Bridging The Digital Divide: The 25 Best Portal Software Of 2024
10 The 25 Best Portal Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As someone who has extensively used various portal software, I understand how crucial it is to find a solution that offers seamless, secure file sharing, a comprehensive onboarding process, reliable client experience and customer portals, and real-time notifications in a single package.
The greatest advantage of using a robust best client portal software is its ability to create a self-service portal for self-service options, reducing the workload on your team while empowering your clients with access to the information they need.
One of the key challenges that businesses face is managing numerous requests, questions, and problems from clients and customers. It can be overwhelming and, frankly, inefficient without a proper system in place.
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This is where portal software shines, providing a white-label, customizable platform that automates and organizes these interactions.
The options I've explored and selected for this guide cater to a variety of use cases, so I'll break down each platform and explain who it's best for and why.
What Is A Portal Software?
Portal Software serves as a gateway that unifies access to information, people, and tools in one digital location. It provides organizations with a centralized platform to manage content, share information, and facilitate collaboration. Users of Portal Software range from businesses of all sizes to educational institutions, government organizations, and non-profits.
The platform helps these entities streamline their operations by enhancing communication, improving sensitive data access, and simplifying resource management.
Whether for knowledge sharing, project collaboration, or customer satisfaction and service, Portal Software enables users to interact seamlessly with a wide range of digital resources and services.
The 25 Best Portal Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Guru | From $10/user/month | Website |
| Zoho Creator | From $10/user/month (billed annually) + $20 base fee per month | Website |
| Jostle | From $2.5/user/month | Website |
| LifeRay | From $1,000/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Blink | From $3.40/user/month | Website |
| Bitrix24 | From $49/month (max of 5 users) | Website |
| Simpplr | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| MangoApps | From $4/user/month (min 10 seats). | Website |
| Microsoft SharePoint | From $5/user/month | Website |
| Workplace by Facebook | From $4/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareThe 25 Best Portal Software Reviews
Guru is an AI-powered enterprise search, intranet, and knowledge management tool designed to integrate with various applications, including Slack and Chrome, to provide instant, relevant answers within users' workflows.
Why I Picked Guru:
As a portal software, Guru centralizes internal knowledge management and can provide contextual, AI-powered answers to your questions based on this knowledge database. The platform also supports collaborative drafting, allowing multiple authors to work on content simultaneously with real-time commenting and changes. This, combined with its knowledge verification feature ensures that all information shared across the organization is consistent and up-to-date.
Standout features and integrations:
The platform provides other features like artificial intelligence for real-time suggestions, knowledge triggers to proactively deliver context-specific information to users, and collections and boards to help users organize and structure their information. Integrations include Slack, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, GitHub, Jira, HubSpot, Dropbox, Asana, Trello, BambooHR, Freshdesk, Notion, ServiceNow, Airtable, and Adobe Workfront.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides a system for verifying information
- AI suggestions improve information relevancy and retrieval
- Analytics to track knowledge usage and identify gaps
Cons:
- Can become overwhelming if not properly organized
- Ongoing document updates are essential for accurate information retrieval
Zoho Creator is a versatile portal software that enables users to build custom applications tailored to their business needs. Its strength lies in its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and powerful development tools, making it the ideal all-in-one solution for custom business applications.
Why I Picked Zoho Creator:
Zoho Creator caught my eye because of its unique emphasis on custom application creation. The way it simplifies the process of developing bespoke business applications is truly impressive, and it stands out among its competitors. It's the tool's commitment to customization that earned it the title of 'best for' creating custom business applications in this lineup.
Standout features and integrations:
The platform provides a wealth of features, including data collection, automation workflows, and multi-platform app creation. Its drag-and-drop application builder simplifies the process of building custom applications, regardless of your technical prowess. Zoho Creator also integrates well with other Zoho products, as well as popular tools like Onehub, PayPal, SuiteDash, Google Apps, Zendesk and Quickbooks, facilitating a unified workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent integration capabilities
- Offers a robust set of development tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop application builder
Cons:
- Customer support tickets could be better
- Advanced features may require some coding knowledge
- The interface can be complex for beginners
Jostle is an intuitive platform designed to foster connectivity and communication within organizations. Its focus on boosting employee engagement through a variety of tools and features makes it a standout choice for businesses seeking to improve their internal communications.
