Enterprise Intranet: Use Cases & Top Rated Vendors for 2025
3 Dec 2024
Enterprises often struggle with managing large workforces. Between multiple offices, distributed teams, and frontline workers, it’s tough to ensure people feel connected and part of your company – let alone getting a consistent employee experience from day one of onboarding and beyond.
Without a centralized system for sharing information, finding critical resources becomes a challenge, leading to lost employee productivity and frustration. Disjointed employee experiences can also undermine engagement and satisfaction, ultimately impacting retention.
And with remote work here to stay, all of these issues have only become more intensified. That’s why in this guide, we’ll explain how an enterprise intranet and employee experience platform can help.
What is an enterprise intranet system?
An enterprise intranet system is a private network that organizations use to facilitate communication, collaboration, and access to information among employees. It serves as a central hub where employees can find essential resources, tools, and information, promoting productivity and fostering a connected workplace.
Unlike the internet, which is publicly accessible, an intranet solution is a restricted environment that is only accessible to the organization’s workforce, typically protected by firewalls and secure authentication methods.
What’s the difference between enterprise intranets vs SMB company intranets?
The primary difference between enterprise intranets and SMB (small and medium-sized business) intranets lies in their scale, complexity, cost, and feature sets tailored to the organization’s size and needs.
Aspect | Enterprise Intranets | SMB Intranets |
---|---|---|
Scale | Thousands to tens of thousands of employees, spanning multiple locations and regions, often globally distributed. | Small teams, typically fewer than 500 employees, operating in single or few office locations, often domestic. |
Complexity | Highly customizable, involving complex workflows, integrations with enterprise systems (e.g., CRM, ERP, HRM), and cross-department collaboration tools. Requires dedicated IT resources for setup and maintenance. | Streamlined, out-of-the-box solutions with essential tools for communication and file sharing. Minimal need for IT involvement, with simple installation and maintenance processes. |
Feature Set | Advanced feature set with powerful integrations (e.g., Office 365, Google Workspace), built-in analytics for employee engagement, workflow automation, enterprise-wide search functions, and multi-language support. Includes role-based access controls and advanced document management systems. | Basic features such as communication tools (chat, forums, announcements), file storage, and document management. Integrations may include only popular tools like Slack, Dropbox, or G Suite. Limited reporting and analytics capabilities. |
Customization | Extensive customization options tailored to business units, departments, and geographic regions. Customizable dashboards, content permissions, and workflows. Requires developer support for specialized integrations or branding. | Limited customization options focused on branding (logos, colors), dashboard layouts, and basic user settings. Most configurations are managed through pre-designed templates, reducing the need for specialized IT support. |
Cost | High initial setup costs and ongoing expenses due to complex infrastructure, customization needs, and IT management. Often includes on-premise solutions or private cloud setups. Costs include licensing, maintenance, and upgrades. | Affordable subscription-based pricing, usually as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. Low upfront costs with predictable monthly or yearly fees. Hosted on cloud platforms, with maintenance and upgrades included in the subscription. |
Security | Advanced security features such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), detailed audit logs, and compliance with international regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2). Customized security protocols for different regions. | Basic security features like password protection, MFA, and data encryption. Compliance concerns are less complex, with standard cloud security protocols offered by the service provider. Limited audit and monitoring features. |
Integration with Enterprise Systems | Integrates with a wide variety of enterprise-grade tools like Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, and other proprietary systems. Supports complex workflows that span departments and regions, including custom APIs for specialized software integrations. | Basic integrations with common third-party apps like Microsoft Teams, Trello, or Zoom. Limited API support, primarily for connecting popular SMB-friendly tools. No support for large-scale enterprise solutions like ERP systems. |
IT Support Requirements | Requires significant IT involvement for installation, customization, ongoing support, and system upgrades. Often includes dedicated IT teams or outsourced services. Regular training is needed to keep up with system updates and new features. | Minimal IT support required, as the platform is often self-service and user-friendly. Installation and maintenance are handled by the service provider, and users can manage updates with minimal technical expertise. |
Collaboration Tools | Advanced collaboration features, including real-time document collaboration, project management, and discussion forums across multiple teams. Cross-location collaboration is seamless with integrated video conferencing, chat, and shared workspaces. | Basic collaboration tools such as team chats, forums, and simple file sharing. Suitable for intra-team collaboration but may lack the sophistication needed for cross-department or cross-location work. |
User Experience (UX) | Tailored user experience with role-specific dashboards and tools. Personalized content delivery based on user roles, departments, and regions. Offers multi-device support (desktop, mobile, and tablet) with specialized mobile apps for on-the-go access. | Simplified, standardized user experience with few personalization options. Designed for quick access to core features, such as document sharing and team chat. Often mobile-friendly but may lack dedicated mobile apps with full functionality. |
Deployment | Often deployed through a mix of on-premise and cloud solutions to meet enterprise-level data protection requirements. May involve hybrid cloud environments for global scalability. Deployment time is longer due to customization and integration needs. | Typically deployed as a cloud-based SaaS solution, with quick implementation times and no on-premise infrastructure. Deployment can take hours to days, depending on the provider and specific needs of the SMB. |
Benefits of implementing an enterprise employee intranet
Improved communication across the organization
An enterprise intranet portal centralizes communication, providing employees with a unified platform where company-wide announcements, team updates, and individual messages can be shared. This helps break down silos, ensuring that all employees, regardless of location or department, receive the same information in real time.
