Introducing Microsoft 365's New SharePoint e-Signature Service
Exploring Pricing, Features, and How It Stacks Up Against DocuSign.
In an era where digital transformation reigns supreme, Microsoft has stormed onto the scene with a potential game-changer for some organisations: the new e-Signature service integrated into its beloved Microsoft 365 suite.
As businesses pivot to dynamic and remote work models, the call for secure, reliable, and lightning-fast e-signature solutions has never been louder. On its initial launch it might be lacking a number of bells and whistles, but stick with us as we dive into the intricacies of this thrilling new feature, including pricing details, standout features, and a head-to-head comparison with the industry titan, DocuSign.
Overview of the SharePoint eSignature Service
The SharePoint e-Signature service is here to revolutionise your document-signing process, all within the familiar and trusted Microsoft ecosystem.
With seamless integration into Microsoft SharePoint, your documents can now be executed with the flick of a digital pen, without ever leaving your workspace.
Key Features
Seamless Integration The e-Signature service is built right into Microsoft SharePoint, ensuring your documents stay exactly where they belong. Just select, sign, and smile.
Compliance and Security Your documents remain within the secure confines of Microsoft 365, eliminating the need to upload sensitive files to third-party apps.
User-Friendly Interface With an intuitive design, navigating through the signing process is a breeze, boosting productivity and reducing the learning curve.
Cloud Storage Signed documents automatically save back into the SharePoint library, making it effortless to access and manage them from any device.
Audit Trails Comprehensive audit logs track every step of the signing process, ensuring transparency and legal enforceability.
Pricing Structure
The SharePoint e-Signature service operates on a pay-per-request basis, with no monthly or annual commitments. An individual request can have up-to 10 signees, both from within your organisation and external.
Available in the US, Canada, and UK, each request is priced at $2 or the local currency equivalent.
Comparing SharePoint e-Signature Service with DocuSign
DocuSign has long been the heavyweight champion in the e-signature arena. Here's how Microsoft's fresh contender measures up:
Integration and Usability
DocuSign offers broad integration with a multitude of third-party applications. Meanwhile, Microsoft's strength lies in its deep-rooted integration within the Microsoft 365 suite. For users steeped in the Microsoft ecosystem, the seamless workflow of the SharePoint eSignature service might be the perfect fit.
Security and Compliance
Both services are top-tier in security, boasting encryption, two-factor authentication, and adherence to global e-signature regulations.
Features and Functionality
DocuSign flaunts a plethora of features, including advanced workflow automation, document merging, payment collection, and extensive API capabilities. While the SharePoint eSignature service is catching up in advanced functionalities, it shines in its low cost, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 tools.
Pricing
DocuSign offers various plans starting at $10 per month for individual users, scaling up to enterprise-level solutions. The SharePoint eSignature service, with its competitive $2 pricing, is particularly advantageous for businesses already utilising Microsoft 365, especially for widespread use among employees with low-volume needs.
Conclusion: Which Service is Right for You?
Choosing between the SharePoint e-Signature service and DocuSign ultimately boils down to your business needs and existing technology stack.
DocuSign is ideal for businesses seeking advanced signature features, extensive integrations, and customisable workflows. It’s cost-effective for those with high-volume requests and has a strong market reputation. On the other hand, for businesses already ingrained in the Microsoft ecosystem, the SharePoint eSignature service offers a seamless, cost-effective solution with robust security and compliance for occasional use.
Both services have their unique strengths.
Assess your business requirements carefully to make an informed decision. To switch on the SharePoint e-Signature service, you will need to talk to your IT department or managed service provider.
And remember, not all business processes require this level of e-signature. For many internal needs, SharePoint offers built-in audit trails or there are purpose-built services for policy acknowledgements, including our own Acknowledgement Manager app.
As digital transformation increases the demand for secure e-signature solutions, both DocuSign and SharePoint e-Signature enhance operational efficiency. We will continue to monitor Microsoft 365’s SharePoint e-Signature service as it grows in functionality and we move towards a more digital signature future.
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