The right virtual data room (VDR) ensures secure document sharing, effective collaboration, and smooth deal-making. A poor virtual data room causes security risks, inefficiencies, and delays in critical processes. With so much at stake, businesses must carefully assess VDR providers to choose the best-suited one for their situations.
How does Intralinks rank among the top VDR providers? It is a reliable option. However, users may find that other providers offer more advanced features, better usability, and stronger security.
In which areas does Intralinks excel? Where can it improve? Who are the best Intralinks competitors? Continue reading to see how each competitor stacks up to find the best match.
What is Intralinks virtual data room software?
Intralinks is a leading virtual data room provider for data management and collaboration. Delivering a platform that combines innovation with in-depth expertise, the solution became the preferred choice for dealmakers worldwide across various industries. In particular, the provider has facilitated over $35 trillion in financial transactions and supports over 10,000 M&A deals annually.
The platform offers industry-leading security and privacy controls. It was the first data room to achieve ISO 27701 certification, reflecting its adherence to the highest standards of sensitive data protection. Recognized with numerous security awards, the platform ensures data integrity and privacy at every stage of the transaction process.
Intralinks software screenshot ⬇
What are some Intralinks use cases?
Commonly, businesses use the platform to protect and simplify the following transactions and procedures:
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Fund management
- Financing
- Syndicated lending
- Secure document exchange
- Regulatory risk management
Intralinks delivers speed, confidentiality, and complete control for all use cases at every process stage.
What are Intralinks’ top capabilities?
The main Intralinks features include the following:
Security
- Holistic protection. Reliable security practices across people, processes, and infrastructure.
- Dedicated security teams. Control, privacy, and confidence in every transaction provided by experts.
Purpose-built features
- Document organization. Easy data room setup and pre-live document organization.
- Redaction. Integrated tools redact sensitive information and mitigate breach risks.
- Mobile access. User activity monitoring anywhere with mobile flexibility.
AI efficiency
- Greater accuracy. Immediately identified concerns and minimized errors with precision tools.
- Fewer bottlenecks. Streamlined redundant tasks with reduced manual effort.
- Deeper insights. Data-driven decisions at every step of the deal are based on patterns and trends.
Expert support
- Dedicated teams. Customer success managers, account teams, and 24/7 support.
- Bespoke services. Flexible support options, from online help to fully-guided solutions.
- Consulting expertise. Custom solutions for simple or complex needs for optimal platform use.
👁️🗨️Learn more about the provider at Intralinks Data Room.
Pros and cons of Intralinks
Despite Intralinks’ position as a leading data room solution, user reviews on technology review platforms remain relatively limited. For example, Capterra features only 20 Intralinks reviews, while G2 lists 23.
So, we analyzed all available user feedback and summarized the solution’s key pros and cons.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Easy integration
- Secure file-sharing
- Reporting features
- Good value for money
Cons
- Slow data upload and download
- Poor data search functionality
- Messy document version
- More expensive than other providers
The latest user testimonials
1. Finance
Internet, 51-200 employees
Used the software for 2+ years
Intralinks has been a reliable and functional solution for a finance company. The team benefited from exceptional customer service with quick responses and advanced functionality for complex financial processes and third-party collaboration.
The company acknowledges that the Intralinks pricing is higher than that of alternatives. At the same time, they say the value it delivers justifies the cost.
2. Investment banking associate
Financial services, 501-1,000 employees
Used the software for 1–2 years
An investment banking associate shared their experience with Intralinks VDR for a private placement deal. The platform enabled their team to close the deal successfully.
One of the helpful features was the AI-powered tool, which allowed for quick access to summarized information. However, the user interface was noted to be less user-friendly compared to some solutions.
3. Management consulting
10,001+ employees
Used the software for 2+ years
Management consulting professionals described Intralinks as a reliable and well-established virtual data room. The platform was easy to use and offered all the essential functions. One of its key strengths is the fast, 24/7 customer support. The intuitive interface simplified managing secure data.
However, some areas for improvement include the analytics tools and the limitation of user permissions to ten users.
Top reasons to consider Intralinks alternatives
According to user reviews, the following Intralinks gaps may prompt businesses to consider alternative virtual data room solutions:
- High cost. While Intralinks is often praised for its features and security, it is one of the most expensive options.
- Steep learning curve. The extensive feature set can make Intralinks difficult to master, requiring additional time and effort to manage effectively.
- Access and authentication issues. Some users report difficulties with the platform’s security features, including unintuitive authentication processes that sometimes complicate accessing files.
- File organization and management issues. Clunky download features and file setup challenges highlight file management shortcomings.
- Poor document versioning. Intralinks uploads updated documents as separate “copies” rather than managing versions within the same file, which causes a cluttered workspace and confusion in large-scale projects.
- Not the best for small deals. Intralinks’ high level of complexity and feature set might not suit smaller deals or projects.
👁️🗨️Explore more testimonials, advantages, and disadvantages to learn more about Intralinks data rooms.