Features like news feeds, discussion forums, and mobile intranet messaging systems help streamline internal communication, reducing reliance on emails and promoting transparency.
Enhanced collaboration and productivity
With integrated collaboration tools like project management, shared document spaces, and real-time chat features, an intranet fosters seamless collaboration across departments and locations. Teams can work together more efficiently on projects, share resources, and stay updated on task progress. This real-time collaboration boosts productivity and minimizes delays, especially in complex or global organizations.
For example, employees can co-edit documents, leave comments, and track version history without needing to switch between different software tools, saving time and reducing confusion.
Centralized access to information and resources
An enterprise intranet acts as a central repository for all organizational resources, such as HR policies, training materials, company news, project documents, and more. By providing easy, organized access to this information, employees can quickly find what they need without having to navigate through multiple platforms or request information from different departments. This reduces time spent searching for information and increases efficiency.
For example, employees can self-service HR tasks like accessing benefits, checking holiday policies, or downloading essential forms, all within the intranet.
Strengthened employee engagement and culture
Modern intranets often integrate social features like recognition tools, internal blogs, and employee directories, which help create a more connected and engaged workforce. Employees can celebrate each other’s achievements, share success stories, and interact with peers, which enhances morale and builds a positive company culture.
In addition, tools like polls, surveys, and forums also allow for employee feedback, giving employees a voice in decision-making and increasing their sense of belonging within the organization. This sense of community strengthens employee retention and job satisfaction, as employees feel more integrated into the company’s culture and mission.
Streamlined workflows and process automation
Intranet portals allow enterprises to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. Automated document approvals, task tracking, and notification systems reduce manual work and help teams stay on top of deadlines and deliverables.
Workflow automation can significantly reduce bottlenecks in processes like onboarding, procurement, or contract management, enabling quicker approvals and decision-making.
For example, employees can submit a leave request through the intranet, which is automatically routed to the appropriate manager for approval, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and delays.
Better decision-making through analytics
Enterprise intranets provide detailed analytics and insights into how employees engage with the platform and consume content.
Intranet metrics like content views, time spent on pages, and collaboration activity help leaders understand employee behavior, identify areas where engagement may be low, and adjust content or processes accordingly.
Data-driven decision-making becomes more accessible, as these insights help tailor strategies to improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall operational efficiency.
Let’s say certain training materials are underutilized. Leaders can investigate why and create better incentives or modify the content for greater engagement.
Cost savings and operational efficiency
By reducing the need for multiple third-party communication and collaboration tools, an enterprise intranet can result in significant cost savings.
Consolidating various functions into one platform eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate software for messaging, file sharing, or project management.
Improved knowledge management and retention
An enterprise intranet acts as a central knowledge base where employees can store, share, and retrieve institutional knowledge. Over time, this database grows, preserving critical information that is easily accessible to new hires and long-term employees alike.
Knowledge sharing reduces redundancy, prevents knowledge silos, and ensures that important information remains within the organization even when employees leave.
For example, a company wiki can house detailed FAQs, how-to guides, or procedural documentation, allowing employees to quickly get answers without needing to escalate inquiries.
