Ryver - Detailed Review
Collaboration Tools
Ryver - Product Overview
Ryver Overview
Ryver is a comprehensive collaboration tool that streamlines team communication and task management into a single, user-friendly application.
Primary Function
Ryver’s primary function is to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members. It integrates various features such as messaging, voice and video calls, task management, and file sharing, making it an all-in-one solution for team collaboration.
Target Audience
Ryver is designed for teams of all sizes, including small businesses, large enterprises, and even organizations that need to collaborate with external partners such as vendors, advisors, and customers. The average Ryver team size is around 81 users, indicating its scalability and suitability for diverse team structures.
Key Features
Messaging and Calls
Ryver offers unlimited 1-1 and group messaging, as well as voice and video calls with screen sharing capabilities. This allows teams to communicate effectively and hold virtual meetings.
Task Management
The platform enables users to turn conversations into actionable tasks, track progress with task boards and integrated checklists, and manage projects efficiently.
File Sharing and Storage
Ryver provides unlimited file sharing and storage, allowing teams to share files directly from services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.com.
Custom Channels and Discussions
Teams can create custom channels for topic-related discussions, making it easier to organize conversations by function or department.
Single Sign-On (SSO) and Security
Ryver supports SSO through Active Directory, Google G-Suite, Okta, and OnePassword, enhancing security and compliance. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
Integrations
The platform integrates with thousands of other apps using Zapier and supports custom integrations via APIs and webhooks, enabling automated workflows and notifications.
Workflow Automation
Ryver’s Enterprise edition includes workflow automation powered by its proprietary Active Response Technology™ (ART), which automates event responses and task assignments.
Conclusion
Overall, Ryver is a versatile tool that simplifies team communication, enhances collaboration, and streamlines task management, making it an attractive solution for a wide range of organizations.
Ryver - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
Ryver’s interface is characterized by its integration of multiple features into a single platform. It combines team messaging, task management, and communication tools, which can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, this comprehensive approach allows users to manage tasks and conversations within the same interface, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
However, some users have noted that the design can feel a bit heavy and less modern compared to other platforms like Slack. The interface may appear somewhat cluttered, with multiple features and sections such as Forums, Teams, ‘All Hands,’ ‘Task Stream,’ and ‘Personal Tasks,’ which can lead to initial confusion about how to use these different components effectively.
Ease of Use
Despite the potential for initial confusion, Ryver is generally praised for its ease of use once users become familiar with the platform. The intuitive design, although not as sleek as Slack’s, makes it relatively easy for teams to start using the tool quickly. Users have reported being able to set up and start using Ryver within minutes, which is a significant advantage for teams looking to adopt a new collaboration tool without a steep learning curve.
User Experience
The overall user experience with Ryver is positive, particularly for teams that value integrated project management and communication. Users appreciate the ability to turn conversations into tasks seamlessly, which helps in maintaining clear communication and ensuring everyone is on the same page. The customizable notifications and flexible settings also contribute to a user-friendly experience, ensuring that users receive relevant and timely alerts without unnecessary distractions.
Customer Support
Ryver’s customer support has improved over time. While there were initial reports of slow response times, recent experiences indicate that the support team now responds promptly, often within ten minutes. This improvement in customer service enhances the overall user experience, providing users with the support they need to effectively use the platform.
Conclusion
In summary, Ryver’s user interface is feature-rich but may require some time to get accustomed to due to its comprehensive nature. However, the platform is generally easy to use, and the user experience is enhanced by its integrated features and improved customer support.
