A board portal is a governance software which securely and safely delivers digital board packs to directors and the secretariat for their organization. Automated and streamlined, they enable better collaboration, encourage better discussions and decision-making, as well as help all stakeholders align around the strategic direction of the business.
They also save time and energy by cutting down on printing, couriering, email, and the cost of preparing meetings. The capability to access the board’s documents and send messages via an encrypted, secure in-app messenger means that board members can be connected to each other at all times, even when they’re not in the office. They can prepare for meetings and sign documents online or in-app. They can also use the video conferencing feature for virtual meetings when they are unable to attend in person.
What should you look for when selecting a board portal
Request potential vendors to provide demonstrations, and comprehensive troubleshooting articles, on their website. They should also be able provide a complete quote that covers all upfront and ongoing expenses. Pricing models can be different and may be dependent on a flat rate, per feature or by number of users, so it’s essential to compare them.
The most important aspect of a good board portal is its security. It should be able to secure data in transit and while at rest and offer an extensive control of authentication and access rights. It should also have a disaster-recovery plan with a guarantee of uptime and undergo periodic external audits to ensure privacy, availability and security.