Key functionalities to look out for in a corporate intranet system
Content management system (CMS)
A powerful CMS is at the heart of an effective intranet, enabling users to create, edit, and publish content such as company news, updates, and documents.
The CMS should:
- Support a variety of content types, including text, images, videos, and embedded files.
- Offer customizable templates to maintain a consistent look and feel across pages.
- Include version control to track changes and allow for content revisions.
- Provide role-based permissions to ensure only authorized personnel can edit or publish certain content.
Document management and file sharing
Efficient document management is vital for a corporate intranet system. The intranet should allow users to store, organize, and share files securely across the organization.
Key features include:
- Centralized storage for all company documents, with easy categorization and tagging.
- Version tracking to prevent confusion with multiple document iterations.
- Role-based access to control who can view, edit, or share documents.
- Advanced search functionality to quickly locate documents based on keywords, tags, or metadata.
Collaboration tools
Collaboration is a core function of corporate intranets, and the system should facilitate teamwork across departments. Look for:
- Integrated messaging and chat features for real-time communication.
- Discussion forums or team-specific spaces where employees can exchange ideas and collaborate on projects.
- Shared workspaces for document collaboration, allowing team members to co-edit files in real time.
- Project management tools, such as task assignment, progress tracking, and deadline notifications, to improve team workflow.
Employee directory and profiles
A searchable employee directory is crucial for connecting colleagues across different locations or departments. The employee directory should:
- Include employee profiles with information like contact details, roles, departments, and areas of expertise.
- Offer enterprise search and filtering options to easily locate colleagues based on specific criteria.
- Allow employees to personalize their profiles with skills, interests, and achievements, fostering a more social, connected workplace.
Communication and social features
A modern corporate intranet should provide multiple ways for employees to stay informed and engage with one another.
Important features include:
- Newsfeeds or bulletin boards for sharing company announcements, events, and important updates.
- Social features such as likes, comments, and sharing options to encourage interaction and engagement with content.
- Polls, surveys, and feedback forms to collect employee opinions and measure engagement.
- Notifications and alerts to ensure employees are informed about key updates in real time.
Personalization and customization
Personalization helps employees access the most relevant content quickly, improving user experience and engagement. Look for:
- Customizable dashboards that allow employees to configure widgets and tools based on their role or preferences.
- Personalized content delivery based on job function, department, or location, ensuring employees see relevant news, documents, and announcements.
- The ability for administrators to create and manage different intranet “zones” or areas, catering to different teams or business units.
Mobile accessibility
Given how often employees work with their mobile phones, it’s important to have a mobile intranet system that is fully accessible on mobile devices, allowing employees to stay connected from anywhere.
A mobile-optimized intranet should:
- Offer a responsive design that works seamlessly across devices, including smartphones and tablets.
- Provide a dedicated mobile app for easy access to important features like messaging, file sharing, and company updates.
- Allow employees to perform key tasks, such as viewing documents, submitting approvals, or communicating with teams, on the go.
Search functionality
A robust search function is essential to help employees quickly find the information they need, improving productivity. The search feature should:
- Index all intranet content, including documents, blogs, forums, and user profiles.
- Offer advanced filters and search suggestions to refine results.
- Support keyword and phrase-based search as well as searching by tags or metadata.
- Highlight popular or frequently searched terms for easier access to commonly used resources.
Security and access control
Security is important in a corporate intranet, especially for organizations dealing with sensitive data.
Important security features include:
- Just-in-time access ensures employees can only access the information that is relevant to their position.
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest to protect confidential company information.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) or single sign-on (SSO) to enhance security during login.
- Audit trails and activity logs to track who accesses specific documents or areas of the intranet, which helps with compliance and employee monitoring.
Analytics and reporting
Analytics tools help organizations track employee engagement, system performance, and content usage, providing insights for optimization.
Key KPIs to track include:
- Page views and time spent on specific sections or documents.
- Engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares of content.
- Activity reports that show which employees or departments are most active on the intranet.
- Data export features for deeper analysis in business intelligence tools.
Integration with other business tools
To maximize productivity, your intranet should integrate with other tools and systems that employees use daily. These integrations may include:
- Office suites like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or OpenOffice for document collaboration and email.
- Project management tools such as Trello, Asana, or Jira for task management and team collaboration.
- CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot for sales and client-related information.
