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On24 vs. UnisFair: What are the main differences?
I've been doing research on virtual event software and have narrowed down my choices to On24 and UnisFair. What are the differences between these two companies? Which would you recommend and why?
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3 Answers
Sam,
Let me say up front that I am with Unisfair, but I will try to give you some things to think about.
Unisfair is the company that in 2000 had the original vision of a virtual environment for business, where attendees can connect, learn and engage on the internet.
On24 is a webcasting company that recently added functionality to enter the virtual event market.
Here are the main differences as I see them:
1. Integrated User Experience
Unisfair has developed all components of its platform inhouse, which creates a seamless and easy-to-use attendee experience where you almost feel that you are in a physical location.
Companies that create mashups with other technologies (e.g. chat, content, video...) often have a lot of disconnected windows pop up, which is confusing for the user. A good test is to listen to a webcast session, leave it on and play another one, or go back to the main hall, where you play a video or a virtual host greeting. In a less integrated environment, these will now all play at the same time, which is hard to stop and very confusing for less technical audiences. In Unisfair you will navigate from location to location and let the platfrom manage your experience.
2. Configurability and Self Serve
Unisfair has the Venue Builder, which allows you to create your own branded virtual environment with mouse clicks - just like configuring your Yahoo account. Flexible hotspots also give you unlimited freedom in creative design and brand expression.
You can make changes in real-time, add locations, change navigation, swap out logos, even while a live event is going on in your virtual venue.
Other vendors typically reqire changes to me made by their services team with a "freeze period", after which you can't make any more changes to the environment, which can be weeks before the live day.
3. Virtual Engagement Center
Unisfair has the only 3-tier organizational model in the industry, which allows you to create any numbers of virtual venues, with any configuration of rooms, locations etc. and run any number of virtual events.
This is key for developing a coherent engagement strategy, where you can track attendees across your virtual events over time.
For attendes this means that they can visit all of your events using the same profile or identity, without re-registering. Also, they can keep their virtual briefcase to collect content and contacts across all your events.
4. Reporting
Unisfair has Smart Reporting capability across all your virtual properties and events. You can track everything an attendee does, providing unmatched lead qualification for your sales team.
The unique Unisfair Engagement index allows you to distill all of this data into one metric, combining attendee Demographics, Activities and Interest. With just that number you can rank your leads, alllowing you to keep less qualified attendees in the environment to mature and send those that you deem qualified to your team for follow-up. You can configure the engagement index to represent exactly the type of lead and the type of behavior you are looking for and you can configure different indices for your different sponsors.
5. Events vs. Engagement
Unisfair's customers are converging to always-on virtual environments, to connect with their audiences 24/365.
Other vendors are focused on standalone virtual events.
These are just some of the differences. I would encourage you to go to the websites, check out some of the case studies to see some of the ways companies use virtual events and then contact both vendors to get more details.
Sam - in addition to the technology and platform (which Joerg does a good job covering), you'll also want to consider the team behind the technology.
A technology platform provides the most value when, ultimately, the end user can configure and provision it 100% on their own. And don't get me wrong, the technology and the platform should be a primary driver in considering a vendor.
If this is your first virtual event or virtual business environment, however, you'll likely need a consultative team (with virtual event expertise) to guide you. Over your next few events, then, you'll become more and more self sufficient, to the point where we give you the keys and you drive.
I recommend that you try to find associates or peers who have used the platforms and had direct experience with their services teams. They'll be able to share insights both on the technology, as well as the processes and people on the vendor side.
Good luck with your evaluation, decision and event(s)!
Sam,
To add to Dennis and Joerg's points is to consider the future product development for the platforms. If you're looking for a long-term solution, you'll want to select a provider who will be able to grow with your needs and demonstrate a clear roadmap on where they're taking their platform.
One other aspect is customer service, especially if this is the first time you're producing a virtual event. Who can help you with your event from a holistic perspective and provide you with the strategy that you require for a successful virtual event.
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