Meebo Alternatives
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Compare Zoho vs Digsby vs LibraryH3lp vs QuestionPoint vs LibChat
Compare Zoho vs Digsby vs LibraryH3lp vs QuestionPoint vs LibChat
Link | Zoho | Digsby | LibraryH3lp | QuestionPoint | LibChat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | zoho.com/... | digsby.com | libraryh3lp.com | questionpoint.org | springshare.com/... |
| Pricing | Free | Free | population-based, starting at $180/yr 20,001 - 25,000 students: $540 US annually; 25,001 - 30,000students: $600 US annually (Free trial available) | Dependent on student population and package. (Participate in reference co-op?) | Dependent on student population. (Waiting for quote.) |
| Embeddable | Yes Widget - similar to meebo | Yes Widget - similar to meebo | Yes Widget (includes "float over" and "pop out" options) | Yes Widget | Yes Widget |
| Multiple Users | Yes - Live Support Option | Each department/user would have to sign up for their own Digsby account. | Yes (unlimited concurrent operators in all subscriptions) | Yes | Yes |
| Help Guides & Instructional Material | Live chat support | Getting Started guide and support forum. digsby.com/... | Instructional videos and documentation. Guidelines for switching from Meebo available: libraryh3lp.com/... and blogspot.ca/... | QuestionPoint Librarian training: questionpoint.org/... | Webinars, instructional documentation and online training offered. |
| Chat transcripts | Yes - Can be deleted | Yes - can be deleted | Yes - can be emailed to patron after chat - can be deleted | Yes - can be emailed to patron after chat - can be deleted | Yes - can be emailed to patron after chat - can be deleted |
| Privacy features | SSL; chat history can be purged | digsby.com/... Chat history can be deleted | Library can purge its own data independently; anonymize identifying information; SSL encryption; no ads; no data mining | Patron data securely stored in Springshare database; purge on request; SMS numbers never displayed; "We will never sell, distribute, or misuse patron information in any way" | |
| Privacy (Both staff and public) | Staff may log on anonymously (i.e. "Ask a librarian"); Users are asked to submit names or aliases. | Both staff and public can remain anonymous. | Both staff and public can remain anonymous. | Staff can remain anonymous. Library sets up how much information users must share to chat with staff. | Both staff and public can remain anonymous. |
| Stats/report generation | No | No | Yes Extensive reporting tools available; stats also available via API. | Yes | Yes Extensive analytical tools. http://www.springshare.com/libanswers/features.html |
| File attachment | - can only send to registered Zoho users | No | Yes 20 meg max | - ? | No |
| Customizable appearance | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable notifications | - Simple status updates only; no pop-up notifications | Yes Status or offline updates | Yes Standard away message or hide widget when offline | Yes | Yes |
| Host (Canada or other?) | U.S. | U.S. | Servers in U.S., Canada, Europe, and Singapore | U.S. | U.S. Also includes a free custom domain of your choice (e.g., answers.school.edu, or reference.yourlib.org) |
| Networks supported | Google, Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, AIM, ICQ, MySpace, Jabber | Google, Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, AIM, ICQ, MySpace, Jabber | AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Facebook, XMPP/Jabber | None? | None: not based on Jabber protocol |
| Cross-platform | All major browsers | All major browsers | All major browsers | All major browsers | All major browsers |
| Transfer chats | No | No | Yes | - Concordia reported difficulty with chat transfers. | Yes |
| Other Libraries Using Platform | Easter Library clearwater.edu/... | Nazareth naz.edu/... | UWO: lib.uwo.ca ; University of Manitoba: umanitoba.ca/... | Concordia: concordia.ca/... ; Douglas College douglas.bc.ca/... | LibChat is not yet fully functional. They plan to have LibChat functioning before Meebo is retired. |
| Trial | No | Yes 90 days | Yes | ||
| Notable Features | Different staff members can have their own Zoho account with their name and share responsibility for taking chats. | Extensive documentation on easy switch over from Meebo. | 24/7 Reference co-op (optional) | LibChat comes with LibAnswers. Library can create a FAQ section using questions asked. |
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