- HR systems like Workday or BambooHR for employee management and payroll-related tasks.
Sometimes, to achieve optimal integration capabilities, third-party data integration platforms may be necessary. These platforms can help streamline data flow between different systems, ensuring a more cohesive and efficient workflow.
Common intranet use cases
Internal communication hub
One of the primary functions of an intranet is to serve as a centralized communication hub for company-wide announcements, updates, and important information.
It can replace mass emails and fragmented communication methods by offering a single platform where employees can access news, leadership messages, or crisis communications in real time.
Implementation → Let’s say you run a large manufacturing company with offices in multiple countries.
To keep everyone updated on company performance, safety regulations, and new policies, you can use the intranet’s news section feature. The CEO can post quarterly video updates, while the HR team shares important health and safety information.
Employees can also comment and ask questions, promoting open and interactive communication.
Document management and knowledge sharing
An intranet serves as a central repository for storing, organizing, and sharing internal documents and knowledge across the organization.
This helps teams access and manage important resources like policy documents, templates, training materials, and project files in a secure, structured environment.
Implementation → A consulting firm can use the intranet to store project documentation and client contracts, allowing employees to easily search for proposal templates or legal agreements through the document management system.
They can also access a knowledge-sharing library where experts contribute, helping reduce redundant work and ensuring everyone stays updated on industry best practices.
Onboarding and employee training
Intranets are commonly used to streamline the onboarding process for new employees, providing them with immediate access to orientation materials, company policies, and training programs. This helps new hires settle in faster and reduces the administrative burden on HR teams.
Implementation → You can leverage your intranet to automate onboarding.
Let’s say as soon as a new employee joins, they are given access to a personalized dashboard with a step-by-step guide to complete their onboarding tasks. This includes watching training videos, reading company policies, and completing compliance courses.
With all these, HR can track the employee’s progress and ensure all necessary tasks are completed before their first day on the job.
Collaboration and project management
Intranets can greatly enhance team collaboration by providing shared workspaces where employees can manage tasks, share files, and communicate in real time. This is especially useful for cross-functional teams or departments spread across multiple locations.
Implementation → Take a scenario when you run the marketing team of a global retail company and want to collaborate on launching a new product.
You can use the intranet to create a shared workspace for the project, where they assign tasks, share marketing assets, and track deadlines.
Team members across different time zones can access the project plan and update their progress in real time, ensuring smooth coordination and transparency.
Employee engagement and recognition
Modern intranets are increasingly being used to foster employee engagement by promoting interaction through social features, peer recognition programs, and feedback mechanisms.
Employees can engage with content by liking, commenting, and sharing, or by recognizing colleagues for their achievements.
Implementation → Say a multinational financial services company want to encourage employees for going above and beyond.
To do this, they can utilize the peer recognition feature, where employees can give shout-outs to the intranet’s main feed for everyone to see.
Additionally, employees can nominate others for monthly awards, which boosts morale and creates a culture of recognition and engagement.
HR and employee self-service
Intranets often serve as a self-service platform for employees to manage their HR-related tasks. This includes accessing pay stubs, managing benefits, requesting time off, and updating personal information, all without needing to contact HR directly.
Implementation → A large healthcare organization can integrate an employee-based HR portal into its system.
Here, employees can submit leave requests, view their remaining vacation days, and update their contact details.
The HR team can also use the intranet to share updates on new benefits packages or company wellness programs, helping employees manage their work-life balance more effectively.
Best practices for successfully launching an enterprise intranet
Clearly define the intranet’s purpose and objectives
Before launching the intranet, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of why the intranet is being implemented and what specific business challenges it aims to solve. Establish concrete goals, such as improving internal communication, enhancing collaboration, or centralizing access to company resources.
Pro Tip → Involve key stakeholders from different departments to identify pain points and ensure that the intranet addresses their needs.
For example, HR may need the intranet to streamline onboarding, while IT may want a platform to handle support requests.
Aligning these objectives ensures the intranet serves multiple functions across the organization.
Involve users early in the planning process
For a successful launch, employee buy-in is essential. Engaging users in the design and development process helps create a sense of ownership and ensures the intranet meets their practical needs. This can also help you anticipate potential adoption barriers and address them early.
Pro Tip → Create focus groups or conduct surveys to gather input from employees during the planning stage. Ask them about the features they find most valuable, any pain points with existing tools, and what they would like to see in the new intranet. This feedback will help shape a user-centered design.
