The battle of the e-signatures
The future of documentation is electronic signatures. During the last year, many companies have moved their wet ink signature processes to digital. This has created a huge market for electronic signature software, but which is best? This article takes three leading signature software products and compares them against each other.
DocuSign
DocuSign is a USA based company, founded in 2003. Their system hosts over 500,000 customers including VISA, Face book, and Samsung. Despite the software being hosted in the USA and there being no legal requirement for GDPR compliance, DocuSign adheres to GDPR legislation meaning it can be used in the UK and EU. Features include audit trail, authentication, customisable templates, document analysis, and multi-party signing.
Cost: £8 per month for individuals, £20 per user p/m for Standard plan, £33 per user p/m for business pro (Including a free trial)
Platforms: Web based, Desktop-Mac and Windows, Mobile-Android, iPhone, iPad
Support Options: Email, Phone, Ticket, Chat
Training: Live Online, Webinars and Documentation
Adobe Sign
Adobe Sign is a product from the company Adobe. They host the massively popular Adobe Creative Cloud and make and manage software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat. If you subscribe to Adobe products already, it may already be included in your package. However, it’s not included in all so you may need to still buy it.
Features include audit trail, authentication, customisable templates, multi-party signing; Though unlike DocuSign, no document analysis.
Cost: £25.28 per user p/m for individuals, £36.50 per user p/m for a Small Business plan, with options for larger (10 users+) business (including a free trial)
Platforms: Web based, Desktop (on premise)-Linux and Windows-Android, iPhone, iPad
Support Options: Email, Phone, Ticket, Chat
Training: Live Online, Webinars, Documentation and Videos
E-Sign
E-Sign are a Liverpool based company founded in 2012. Despite being a smaller company than DocuSign and Adobe, they are equally as certified being ISO27001 and cyber essentials certified. Being UK based, the data doesn’t leave the UK and so you’re definitely safe under GDRP legislation. Features include audit trail, authentication, customisable templates, document analysis, and multi-party signing.
Cost: £1.60 per document pay as you go, £24 for user p/m for a Small Business plan, £40 per user p/m for a larger business (including a free trial)
Platforms: Web based, Desktop (on premise) -Mac and Windows -Android, iPhone, iPad
Support Options: Email, Phone, Ticket, Chat
Training: Live Online and Documentation
Which should your business use?
By now, you’ve probably notice that they’re all similar with only a few subtle differences between them all. The main difference being price. Before deciding on software, we would recommend auditing how many signatures you’re likely to need and then use the pricing models to work out the most cost effective. If it’s very few, it’s likely E-Sign is good for you, it’s much more, DocuSign might be a better bet. And if you already pay for Adobe Sign, start using that.
Find Out More
If you enjoyed this briefing paper, check out our other digital resources which cover a wide range of topics, including quantum computing, social media, and 3D printing.
The Lancashire Cyber Foundry runs a series of business strategy and cyber workshops specifically designed for SMEs in Lancashire. We’re passionate about seeing Lancashire business become more cyber-aware and innovative and so offer funded places for companies to come and learn how to defend, innovate and grow their business. Additionally, we have an experienced technical team ready to help you with your business innovation ideas, particularly around cyber and digital innovation.
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About the Author
Geraint Harries
Before starting at Lancaster University over four years ago, Geraint had worked in software development roles in IBM and the Civil Service. In addition to being a qualified teacher, Geraint has worked freelance with a varied client base as a software developer and graphic designer.
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