Why I Picked Jostle:
I selected Jostle for its dedicated focus on boosting employee engagement, a critical factor in today's work environment. With its unique blend of features aimed at improving internal communication channels and fostering a sense of community forums, Jostle stood out as a distinct option among the rest. It is this emphasis on engagement that marks it as 'best for' improving employee involvement.
Standout features and integrations:
Jostle offers a range of features, such as a company intranet, news articles, and a personnel directory, all aimed at promoting open communication and engagement. The platform integrates seamlessly with a variety of other tools, including Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365, providing a more holistic solution for employee communication and engagement.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A wide range of features for internal communications
- Seamless integrations with popular communication platforms
- Dedicated focus on improving employee engagement
Cons:
- Navigation may be less intuitive for non-tech savvy users
- Mobile app could be more user-friendly
- Lacks some advanced customization options
Liferay is a feature-rich portal solution primarily known for its exceptional content management capabilities. It provides a comprehensive platform for creating, managing, and sharing web content, which makes it highly suitable for businesses that heavily rely on content creation and distribution.
Why I Picked Liferay:
In a sea of portal software, Liferay emerged as a standout due to its robust content management features. The power it provides in handling web content is unparalleled, and this was the deciding factor in my choice. Liferay excels in enabling businesses to effortlessly create and manage content, reinforcing why it is the best for robust content management capabilities.
Standout features and integrations:
Liferay comes packed with a variety of features, including web content management, document management, and collaboration tools. Its robust content management capabilities are supported by WYSIWYG editors, versioning, and content staging. On the integration front, Liferay supports integrations with many popular platforms like Salesforce, SharePoint, and Office 365 and cloud-based storage like Google Drive, ensuring your existing systems can easily mesh with Liferay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great customization options
- Wide range of integrations
- Powerful content management capabilities
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Might be overkill for small businesses
- High starting price point
Blink is a digital workplace app tailored to support frontline workers. It provides an accessible platform where employees can communicate, access resources, and stay connected. It shines as the top choice for frontline employee communication because of its targeted focus on this particular workforce segment.
Why I Picked Blink:
When making my selection, Blink stood out for its dedicated approach to supporting frontline workers. It's not common to find a tool that specifically addresses the needs of this critical group, which is why I found Blink to be unique. Furthermore, it substantiates its 'best for' tag by providing features and functionality designed around the communication needs of frontline employees.
Standout features and integrations:
Blink comes with key features such as instant messaging, document sharing, and a personalized feed. This is crucial in promoting effective communication within the workforce. It also integrates well with common productivity tools such as Office 365 and GSuite, adding more convenience to the user experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized feed for each employee, facilitating improved communication and collaboration
- Seamless integration with popular productivity apps for added convenience.
- Designed specifically for frontline workers, addressing their unique communication needs.
Cons:
- Despite integrating with popular apps, the list of integrations may not be as comprehensive as other tools in the market.
- The tool might lack certain advanced features that larger organizations require.
- Its specialization in frontline communication might limit its versatility for other use cases.
Bitrix24 is an all-encompassing platform that provides tools for communication, collaboration, and management of business processes. Its capabilities for end-to-end process oversight make it an excellent choice for organizations aiming for improved business process management.
Why I Picked Bitrix24:
After assessing various tools, I chose Bitrix24 for its comprehensive approach to managing business operations. It sets itself apart by offering a range of functionalities in one package, from project management to customer relationship management (CRM). This comprehensive suite makes Bitrix24 an excellent choice for organizations that want to oversee and manage all their processes in one place.
Standout features and integrations:
Bitrix24 comes with a host of useful features, including task and project management, document management, time tracking, and a robust CRM system. Moreover, the software provides integrations with several essential platforms such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Dropbox, and Office 365, further extending its usability and compatibility with other tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comes with a robust CRM system for managing customer experience relations
- Offers integration with popular platforms like Gmail and Office 365.
- Provides comprehensive features for managing all business processes.
Cons:
- Advanced features are accessible only at higher-priced tiers.
- The user interface can be complicated for first-time users.
- The starting price might be high for smaller businesses.