Questions could include:
- What’s the most frustrating thing about our current communication tools for you?
- Are there any tasks that take too long because we don’t have the right tools or info easily available?
- What kinds of tools, apps, or features are you most likely to use in an intranet?
- What kinds of company updates or information do you want access to?
- Would you prefer an intranet that you can customize to your own needs or do you prefer a curated intranet?
Ensure leadership buy-in and support
Leadership involvement is critical for setting the tone and ensuring organizational alignment. When leaders endorse the intranet, it signals its importance to the company and encourages employees to adopt it.
Pro Tip → Have senior leaders regularly use the intranet for company-wide communications, such as posting video updates, blogs, or announcements. Their active participation in the intranet launch helps reinforce its value and encourages widespread use across the organization.
Roll out the intranet in phases
Instead of launching the intranet to the entire organization all at once, consider a phased rollout. This approach allows you to gather feedback, identify potential issues, and make improvements on a smaller scale before expanding.
Pro Tip → Start with a pilot group that includes a diverse range of employees from different departments and locations. Use their feedback to refine the intranet and resolve any technical issues. Once the intranet has been tested and optimized, extend the launch to the entire organization.
Provide comprehensive training and support
Even the best-designed intranet will face adoption challenges if users don’t know how to use it effectively. Training ensures that employees understand the intranet’s functionality and how it can make their work easier.
Pro Tip →
- Offer multiple forms of training to accommodate different learning preferences, including video tutorials, live training sessions, and interactive guides.
- Make sure training is role-specific, so employees know how to use the intranet features most relevant to them.
- Provide a dedicated support team or helpdesk to assist with any issues post-launch.
Integrate with existing tools and systems
To ensure the intranet becomes the central hub for employees, it needs to integrate with the other tools and systems they use daily. This reduces the need to switch between platforms and improves overall efficiency.
Pro Tip → Integrate the intranet with key tools like contact centers, project management systems, CRM software, HR systems, and file storage platforms.
For example, if the company uses Microsoft 365, integrate the intranet with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams so employees can collaborate without leaving the intranet environment.
Monitor usage and gather feedback continuously
After the initial launch, it’s essential to track how the intranet is being used and gather continuous feedback to make improvements. Analytics can provide insights into which features are popular, and which are underutilized, helping you optimize the platform over time.
Pro Tip → Use built-in analytics to monitor metrics like login frequency, page views, and document downloads.
Conduct post-launch surveys to gather user feedback on what’s working and what needs improvement. Make regular updates based on user needs and provide clear communication about new features or changes.
Best intranet software for enterprise businesses
1. Workvivo
Workvivo is a cloud-based intranet software designed to boost employee engagement by providing a user-friendly, social-media-like experience within the workplace.
It acts as an all-in-one employee experience platform, allowing employees to connect, communicate, and share content such as company updates, achievements, and even personal milestones.
Workvivo also provides powerful analytics that give organizations insights into employee engagement metrics, helping HR teams and leadership track the impact of their communications and initiatives.
Strengths
- Social intranet
- Company news and updates. A central hub where employees can access the latest company announcements, policies, and key resources.
- Personalized feeds. Customizable content feeds that display relevant information for each employee based on their department, role, or preferences.
- Interactive features. Employees can like, comment, and share posts, creating a more engaging and collaborative work environment.
- Employee recognition and feedback
- Shout-outs and recognition. Employees can publicly recognize and praise colleagues, fostering a culture of appreciation and positivity.
- Surveys and pulse checks. Built-in tools for gathering employee feedback and conducting surveys to measure engagement and satisfaction levels.
- Mobile accessibility
- Mobile app. Employees can access Workvivo on the go through its mobile app, ensuring that remote and deskless workers stay connected and informed.
- Push notifications. Instant updates and notifications to keep employees in the loop, whether they are in the office or working remotely.
- Event management and community building
- Virtual and in-person events. Workvivo supports event management by allowing users to create, promote, and manage company-wide or team-specific events.
- Community groups. Employees can create and join interest-based groups, promoting social connections and building community within the organization.
- Content creation and sharing
- Rich media posts. Employees and administrators can share images, videos, and documents to enhance communication and make updates more engaging.