Top 10 Intralinks alternatives
Here are the best alternatives businesses choose to address Intralinks’ gaps:
- Ideals
- Ansarada
- Datasite
- DFIN
- Digify
- Box
- ShareFile
- Admincontrol
- SecureDocs
- Firmex
1. Ideals
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, IPOs, fundraising, corporate restructuring, intellectual property protection, legal compliance management, and real estate transactions
Capterra score: 4.8 (308 reviews)
Known for its user-friendly interface and robust security features, Ideals is highly recommended for M&A transactions due to its simplicity, speed, and effective customer support.
Ideals software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that Ideals offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- User access expiration
- IP address-based access restriction
- Top-level flash drive security
- Built-in Excel viewer with formulas
- Fence view to prevent screenshots
- Bank-grade data encryption
- 8-level granular access control
- Subscription to automatic activity reports
- Document labels
- 15-language intuitive user interface
- 30-second chat response time
- 13-language technical support
- Preparation/trial period
2. Ansarada
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, IPOs, capital raising, and post-deal integration
Capterra score: 4.7 (114 reviews)
Ansarada virtual data room software offers AI-powered tools and predictive insights for improved deal-making. Thus, the solution has become a top choice for businesses seeking advanced analytics and AI capabilities.
Ansarada software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that Ansarada offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- IP address-based access restriction
- 12 data hosting locations
- Subscription to automatic reports
- Full-text search with OCR
- 14-day free trial + unlimited prep area for advisories
3. Datasite
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, financial reporting, and investor relations
Capterra score: 4.7 (104 reviews)
Datasite is a top-tier due diligence data room that simplifies M&A, integrating advanced document management tools and strong data security to protect confidential information throughout the deal process.
Datasite software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that Datasite offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- 5-level granular access control
- Strong flash drive security
- Subscription to automatic reports
- Preparation/trial period
- 14-language technical support
4. DFIN (Donnelley Financial Solutions)
Use cases: M&A, regulatory filings, and compliance management
G2 score: 4.0 (1 review)
With quick setup and an intuitive platform, the provider employs AI technology and machine learning to streamline processes and accelerate deal closing.
DFIN software screenshot ⬇
DFIN (Donnelley Financial Solutions)
Key features and services that DFIN offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- 5-level granular access control
- Subscription to automatic reports
- Full-text search with OCR
- 10-language user interface
- 4 free flash drives
- 9-language technical support
5. Digify
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, fundraising, audits, and intellectual property protection
Capterra score: 4.9 (170 reviews)
The solution provides capabilities for secure document sharing with advanced tracking and compliance features, making it a good platform for controlling document access and security.
Digify software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that Digify offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- User access expiration
- 6-level granular access control
- Screenshot prevention
- 7-day free trial
6. Box
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, bankruptcy, IPOs, fundraisings, and clinical studies
Capterra score: 4.4 (5 540 reviews)
Box is a secure and intuitive platform that simplifies document management. It supports actions such as file creation and sharing, collaboration, e-signatures, classification, and long-term retention.
Box software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that Box offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- 9 data hosting locations
- Full-text search with OCR
- Document labels
- File merging
- Subscription to automatic reports
7. ShareFile
Use cases: M&A, real estate transactions, board management, and collaboration
Capterra score: 4.6 (22 reviews)
ShareFile virtual data rooms combine effective tools for secure file sharing and real-time collaboration. With features for sending files, gathering feedback, and securing e-signatures, the solution streamlines workflows across deals and procedures.
Key features and services that ShareFile offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- User access expiration
- 7-level granular access control
- IP address-based access restriction
- Built-in Excel viewer with formulas
- Subscription to automatic reports
8. Admincontrol
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, corporate fundraising, strategic partnerships, and litigation
Capterra score: 4.3 (3 reviews)
Admincontrol is trusted by businesses and boards for managing and distributing critical content. Its secure messaging, task management, and advanced analytics features make it a go-to solution for streamlined collaboration and decision-making.
Admincontrol software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that Admincontrol offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- 5-level granular access control
- File merging
- Full-text search with OCR
- 14-day trial period
9. SecureDocs
Use cases: M&A, due diligence, corporate fundraising, strategic partnerships, and litigation
Capterra score: 4.9 (153 reviews)
SecureDocs offers a secure and easy-to-use platform for storing, sharing, and managing sensitive corporate documents, simplifying the deal-making process.
SecureDocs software screenshot ⬇
Key features and services that SecureDocs offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- EU-US DPF compliance
- Advanced data search
- E-signature integration
10. Firmex
Use cases: Fundraising, M&A, financial audits, large-scale government and infrastructure projects
Capterra score: 4.8 (323 reviews)
Popular for its straightforward, secure, and scalable data room solution, Firmex is perfect for businesses looking for a simple yet secure platform without the complexities of more advanced solutions.
Firmex software screenshot ⬇Firmex Virtual Data Room
Key features and services that Firmex offers but Intralinks doesn’t:
- 6-level granular access control
- Strong flash drive security level
- 14-day trial period
Conclusion
Although Intralinks is a trusted virtual data room with secure document management and collaboration tools, users experience limitations in some areas, including user-friendliness and feature set.
As an Intralinks alternative, Ideals is a top choice for most business needs, particularly M&A transactions. Its simplicity, bank-grade security, document management tools, and exceptional customer support make it the best data management and deal-making solution.
A virtual data room is your secure foundation for collaboration. So, site properly, organize efficiently, and protect your data.