Let's face it. Picking the right intranet software feels a bit like shopping for a new car when you're not quite sure what's under the bonnet. There are dozens of intranet platforms for enterprises crowding the market, each claiming to be the perfect solution for your team.
You've probably got tabs open right now comparing features, pricing and reviews, trying to make sense of it all. It's overwhelming, we know.
That's why we've created this straightforward guide. Instead of drowning you in technical jargon, we're putting Elcom intranet software head-to-head with other leading options. We'll use Elcom as our benchmark since our customers tell us it hits the sweet spot between powerful features and actual usability.
Whether you're replacing an outdated system or building your first company intranet, this honest comparison will help you understand what makes different intranet software options tick and why so many organisations ultimately choose Elcom for their internal communication needs.
Designed for Enterprise Complexity
Big organisations have big needs. It's that simple. When you're managing thousands of employees across multiple departments, locations or even countries, your intranet can't just be a digital noticeboard.
Elcom intranet software stands out because it was built from the ground up for complex enterprise environments. But what does that really mean for your day-to-day operations?
Beyond the Features: Real Enterprise Benefits
When comparing intranet software for organisations, you need to look past the basic feature lists. The true value of an enterprise intranet platform shows up when your organisation faces complex challenges:
Departmental Structure That Makes Sense
Large organisations typically have multiple business units, each with their own structure. Elcom's intranet software can mirror your exact organisational setup, no matter how complex. Each department can have its own navigation, branding elements and content types without creating confusion for users.
Permissions That Actually Work
Not everyone should see everything. Elcom's permission system lets you control access based on multiple factors at once. A manager in Sydney might see different content than a manager in Brisbane, even though they share the same job title. This granular control helps protect sensitive information while still making the right content available to the right people.
Enterprise System Connection
Most organisations already use multiple systems for HR, finance, and operations. Rather than creating yet another standalone tool, Elcom connects with your existing enterprise platforms. This means employees can find HR policies, submit expense claims, and check company news all within the same intranet environment.
Room to Grow
The intranet software comparison table shows how Elcom stands apart in terms of scalability. This matters because organisations change. Departments merge, new offices open, and user numbers grow. With Elcom, you won't outgrow your intranet platform as your organisation evolves.
When evaluating intranet platform for enterprises, ask vendors specifically about their largest implementations.
- How many users do they support?
- How many departments?
- How deep can the organisational structure go?
The answers will tell you whether you're looking at genuine enterprise software or something better suited to smaller organisations.
Enterprise Capability Comparison: Elcom vs Typical Intranet Solutions
| Enterprise Capability |
Elcom Intranet Platform |
Basic Intranet Solutions |
Mid-range Platforms |
| Organisational Structure Support |
Unlimited depth hierarchies with independent permissions for each level |
Typically limited to 2-3 levels of organisational hierarchy |
Usually supports 3-5 levels with limited customisation options |
| User Capacity |
Enterprise-grade architecture supporting 10,000+ concurrent users without performance issues |
Typically optimised for smaller teams under 500 users |
Usually handles between 500-5,000 users before performance degradation |
| Authentication & Security |
Comprehensive security with SSO, MFA, SAML integration and advanced permission matrix |
Basic password protection with limited or no SSO capabilities |
Standard SSO options with basic permission groups |
| Content Management Workflows |
Multi-stage approvals, role-based workflows, conditional publishing rules and scheduled content |
Basic draft and publish states with minimal workflow options |
Linear approval workflows with limited branching capabilities |
| Enterprise System Integration |
Extensive API support with pre-built connectors |
Minimal integration capabilities beyond basic data imports |
Basic API access with limited pre-built integrations |
| Compliance & Governance |
Comprehensive audit trails, compliance reporting and content lifecycle management |
Basic activity logs with limited reporting capabilities |
Standard audit capabilities with some reporting options |
| Multi-location Support |
Advanced content targeting by location, department, role or custom user attributes |
Manual content segmentation with no automated targeting |
Basic location filtering with limited personalisation options |
| System Reliability |
Full failover capabilities, automated backups and 99.9% uptime SLA guarantees |
Basic backup options with limited redundancy planning |
Standard backup options with basic redundancy capabilities |
Flexible Content Management
Managing content shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle. Yet many teams struggle with intranet platforms that force them into rigid templates and limited formatting options.
