Choosing the right board management software isn’t just about features, it’s about how well a solution fits into the reality of your board’s daily operations. From usability to customization options, the right tool can streamline complex workflows and support good governance practices.
Both Boardwise and Sherpany are strong contenders, but they take notably different approaches. This comparison will help you find the better fit for your organization’s needs.
Boardwise vs. Sherpany: At a Glance
Breaking Down the Differences
1. Microsoft-Native vs. Standalone Platform
If your organization is already working with Microsoft 365, Boardwise fits in without disrupting your existing workflows. There's no extra login or switching between systems required making it a practical choice for IT teams that value governance, efficiency, and simplicity.
Sherpany, on the other hand, is a standalone platform. It offers integrations with tools such as Zoom or OneDrive, but operates independently of the Microsoft 365 environment.
2. Data Hosting and Control
Boardwise is deployed inside the customer’s own Microsoft Azure tenant, which means data remains under the organization’s direct control.
Sherpany hosts customer data on its own secure servers in Switzerland, which aligns with strict European data protection standards.
3. User Environment and Onboarding
Boardwise uses the tools your assistants and board members already know—Teams, Outlook, Word—minimizing training needs and maximizing adoption.
Sherpany provides a dedicated web and mobile application with a modern, purpose-built interface, which some teams may need time to get used to.
4. Workflow Design and Customization
Boardwise supports flexible workflows and can be adapted to fit a variety of board structures and governance models. Approvals, agenda flows, and follow-ups can be configured based on internal preferences.
Sherpany places a stronger emphasis on structured governance processes. Its meeting preparation workflow is designed to align with formal standards, which can be especially valuable for organizations operating in regulated sectors.
5. Automation and AI Support
Boardwise integrates Microsoft-based automation tools and supports features like smart templates and AI-generated meeting minutes to help simplify meeting preparation and documentation.
Sherpany includes AI-driven features like agenda suggestions and meeting summaries, focusing primarily on optimizing the meeting preparation phase. Broader automation capabilities or integration into external tools are currently more limited.
6. Pricing Models
Boardwise offers an annual subscription model with predictable costs, particularly suited for organizations already operating in the Microsoft 365 environment.
Sherpany uses a modular pricing structure that depends on selected features and the number of user licenses. This allows for flexible setups but may require more detailed configuration and planning.
Which Should You Choose?
Both Sherpany and Boardwise offer excellent governance tools but they are suited for different needs:
Choose Boardwise if
you’re looking for a board solution that works natively with Microsoft 365, keeps your data securely within your own environment, and fits naturally into your daily workflows - scaling easily within your existing IT setup.
Choose Sherpany if
your organization operates in a highly regulated industry and puts a strong focus on formal meeting governance, centralized processes, and using an all-in-one platform with its own dedicated interface outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
If data control, user familiarity, and cost efficiency are high on your list, Boardwise can offer a smoother onboarding and a strong return on investment.
If your focus is on compliance, meeting discipline, and governance transparency, Sherpany may provide the structured environment your board requires.
Still deciding?
Sometimes a quick conversation is more helpful than reading through more specs. Get in touch, we’ll help you cut through the details and find the right fit.
