The Limitations of Board Meeting Software Alternatives

The Limitations of Board Meeting Software Alternatives

It’s no secret that effective board meeting software comes with a price tag. While that amount can range from low-cost to fairly expensive, some companies are eager to seek out what they see as “cost-free” file-sharing options such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

While both of these board meeting software alternatives provide file storage and the ability to share documents, the “free” versions of these accounts have serious limitations.

Plus, this style of file sharing can create frustration for board members who are forced to access board information through multiple platforms: email, cloud storage, calendar tools, etc.

Not So “Free”

Although Dropbox and Google Drive both have a free account option, it doesn’t take long for boards to surpass the allowed amounts of data storage, which can lead to monthly costs for the organization based on file sizes and/or their number of users. Plus, board members must create and manage their own accounts using this type of file sharing tool. Unlike Directorpoint, which provides unlimited storage and is perfect for archiving past meeting information, file-sharing alternatives make their profit by nickel and diming customers for more storage.

The Burden of Management 

The true cost of using a board meeting software alternative comes in the form of excessive administrative oversight. Having to utilize multiple systems for board-related activities cuts into staff productivity in a big way—it also zaps board productivity as members get held up looking for the latest version of meeting documents on their drive or searching through emails for the notification of where an important report is stored. Additionally, these alternative options don’t come with Directorpoint’s live, digital agenda—a transformative feature for both meeting prep and in-meeting efficiency. When changes are made to the agenda or its connected documents, the updates are immediately pushed to every single board member—without unnecessary alerts or adding additional (and confusing) copycat file names.

Safety and Security 

While most file-sharing tools attempt to provide dependable security for their users, hacks still happen. For instance, 68 million Dropbox login accounts are for sale on the dark web following a hack that occurred back in 2012. Unlike these file-sharing tools, which give users no way to find out where their information is physically stored, Directorpoint can tell clients exactly where their data lives.

Losing the Collaborative Edge

At the end of the day, board meeting software provides something that file-sharing tools aren’t made for: centralized collaboration. Directorpoint’s “one-view” layout places all the information board members need in a single location on an easy-to-use platform. Plus, it streamlines communication and simplifies meeting preparation for administrators. With built in features like Votes, Surveys, Minutes, and more, directors will be relieved to save time and energy—all while making better, more informed decisions.

Posted in General Board Topics.