- Employee-led content. Workvivo encourages employees to actively participate by sharing updates, stories, and achievements with the broader organization.
- Integrations with workplace tools
- Microsoft 365, Slack, and Teams. Workvivo integrates with commonly used productivity tools, ensuring seamless communication across platforms.
- HR and payroll systems. Integration with existing HR systems to streamline employee information management and enhance workflow automation.
What are customers saying about Workvivo?
…The Workvivo app has really allowed us to communicate on a very sort of accessible and wide basis. [] People can download the app on their phone, they can access it as they so choose, all the information is live and there’s less of a formality about the communications. It’s moved away from that bottom-up top-down approach to very much just a collaborative community.
— Nikki Kane, Chief Operation Officer, Mater Private Network
Who is Workvivo best suited for?
Workvivo is an ideal solution for organizations that prioritize employee engagement and communication, especially those with distributed or remote teams.
It’s suitable for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, looking to foster a strong sense of community, improve internal communication, and boost employee morale.
2. Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint is a traditional intranet and document management platform designed to store, manage, and share content securely while enhancing collaboration across teams.
Being part of the Microsoft 365 suite, SharePoint is widely used for building intranets, managing projects, and automating business workflows. This makes it a seamless extension for organizations already using Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Teams.
Strengths
- Team sites. Serves as centralized workspaces where teams can collaborate, store files, and manage projects. Each team site is fully customizable to fit specific departmental or project needs.
- Custom lists and libraries. Allows businesses to create custom lists and document libraries tailored to specific needs, such as tracking inventory, managing tasks, or organizing data.
- Business intelligence and reporting. Integrates with Power BI, allowing users to create interactive reports and dashboards from data stored in the platform.
Weaknesses
- Sync issues and data loss in shared documents. When using SharePoint’s desktop app for live shared documents, users face sync problems, data loss, and sometimes data corruption, especially during important projects [*].
- Integration challenges. SharePoint struggles with customizing and integrating documents from third-party software, often causing issues with how files appear [*].
- Delays in showing updates. Changes in SharePoint, like creating new folders, don’t appear right away, especially when synced with OneDrive, slowing down workflow [*].
3. Microsoft Viva Engage (formerly Yammer)
Microsoft Viva Engage is an enterprise social networking tool integrated within the Microsoft Viva platform, designed to enhance internal communication and foster employee engagement.
A key feature of Viva Engage is its community-building capability, where employees can create or join groups based on interests, departments, or projects. These groups provide a centralized space for conversations and knowledge sharing, making it easier for employees to connect around shared goals or topics.
Strengths
- Threaded conversations: Organizes discussions into threaded conversations, making it easier for users to follow specific topics and reply to relevant comments.
- Open and private communities: Allows users to create both open and private communities, giving organizations flexibility in managing public discussions or confidential internal groups.
- Leadership corner: A space where executives and managers can engage directly with employees, sharing updates and responding to questions.
- Storyline posts: Enables employees to share longer updates, articles, or reflections, similar to social media platforms.
Weaknesses
- Frequent and distracting updates: Users find the constant updates from Viva Engage on Teams and Outlook irritating and distracting from their primary tasks [*].
- Poor integration with Outlook and Teams: Notifications about new comments do not appear promptly, affecting communication continuity and efficiency [*].
- Limited personalization options: Users are restricted by the lack of personalization options within Viva Engage, adhering strictly to organizational policies [*].
4. Simpplr
Simpplr is a cloud-based employee experience platform that allows businesses to centralize their communications, providing employees with easy access to company updates, resources, and tools. It features a user-friendly interface and robust features, making it a go-to platform for organizations looking to create a connected and engaged workforce.
Simpplr’s standout feature is its personalized experience, using AI to deliver tailored content to each user based on their role, department, and interests.
Strengths
- Dynamic employee directory: Offers a comprehensive and easily searchable database of all employees, including profiles with essential information such as contact details, expertise, and reporting lines.
- Smart search: Leverages AI to provide accurate, context-driven search results, reducing the time spent searching for resources.
- Visual page builder: Allows non-technical users to easily create and design pages for the intranet without coding knowledge.
Weaknesses
- Integration and licensing issues: Integration with ADP struggles to sync important data, requiring custom fixes. Reliance on Salesforce forces organizations to buy user licenses in bulk, which is not ideal for smaller organizations [*].