Elcom intranet software for organisations takes a completely different approach.
Comparing Content Management Approaches
| Content Capability |
Elcom Intranet Platform |
Template-Driven Intranets |
| Page Layout Control |
Drag-and-drop component builder with flexible layouts and responsive design options |
Fixed templates with limited customisation choices and predefined sections |
| Content Types |
Create unlimited custom content types with specific fields and display requirements |
Limited to predefined content types with minimal customisation options |
| Publishing Workflow |
In-context editing with frontend publishing tools allowing users to update directly from the page view |
Separate admin interfaces requiring users to navigate away from what they're viewing to make changes |
| Media Management |
Advanced digital asset management with automatic image optimisation and version control |
Basic media libraries with limited sorting and tagging capabilities |
| Content Reuse |
Dynamic content blocks that update across multiple locations when changed once |
Content typically needs to be duplicated across sections, creating version control issues |
| Design Control |
Brand guidelines built into the system with flexibility for departmental customisation |
One-size-fits-all design with limited ability to differentiate between departments |
| Mobile Experience |
Fully responsive with purpose-built mobile interfaces that maintain full functionality |
Often offers reduced functionality or awkward interfaces on mobile devices |
Real-World Impact of Flexible Content Management
Looking at the Port Waratah Coal Services example, we can see how Elcom's frontend publishing capabilities have transformed their content management process. Their team can now publish news, events, alerts and notifications directly from the intranet interface without needing to access complex backend systems.
What makes this work so well is the intuitive "Manage News" buttons placed directly on pages. This allows content owners to update information seamlessly right where they see it. There's no more switching between preview and edit modes or hunting through admin menus to find the right section.
The Port Waratah example highlights several key benefits of Elcom's approach to content management:
Controlled Yet Flexible Publishing
Their intranet balances two seemingly contradictory needs: giving teams the freedom to update content easily while ensuring everything follows organisational guidelines. Content owners get intuitive tools that make updates simple, but the system maintains brand consistency and publishing standards.
Streamlined Information Flow
The screenshot shows how the interface makes it easy to manage alerts which are critical for organisations where timely updates can impact operations. With traditional systems, urgent communications often get delayed in publishing queues. Elcom's direct publishing approach removes these bottlenecks.
Beyond Basic Web Content
While basic intranet software treats all content as simple web pages, Elcom understands that different information types need different handling. Structured content tools allow you to create custom templates for policies, procedures, employee profiles, event calendars, and other specialised content types. Each can have its own approval workflow, expiry dates, and display options.
When evaluating intranet software for organisations, look beyond generic content management capabilities. Ask about how the system handles your specific content types and whether subject matter experts can easily maintain their own areas. The right solution will balance flexibility with appropriate guardrails, just as we see in the Port Waratah implementation.
Integrated with Microsoft 365 and Beyond
When comparing intranet software, integration capabilities are often the make-or-break factor for organisations that rely heavily on Microsoft tools.
Seamless SharePoint Integration That Actually Works
Elcom has built comprehensive SharePoint integration capabilities.
