Account Info section. The system randomly generated an email address - known as the Service Account ID. It will look something like: AutomationUser_12345678_abCdeFghIj@boxdevedition.com. Invite this email address as a collaborator on any Box folder that needs to be accessible to the Box Network Storage.

     

  8. When configuring the Box Network Storage in the MFT Server Manager UI, specify the JSON file as outlined in Step 4. Either enter the downloaded JSON file name in the Service Account Private Key File (JSON) field, or copy the contents of the JSON file and paste it into the Service Account Private Key Data (JSON) field..

 

clip0429

 

Below you will find a description of the fields.

 

Basic

 

Name - The unique name for this network storage.

 

Authentication

 

Service Account Private Key File (JSON) -  If selected, the private key file stored on the server to use for the connection.

 

Service Account Private Key Data (JSON) - If selected, the contents of the private key file or client-side JSON file to use for the connection. The contents are stored encrypted in the MFT Server configuration database. This is useful when MFT Server is configured for high availability, since the key will be available regardless of which MFT Server server instance is active.

 

Advanced

 

Remote directory - If selected, maps the local virtual path to a specific remote path on the target server.

 

Map current local directory to remote directory - If selected, maps the local virtual path to remote path having the same name as the local virtual path.  For example, if network storage is mapped to virtual path /path, then when connecting to the network storage, it will drop the user in /path directory on target server.

 

Tags

 

Tags - If specified, this is the one or more tags that are used to limit which administrators have access to the network storage.