Box Migrations to Begin in November

The University's move from Box to Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint for document storage and collaboration is set to begin next month and continue in waves throughout Spring Quarter 2022. As previously announced, this multi-year effort results from a significant change in Box's business model and new opportunities and capabilities in the Microsoft environment. Project details are also available on the Box Migration Overview web pages.

Northwestern IT recognizes that technology changes can be disruptive; however, we are partnered with campus migration leaders to ensure this service change is implemented as smoothly as possible. Please know that Box account holders will receive email notifications before their migration date highlighting any actions to take and directing them to technology support options to address questions or concerns.

Take Action to Reduce Data

Box users are encouraged to take the time now to review their Box content and reduce it by deleting data that is no longer needed. Doing so may shorten individuals’ migration times. Individuals who already migrated as part of a pilot or no longer use Box should also delete their content.

Users unsure about what can be safely deleted may want to check with managers or school/unit leaders. The University also has several resources that provide guidance. The University's Retention of University Records policy and its aligned Records Retention Schedule address questions related to retention requirements.  

Where Is Data Going?

Northwestern is using SkySync, a migration management tool, to move files and folders securely through an automated process. At no time is any data viewable to others. All permissions, folder structures, file versions, and existing collaborators will be retained during the migration. However, users will need to re-share content with any collaborators external to Northwestern.

Please review the items below to familiarize yourself with the plans:  

• Personal files in Box, for which individuals are the owner, will move to OneDrive in a single folder entitled _FromNUBox. 
• Files in a Box Organizational account, for which a department, unit, or group is the owner, will move to SharePoint OneDrive in a single folder entitled _FromNUBox.  
• Box Notes will also move into OneDrive and convert to Word documents. Users should be aware that minor document cleanup may be required. 
• SAFER-managed data in Box will move to a SharePoint Secure Site. If applicable, review SharePoint Secure Sites features. 

Learn About OneDrive and SharePoint

• Visit the Box Migration Support Resources page for a list of Microsoft how-to guides and video tutorials and LinkedIn Learning online course offerings.
• Register to attend a live training session hosted by the Microsoft Store team featuring OneDrive and SharePoint. View the webinar dates and registration information.
  

Users may also review the Frequently Asked Questions web page, which is updated as new information becomes available.