“We are in the process of reviewing alternative providers of board portal software (we currently use BoardVantage). We would really appreciate hearing about the experiences of other companies who use board portal software, particularly those who have previously moved provider. We would be interested to hear about:
- 1. The board portal software you currently use and how you rate this in terms of:
- a. ease of use for administrators; and
- b. support from the provider;
- c. value for money;
- 2. How your current board portal has been received by your directors (e.g. any issues with login; use of Apps; support from the provider); and
- 3. The most challenging issues faced in terms of switching provider and how you would rate your provider in terms of supporting the switch (where applicable).
Any further comments/suggestions would be most welcome. Many thanks for your help.”
We have used Diligent now for nearly four years and they have proved a very reliable and responsive provider.
They cost a little more than other providers but their regular updates and excellent customer service have proved worth the (small) additional cost. The ease of use for administrators was our primary aim and the system is very user friendly and intuitive.
Our directors include a number who use both the ISCA and the dilignet product and without exception they all have expressed a preference for the diligent product.
We use BoardVantage. Works well for us, no real log-in or other issues (and any issues are usually user error). No plans to change.
1. We have used BoardPad (from ICSA) for around a year now. We did experience some teething problems from an administrator perspective (and at times find the system a little slow when uploading papers) but things have settled down. Support from the provider has been good throughout and the system is sufficiently intuitive that directors haven’t had to make use of support beyond the initial telephone training offered. The system isn’t cheap (cost driven by the number of users) but the saving in time it generates more than compensates in my view.
2. The Chairman was involved in the selection process so was able to “sell” the decision to the Board. The only problem encountered at director level was in respect of use of Mac products; BoardPad do not currently support Macs and have no immediate plans to do so.
3. We didn’t switch provider but I would suggest you simply run both systems in parallel for an agreed meeting to ensure no glitches, then switch across to the new one. It shouldn’t be any different than moving across from hard copy.
Other recommendations include agreeing a lengthy trial period to ensure all users (both admin and Board members) are happy before committing to a contract. Push for suitable break clauses too if you don’t want to sign up to the standard three year contract(our contract is effectively an annual subscription).
We have used Diligent now for 3 years and find it very user friendly at both administrator level and for board members. All members of our board really like the system and its functionality and ease of use. It has also greatly improved our efficiency in the issuing of papers. The support from the provider has been excellent. Initial training at administrator level was very good and its simplicity means the user training requirement is limited (but very much available to whatever level is required). On the few occasions when support has been required it has been provided promptly and effectively by 24/7 help lines. There are regular enhancements to the product which are adding further functionality to what is already in my opinion the market leader. The only down side is that it is more expensive than many alternatives. But we believe it is worth it.
We use Diligent as it both easy for administrators and the Board to use. The support desk is very good, however, you do not need to use it that often as the package is very intuitive. The training for Directors on Diligent also takes very little time and we have done it both in person and over the phone.
We currently use Virtual Boardroom. It is good value versus some other portals and whilst it might not have all of the functionality of some of the other, it’s relatively cheap and they will attempt to develop solutions to any shortfalls in functionality.
That said, it’s not been well received by the NEDs, who would universally prefer Diligent, the result being take up has been patchy. My reco would be to ask the Chairman which solution he/she wants and then following a trial, ceas to produce hard copy packs (with the CM’s support).
We use Diligent here and find them very good in terms of ease of use and support. If there is ever a problem they are very good at dealing with the issue and talking you through.
In terms of value for money, it is quite expensive however as I do not know how much you currently pay it may be worth getting a quote as a comparison.
We have had from time to time problems with seeing the board papers but there is usually a reason (connection issues mainly).
We currently use BoardVantage. Our NEDs have experienced some issues in terms of difficulty logging in. Having used alternative software (Diligent)in a previous position, I have found BoardVantage less user-friendly in comparison. Support by the provider has, however, been very good.
I have previously been involved in a change of provider (change to Diligent) and the most challenging issue faced was in respect of managing the initial roll-out with the two systems running in tandem for fist meeting. I found Diligent to be excellent in terms of their support.