Unlike basic intranet software for organisations that might offer limited connector functions, Elcom provides true bi-directional integration where:
- SharePoint document libraries appear directly within the intranet interface
- Users can search, browse, and manage SharePoint documents without leaving the intranet
- Document version control and permissions flow seamlessly between systems
- Content can be surfaced contextually across the intranet
Beyond Basic Microsoft Connections
| Integration Capability |
Elcom Intranet Platform |
Standard Intranet Solutions |
| SharePoint Document Management |
Full bi-directional integration with SharePoint document libraries appearing natively in the intranet interface with search, filtering and version control |
Basic document links or limited iFrame embedding requiring users to switch contexts |
| Microsoft Teams Integration |
Teams conversations and channels embedded within intranet pages with ability to join meetings directly from the intranet |
Simple links to Teams or basic notifications without true integration |
| Microsoft Entra ID & Authentication |
Complete identity management with single sign-on and synchronised user profiles, groups and permissions |
Basic authentication with limited profile synchronisation capabilities |
| Office & OneDrive |
Edit Office documents directly within the intranet, access OneDrive files, co-author documents in real-time without switching applications |
Download/upload workflow requiring users to move between systems |
| Microsoft Search |
Unified search experience that returns results from intranet content, SharePoint documents, Teams conversations and other Microsoft resources |
Separate search systems requiring multiple queries to find information across platforms |
| Outlook & Calendar Integration |
View and manage calendar events, receive notifications, and respond to meeting requests directly from the intranet |
Limited or no email and calendar integration |
| Power Platform Compatibility |
Embed Power BI dashboards, Power Apps forms and Power Automate workflows directly into intranet pages |
Limited or no support for Microsoft Power Platform tools |
Real Business Benefits of Proper Integration
Looking at the intranet software comparison table above highlights how Elcom brings Microsoft tools into its own intuitive interface and several practical benefits become immediately apparent:
Single Digital Workplace Experience
Employees don't need to jump between applications. The intranet becomes the central hub where they can access documents, conversations, and tools through a consistent interface. For example, with the Microsoft Teams integration, employees can view their Teams Channels within the same design system as the rest of the intranet.
Enhanced Productivity Flows
Elcom connects documents, teams and communication tools in ways that reflect real work patterns. For example, users can see relevant documents alongside team member information, or access SharePoint libraries contextually within department sections.
Maximised Microsoft Investment
Many organisations have significant investments in Microsoft 365 but struggle with adoption. Elcom's integration approach helps organisations get more value from existing Microsoft licenses by making the tools more accessible and contextual.
Beyond Microsoft: Open Integration Approach
Elcom's intranet software for organisations also offers connectivity with other enterprise systems:
- CRM platforms including Salesforce and Dynamics
- Learning management systems including Canvas LMS
- Productivity tools such as Dropbox and Box
During your intranet software comparison journey, look beyond simple "connects with" claims on vendor websites. Ask for demonstrations of how the integration works in practice. Can users interact with connected systems directly within the intranet? Does information flow both ways? Are permissions and security maintained across systems?
The right intranet doesn't replace your existing enterprise tools, it enhances them by bringing them together in a cohesive digital workplace!
Built-in Personalisation and Targeting
Showing everyone the same content regardless of their role or location is a recipe for information overload.
That's why Elcom's intranet platform for enterprises includes sophisticated personalisation capabilities right out of the box, no coding required.
Personalisation That Drives Real Business Value
| Personalisation Capability |
Elcom Intranet Platform |
Generic Intranet Solutions |
| Multi-Brand Support |
Dedicated brand spaces with unique templates, content and styling while maintaining centralised governance (as seen in Spotlight Group case) |
Single brand experience with minimal differentiation between business units |
| Content Targeting |
Dynamic content delivery based on user attributes including location, department, role and custom fields without duplicate content management |
Limited targeting requiring manual content duplication across sections |
| User Dashboards |
Personalised dashboards showing relevant news, tasks, systems and quick links based on user profile |
Standard dashboards with minimal personalisation options |
| Navigation Customisation |
Dynamic menus that adjust based on user permissions, showing only relevant sections |
Static navigation structure regardless of user role or permissions |
| Notifications & Alerts |
Targeted notifications and mandatory acknowledgements for specific user groups (like Spotlight's upcoming Acknowledgements module) |
Broadcast notifications visible to all users regardless of relevance |
| Team Spaces |
Dedicated collaboration areas for teams, projects and social communities with appropriate permissions |
Limited collaboration tools or external tools required for team spaces |
| Quick Links & Tools |
Role-based application links and tools that appear based on job function and access requirements |
Standard links visible to all regardless of relevance to role |
Real-World Success: Spotlight Group's Multi-Brand Personalisation
The Spotlight Group case study perfectly illustrates the power of personalisation across a complex organisation. With employees spread across iconic Australian retail brands like Spotlight, Anaconda and Harris Scarfe, they faced a significant challenge: how to deliver relevant content to each brand while maintaining consistent corporate communications.
Using Elcom's multi-site intranet platform, Spotlight Group created "Central", a personalised communication hub that delivers both brand-specific and cross-brand content to employees.
As Melissa Adeson, Learning & Development Manager at Spotlight Group explains: "Central is bringing everything together for our 12,000 employees, with the major benefit being the ability to deliver content and communication to the entire organisation from one location."