- Limited customization and features: No ability to tag groups, only individuals, and no option to mark content as ‘must read’, complicating communication management [*].
5. Workplace by Meta (Discontinued)
Workplace by Meta was a Teams alternative that resembled Facebook for enterprises. Meta recently announced that it will shutter Workplace by 2026, offering customers the option to transition to Workvivo, Meta’s preferred migration partner.
Organizations can use Workplace until August 31, 2025, and all data will be deleted by May 31, 2026.
Read Case Study → Here’s Why Purplebricks Moved From Workplace From Meta to Workvivo
Recommended → 7 Things You Need To Know About Migrating From Workplace to Workvivo
6. Staffbase
Staffbase is an employee communication platform designed to unify communication efforts across large, dispersed, and deskless workforces. Known for its mobile-first approach, Staffbase helps keep all employees engaged and informed through a central communication hub.
Strengths
- Mobile app: Ensures employees can stay connected and informed, even without desktop access.
- Customizable homepage: Allows companies to build a personalized intranet homepage for easy access to news, documents, and updates.
- Internal news feeds: Allows customized news feeds for different teams or locations, ensuring relevant information reaches the right people.
Weaknesses
- License management issues: Licenses from former employees cannot be reused, increasing costs [*].
- Email limitations: Limited functionality for changing the sender address and testing email layout reduces flexibility [*].
- Outlook plug-in and API problems: The Outlook plug-in often fails to save work, and the API lacks capabilities for integration with other systems [*].
7. Igloo
Igloo is a cloud-based intranet platform that focuses on creating flexible digital workplaces where employees can collaborate, share knowledge, and engage with company culture. It is ideal for organizations seeking a robust knowledge management solution.
Strengths
- Customizable digital workspaces: Provides tailored workspaces for teams, departments, or projects to collaborate and manage tasks effectively.
- Employee profiles and directory: Includes a detailed employee directory displaying skills, departments, and contact information.
- Spaces and channels: Users can create dedicated spaces and channels for focused collaboration on specific objectives.
Weaknesses
- Complicated login process: The login process can be confusing and frustrating for new users [*].
- Challenging to learn: Complex interface makes it difficult for new users to learn and use effectively [*].
8. Guru
Guru is a knowledge management platform that excels at capturing, organizing, and sharing critical company information across teams. It is known for its ease of use and seamless integration into existing workflows.
Strengths
- Knowledge cards: Allows employees to capture and share information in an easily accessible format, organized for quick retrieval.
- Verification system: Ensures information is regularly reviewed and updated by subject matter experts.
- Knowledge triggers: Provides proactive knowledge suggestions based on user context, reducing search time.
Weaknesses
- Browser extension issues: Users experience problems with Guru’s browser extension and a steep learning curve for new users [*].
- Limited integrations: Lack of integration with popular applications such as Teams, Slack, or Discord [*].
- Content organization challenges: Issues with lengthy or misleading card titles and unclear workflows [*].
9. Unily
Unily is a customizable intranet and digital workplace platform that helps employees access corporate information, collaborate, and stay updated on company news. It integrates seamlessly with enterprise tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.
Strengths
- Global search functionality: Provides a powerful global search tool with filtering and tagging for accurate results.
- Customizable dashboards: Users can create dashboards to display key metrics, tasks, and updates.
- Intranet CMS: Offers a flexible CMS for easy content creation and distribution across the platform.
Weaknesses
- Slow ticket resolution: Long delays in ticket resolution affect user experience [*].
- Lack of automated analytics: Manual analytics system adds to user workload [*].
- Requires technical knowledge: Some features require coding skills, making it harder for non-technical users [*].
10. Happeo
Happeo is an all-in-one digital workplace platform that combines intranet, social networking, and collaboration tools to streamline internal communication. It integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, making it ideal for companies already using Google’s tools.
Strengths
- Dynamic intranet pages: Allows businesses to create customizable pages for different teams or departments.
- Content version control: Supports version control for managing document versions.
- Channel-based communication: Allows employees to create discussion groups for topics, projects, or departments.
Weaknesses
- Limited page management: Users have little control over page content and management [*].
- Information overload: Scattered information makes communication challenging for employees [*].
- Slow analytics and no interactive features: Delayed analytics and lack of interactive tools reduce engagement [*].
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