21Simpplr is an advanced corporate intranet platform designed to streamline internal communication and employee engagement. It provides companies with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate space where employees can collaborate, share information, and stay connected, making it a top choice for businesses seeking a streamlined corporate intranet.
Why I Picked Simpplr:
I selected Simpplr for its ability to simplify the corporate intranet experience. Its user-friendly design and emphasis on engagement tools differentiate it from other platforms. I found Simpplr to be the best for streamlined corporate intranets due to its focus on user experience, content personalization, and integrations with other workplace tools.
Standout features and integrations:
Simpplr stands out with features like personalized content feeds, employee directories, and event management. It also offers essential integrations with platforms such as Salesforce, Workday, and ServiceNow. These integrations ensure that employees have a single, central hub for all their work activities, making their work experience smoother.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Key integrations with other enterprise platforms boost productivity
- High level of customization allows personalized content feeds.
- User-friendly interface promotes ease of use.
Cons:
- Smaller companies might find it too complex for their needs.
- Advanced features come at a higher price.
- Annual billing could be less flexible for some companies.
MangoApps is a versatile platform designed to facilitate collaboration and communication in organizations. With its variety of tools that support both remote and in-office workflows, it is an excellent choice for businesses operating in hybrid work environments.
Why I Picked MangoApps:
I chose MangoApps for its flexibility in catering to the varied needs of a hybrid workforce. It distinguishes itself with features that enable a seamless transition between remote and office work, thereby fulfilling the unique requirements of a hybrid work setup. Its compatibility with both in-office and remote workflows makes it a top choice for hybrid environments.
Standout features and integrations:
MangoApps shines with its collaborative features like team spaces, project management, and integrated messaging. It also supports integrations with a plethora of vital services, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Box, which expand its capabilities and ease of use significantly.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates well with popular productivity platforms
- Offers a comprehensive set of collaboration tools.
- Supports a diverse range of work styles suitable for hybrid work environments.
Cons:
- Initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming.
- The most valuable features are only available in higher-priced tiers.
- Some features might have a learning curve for first-time users.
Microsoft SharePoint is a trusted portal software that specializes in document management and collaboration. Its versatility and breadth of features make it an excellent tool for organizations requiring in-depth control and organization over their documents.
Why I Picked Microsoft SharePoint:
I chose Microsoft SharePoint for this list because of its prowess in document management. Few tools can compete with the comprehensive control it provides over document handling, cloud storage, and sharing. When it comes to the selection of the 'best for' document management, SharePoint stands out with its broad array of features specifically designed to simplify and improve document-centric task management.
Standout features and integrations:
Microsoft SharePoint shines with features like document libraries, workflow automation, advanced search, and metadata management. Its ability to establish complex, custom document workflows sets it apart. Additionally, being a part of the Microsoft ecosystem, SharePoint offers seamless integration with other Microsoft services such as Office 365, Teams, and OneDrive, along with third-party applications like Salesforce and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible and customizable workflows
- Seamless integration with other Microsoft services
- Excellent document management features
Cons:
- The interface can be less intuitive compared to other options
- Customization can require technical expertise
- Can be complex for new users
Workplace by Facebook is a collaborative platform designed to boost productivity through familiar social media experiences. It supports communication and project collaboration and fosters company culture through its social-media-like interface. This makes it a fitting choice for those desiring a platform that resembles their everyday social media interactions.
Why I Picked Workplace by Facebook:
In my selection process, Workplace by Facebook caught my attention due to its familiar interface that many are accustomed to. Its similarity to the traditional Facebook platform minimizes the learning curve, leading to quicker adoption. This, combined with its powerful collaboration tools, makes it stand out, and it justifies its 'best for' tag for those who favor a social media-like interface in their business software.
Standout features and integrations:
Workplace by Facebook offers a variety of features, such as group discussions, video calls, live broadcasts, and a news feed, which fosters a dynamic collaborative environment. It also integrates smoothly with a range of business tools such as Office 365, G Suite, and Dropbox to enhance productivity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations with popular productivity software
- Robust collaborative features such as group discussions and live video.
- A familiar interface that closely resembles Facebook, leading to quick adoption.
Cons:
- Users may need to adjust privacy settings carefully due to the platform's social media roots.