Spotlight Group's experience highlights several key advantages of Elcom's personalisation capabilities:
Cross-Brand Content Without Duplication
Before implementing Elcom, Spotlight faced a common challenge in multi-brand organisations: "Half the people who work at Spotlight didn't know we own Anaconda or were entitled to employee discounts at Anaconda stores." Their new intranet solution addressed this by allowing central content to appear across all brand sites while maintaining unique brand identities. As noted in the case study, they're "seeing considerable time savings gained from the ability to quickly put content up once across 4 sites, rather than doing so one at a time."
Location and Role-Based Relevance
With 12,000 employees across 4 different countries, Spotlight needed to deliver content based on both geographical location and business role. Elcom's intranet platform for enterprises enabled them to "deliver brand specific news, communications, and documents relevant to their own employees" while still maintaining access to shared corporate information.
Personalised System Access
Central "brings everything employees might need to access together in one interface. This includes quicklinks to relevant systems, which are really important for helping retail store employees who don't have company devices." This role-based system access ensures frontline staff can quickly find exactly what they need without wading through irrelevant tools.
Team-Based Collaboration Spaces
Spotlight leverages Elcom's Team pages to "create spaces around social communities and for various teams. For example, Anaconda has clubs for 4wd and fishing enthusiasts." These personalised collaboration spaces foster engagement while keeping conversations organised and accessible to the right audiences.
When conducting an intranet software comparison, look beyond basic filtering features. True personalisation should work automatically based on user profiles and permissions without requiring manual content duplication or complex coding. Ask potential vendors how their solution would handle specific personalisation scenarios relevant to your organisation.
Security, Permissions, and Compliance at Scale
Enterprise organisations face complex security challenges that basic intranet platforms simply can't handle.
The Elcom intranet software features robust security capabilities while maintaining usability for all stakeholders.
Enterprise-Grade Security That Scales
| Security Capability |
Elcom Intranet Software |
Basic Intranet Solutions |
| Access Control Models |
Multi-dimensional access controls based on role, department, location, device type and network context |
Simple role-based permissions with limited granularity |
| Authentication Options |
Multi-factor authentication, biometric options, SSO integration with enterprise identity providers, and secure password policies |
Basic username/password authentication with limited SSO capabilities |
| Network Security |
Context-aware security that adapts content access based on network location and device type |
Same content access regardless of connection security |
| Audit & Compliance |
Comprehensive audit trails tracking all user actions, document access, and system changes with retention policies for regulated industries |
Basic log files with limited retention and reporting capabilities |
| Document Security |
Version control, document-level permissions, watermarking, and controlled distribution options |
Simple file storage with limited version tracking |
| Data Protection |
Encryption at rest and in transit, data loss prevention controls, and secure content delivery |
Basic SSL encryption with limited data protection features |
Key Security Advantages
Elcom offers several critical security features that set it apart:
Granular Permissions
Create sophisticated permission structures without coding. Define access by department, role, location or custom attributes, ensuring users see only what they need.
Enterprise Authentication
Beyond basic password protection, Elcom supports multi-factor authentication, single sign-on integration with major identity providers, and biometric options for sensitive environments.
Audit and Compliance
Comprehensive audit trails track all system activities, supporting compliance requirements in regulated industries. Automated reporting helps security teams identify potential issues before they become problems.
Secure Remote Access
Enable off-site access without compromising security. Elcom's contextual security can limit certain functions based on connection type while keeping essential information available.
When comparing intranet software for organisations, look beyond basic security features to understand how the platform will handle your specific compliance requirements and scale with your organisation's growth.
Real World Example
Northeast Health Wangaratta's implementation showcases how Elcom balances security with accessibility.
Their "Connect" intranet uses context-aware permissions that adjust access based on location and device, ensuring clinical data remains protected while staff stay informed.
They have custom-developed scenarios that support secure, flexible access. On-site staff using our network have access to all resources and links. However, accessing the intranet from a mobile phone or devices off-site offers a different experience, with some functionality greyed out or inaccessible outside the secure network, to protect confidential data. Staff can still view information such as their roster, news feed, career opportunities, training, events and links to key documents, allowing them to stay informed and connected even when working remotely.
