Choosing the right board software means creating a secure, efficient space where board work happens from preparation to follow-up. Two well-established options in the European market are Boardwise and iBabs. While both aim to streamline governance, one works entirely within Microsoft 365, the other as a standalone platform.
This guide explores their key differences to help you find the best fit for your organisation’s governance style and IT setup.
Quick Overview
Breaking Down the Differences
1. Microsoft-Native vs. Standalone Environment
Boardwise operates entirely within your existing Microsoft 365 setup. This means no new logins, no extra hosting environment, and a seamless integration with Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
iBabs, in contrast, is a standalone platform accessible via browser or app. It integrates with Microsoft tools, but runs on its own infrastructure, appealing to organisations that prefer to separate board activities from the wider IT environment.
2. Data Hosting and Control
With Boardwise, all board materials remain in your Microsoft Azure tenant. This direct control is often a key requirement for IT and compliance teams in regulated industries.
iBabs hosts data in its own EU-based, ISO 27001–certified infrastructure. For many public bodies and NGOs, this meets data protection needs while reducing the internal IT workload.
3. User Experience and Adoption
Boardwise mirrors the Microsoft interface your board and assistants already use daily. This minimises training needs and helps occasional users feel at ease immediately.
iBabs offers a dedicated, uniform interface across desktop, tablet, and mobile, designed specifically for meeting management. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a clearly separated, purpose-built environment.
4. Document Management
In Boardwise, documents stay in SharePoint and OneDrive, benefiting from version control, co-authoring, and Microsoft’s security layers.
iBabs stores documents in its platform, with controlled access, annotations, and the ability to work offline in its mobile app, which is particularly useful for travelling board members.
5. Pricing Models
Boardwise offers a clear, annual subscription that covers the whole organisation, making budgeting predictable, especially for Microsoft-based entities.
iBabs uses a per-user pricing structure, allowing smaller boards to start at a lower entry cost but scaling up with board size.
Finding the Best Fit for Your Organisation
Both platforms can significantly streamline board administration, but their design philosophies differ.
Choose Boardwise if:
✅ You work fully in Microsoft 365 and want zero extra IT environments
✅ Data residency and direct IT control are top priorities
✅ You prefer predictable, organisation-wide pricing
Choose iBabs if:
✅ You want a standalone, purpose-built meeting platform
✅ You value built-in offline access and mobile-first usability
✅ You operate in public or non-profit sectors with smaller board teams
Final Thoughts
Both Boardwise and iBabs are strong options, but they serve different needs. Boardwise appeals to organisations that prioritise security, ease of adoption, and maximising their Microsoft 365 investment. iBabs is a good fit for those seeking a dedicated, self-contained meeting platform with robust offline access and a straightforward user interface.
Not Sure Yet?
Sometimes a short conversation is more valuable than another feature list. If you’re comparing options, we’d be happy to walk you through how Boardwise could fit into your governance workflows. Book a demo to explore it in practice.