- While it integrates with popular apps, some business-specific tools may not be supported.
- Businesses seeking a more formal platform may find the social media-style interface too casual.
Other Portal Software Tools
Below is a list of additional Portal Software I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Igloo Software
Best for integrating with existing tech stack
- Bloomfire
Best for knowledge management and sharing
- Axero
Best for internal communication and collaboration
- Claromentis
Good for offering a comprehensive digital workplace platform
- Staffbase
Good for improving employee communication and engagement
- eXo Platform
Good for open-source enterprise social collaboration
- Ideagen Huddle
Good for secure document collaboration and project management
- LiveTiles
Good for creating engaging and interactive workplace environments
- Oracle WebCenter
Good for integrating web-based apps into a single, user-friendly portal
- ONE by Clearbox
Good for bringing together internal comms and digital workplaces
- uPortal
Good for creating a customizable web-based university portal
- Unily
Good for providing a customizable intranet experience
- EduBrite
Good for organizations needing an effective learning management system
- Interact Intranet
Good for driving efficient internal communication and collaboration
- Elevio
Good for customer support and service teams
Selection Criteria
In my journey of analyzing numerous intranet software, I've personally tried and researched a variety of tools to identify the top contenders.
Given the importance of internal communication and collaboration in the modern workplace, it was crucial to select software that offers not just the basic features but those which can transform the intranet into a productive and engaging hub.
Core Functionality
When looking at core functionality for intranet software, I considered the following key factors:
- Ability to share and access documents
- Possibility to create dedicated team or project spaces
- Incorporation of social networking to encourage interaction
- Presence of search functionality for easy information retrieval
Key Features
For key features, I targeted software that can deliver beyond the basics to provide a comprehensive solution:
- Customization: Tools that allow the intranet layout and design to align with the company's brand and culture.
- Integrations: The software should be able to integrate with commonly used apps and services, like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Slack, to ensure smooth workflow.
- Analytics: Insight into user activity and engagement levels can help in continuously improving the intranet's effectiveness.
- Mobile Access: In today's mobile-first world, it's important for employees to access the intranet from their smartphones or tablets.
Usability
Usability forms the backbone of good intranet software. Here's what I looked for:
- Intuitive Design: A clean, user-friendly interface that requires minimal training for employees to navigate through the intranet.
- Easy Content Management: Non-tech users should be able to easily create, manage, and publish content on the intranet.
- Role-Based Access: The software should allow setting up role-based permissions, ensuring employees see only the information relevant to them.
- Strong Customer Support: Having access to timely and responsive customer support is crucial, especially during setup or resolving technical issues.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
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Summary
In wrapping up, this guide has provided an in-depth look at various Portal Software tools available in the market, focusing on their unique selling propositions, key features, pricing, and integrations. Each software has its strengths, catering to different business needs and operational requirements. It's important to remember that the 'best' software doesn't mean it's universally suitable for everyone; rather, it's about finding the right fit for your specific use case.
Key Takeaways:
- Core Functionality: When selecting a Portal Software, it's crucial to focus on the core functionality that aligns with your specific needs. Some tools specialize in internal communication, others in streamlined corporate intranet, and some offer comprehensive business process management software. The right tool will effectively address your core operational needs.
- Key Features and Usability: The software should have an intuitive user interface and key features that promote ease of use and productivity. Look for features such as project collaboration, document sharing, or internal communication, depending on your organization's needs.
- Pricing: Prices for these tools can vary significantly. Some offer per-user/month pricing, while others might require an upfront cost. Always consider your budget and the pricing structure before finalizing your decision. It's essential to find a solution that provides value for money and fits within your financial plans.
Remember, the right Portal Software can improve your business processes, facilitate better communication and collaboration, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of your organization. Therefore, take the time to evaluate your options and select the software that aligns best with your business goals and requirements.
What Do You Think?
Of course, the world of Portal Software is vast and continually evolving. If you believe there's a tool that deserves a spot on this list and I've missed it, I welcome your suggestions. I’m always eager to explore and evaluate new tools that can provide significant value to businesses.
So, feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments or reach out to me directly. Your input can help me and other readers discover more great solutions. Thanks for contributing to a more comprehensive and helpful guide!