Support That Goes Beyond the Launch
Implementing new intranet software for organisations is just the beginning of your digital workplace journey. While many vendors consider their job done after launch day, Elcom takes a fundamentally different approach.
| Support Element |
Elcom Support Model |
Typical Intranet Vendors |
| Initial Warranty |
3-month warranty period with transition support from project to operations |
Limited or no warranty beyond basic bug fixes |
| Support Team Structure |
In-house Australian support team with direct access to developers and project staff |
Offshore support or tiered system with limited access to product experts |
| Customer Success Management |
Dedicated Account Manager for strategic guidance, optimisation recommendations, and platform maximisation |
Little to no post-implementation optimisation support; expectation to hire consultants |
| Training Options |
Flexible training for publishers, administrators and developers delivered in-person or online |
Self-service documentation or limited initial training sessions |
The Elcom Difference: A Full-Service Support Team
Elcom's approach to customer success extends far beyond typical vendor support. We don't simply hand you a product and walk away. We're with you for the long haul.
Unlike vendors who rely on self-service help centres or third-party consultants, Elcom provides:
Dedicated Account Manager
After your intranet launch, you're assigned a dedicated Account Manager who serves as your strategic partner.
Each organisation receives a dedicated Account Manager who maintains continuity and understands your specific implementation. They schedule regular check-ins, troubleshoot issues, and work as a strategic partner to help maximise your intranet's value.
Customer Success Manager
Unlike typical vendors who disappear after implementation, Elcom's CSM provide continuous optimisation recommendations, offering expert guidance on how to best set up specific sections of your intranet and best practice advice.
Your Account manager can schedule meetings with Elcom's CSMs to ensure you're getting the most from your intranet software.
Unlimited Helpdesk Support
Your intranet is mission-critical, which is why Elcom offers unlimited access to their local support team. Critical issues are addressed around the clock, with standard business hours support for all other questions.
Comprehensive Training Options
Elcom's training team designs flexible programs tailored to your needs, including:
- Publisher and administrator training for content managers
- Frontend developer training for design staff
- Backend developer training for technical teams
A True Partnership Approach
What sets Elcom apart is our commitment to working as an extension of your team. As Amy Batchelor from NSW Health Education Center Against Violence explains: "It was a true collaboration and partnership. Elcom were extremely responsive and felt like an extension of the ECAV team."
When selecting intranet software for organisations, consider not just the platform features but the ongoing support you'll receive. The right partner will ensure your intranet continues to evolve with your organisation's changing needs, delivering continuous value long after the initial implementation.
Why Elcom Stands Out in the Intranet Space
When comparing intranet options, the differences between basic solutions and enterprise-ready platforms become clear. Elcom intranet software stands apart through its unique combination of robust features, flexibility, and ongoing partnership.
A Complete Enterprise Solution
| Key Differentiator |
Why It Matters |
| Enterprise-Grade Architecture |
Supports 10,000+ users, complex organisational structures, and multi-brand environments without performance degradation |
| Advanced Integration Capabilities |
Seamlessly connects with Microsoft 365, enterprise systems, and business-critical applications for a unified digital workplace |
| Flexible Content Management |
Empowers non-technical users with intuitive publishing tools while maintaining brand consistency and content governance |
| Sophisticated Personalisation |
Delivers targeted content based on role, location, department and user preferences without duplicate content management |
| Comprehensive Security Framework |
Protects sensitive information with contextual access controls, enterprise authentication, and compliance capabilities |
| Full-Service Partnership |
Provides ongoing support, strategic guidance, and platform optimisation beyond the initial implementation |
Beyond Basic Intranet Software Features
Is Elcom Right for Your Organisation?
Elcom intranet software is ideal for organisations that:
- Need to support complex structures across multiple departments, brands or locations
- Require seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and other enterprise systems
- Value security and compliance capabilities without sacrificing usability
- Want personalised user experiences without complex configuration
- Seek a long-term partner rather than just a software vendor
See firsthand how Elcom's intranet platform for enterprises can address your specific organisational challenges.
Book a personalised demo today where we'll show you how Elcom's features solve real business problems and adapt to your unique requirements.