Ryver - Key Features and Functionality
Overview
Ryver, a comprehensive collaboration tool, offers a range of features that streamline team communication, task management, and integration with other applications. Here are the main features and how they work:Chat and Messaging
Ryver provides extensive chat capabilities, including direct messages with text and attachments, as well as group discussions. Users can create teams for invite-only private discussions or forums for open, company-wide conversations. This feature is ideal for organizing conversations by function, such as teams for “Sales” or “Customer Service”.Task Management
One of Ryver’s unique features is its ability to turn conversations into actionable tasks. These tasks are displayed in a kanban board style, allowing users to easily move, assign, and track them. Users can create unlimited tasks, team boards, and personal boards, and add granularity with checklists and tags. This integration of web conferencing and task management simplifies project management and ensures that discussions lead to tangible actions.Voice and Video Calls
Ryver includes voice and video call functionality, allowing for unlimited calls for up to five users. Joining a call can be done with a single click from the chat box. This feature supports screen sharing, making it suitable for internal team conference calls.File Sharing and Integrations
Users can share files directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.com. Ryver also integrates with thousands of other apps using Zapier, provided the user has a Zapier account. Additionally, Ryver offers its own API and webhooks for custom integrations and bots, enabling features like instant notifications for sales leads, creating customer service tickets, and managing IT ChatOps.Security and Single Sign-On
Ryver ensures data security with SSL connections protected by 256-bit RSA encryption and encrypted DB files. It also supports Single Sign-On (SSO) through existing identity providers like Google Apps, Microsoft ADFS, OneLogin, and Okta, which helps in strengthening regulation compliance and reducing password reset requests.Search Functionality
Ryver offers unlimited search functionality, allowing users to quickly find messages, files, and tasks within the platform. This feature is crucial for keeping track of past conversations and locating specific information efficiently.AI Integration
While Ryver itself does not heavily integrate AI into its core collaboration features, it can be connected with AI tools through Zapier. For example, you can set up a trigger in Ryver (like a new chat message) and an action in AI by Zapier (like analyzing and returning data), automating workflows without needing any coding.Conclusion
In summary, Ryver is a versatile tool that combines chat, task management, and voice/video calls into one platform, making it an efficient solution for team collaboration and project management. Its integration capabilities and security features add significant value, especially for smaller companies and teams looking for an affordable and comprehensive collaboration solution. Ryver - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Ryver has recently undergone significant updates aimed at improving its performance and reliability. These updates, which followed over 18 months of development and substantial investment, include the modernization of the web client with updated backend services, a migration to faster and more efficient Amazon Web Services servers, and an optimization of the user interface for enhanced speed and performance. Users have generally praised Ryver for its ease of use and efficient multi-team management capabilities. The platform integrates well with various tools and systems, allowing seamless information sharing and task tracking. The revamped mobile apps for both iOS and Android have also been well-received, ensuring that users can access the platform efficiently across different devices.Accuracy and Reliability
Ryver is known for its reliable performance, with users noting that it handles essential project tasks and team communication effectively. The platform offers unlimited chat, task management, topics, and groups, which are crucial for accurate and reliable team collaboration. Additionally, Ryver is currently in beta for screen sharing, voice, and video features, which will further enhance its capabilities.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, there are some areas where Ryver could improve:Customization of Team Alerts
Some users have found it difficult to customize team alerts, which can be a significant inconvenience.Handling Voice Messages
Ryver currently does not support voice messages, a feature that many users hope will be added in the future.Performance on Linux
There have been reports of the left navigation panel sometimes showing and disappearing unsystematically on Linux, though this does not affect overall performance.Processing Large Data
Users have noted that processing large sizes of data or files can be time-consuming, and the app can sometimes become slow.User Experience
Overall, users have reported a positive experience with Ryver, highlighting its fabulous UI, convenient features for management tasks, and affordable pricing compared to competitors. The platform’s ability to integrate with existing tools and its seamless implementation have been particularly praised. In summary, Ryver’s performance is enhanced by its recent updates, which have improved its speed, reliability, and user interface. While there are some limitations, such as the need for better alert customization and support for voice messages, the platform remains a strong choice for team collaboration and project management. Ryver - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Ryver
The pricing structure of Ryver, a collaboration tool, is structured into several plans, each with distinct features and user capacities. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans:
Starter Plan
- Cost: $69 per month (or $34.50 per month for the first 3 months).
- Users: Up to 12 users.
- Features: Unlimited chat, unlimited file sharing, task management, voice and video calls, screen sharing, direct messages, groups, forums, and more.
Unlimited Plan
- Cost: $129 per month for up to 30 users, and $199 per month for up to 50 users. The cost increases with the number of users: $399 per month for up to 100 users, $1,999 per month for up to 500 users, and $3,999 per month for up to 1,000 users.
- Users: More than 12 users, with specific pricing tiers based on the number of users.
- Features: All features from the Starter Plan plus custom invite links. For larger teams, additional features may include advanced group management, single sign-on (SSO), premium support, and a dedicated testing sandbox.
Enterprise Plan
- Cost: Custom pricing for teams with more than 30 users.
- Users: More than 30 users.
- Features: Includes all features from the Unlimited Plan, plus workflow automation, advanced team management, and other enterprise-specific features.
Free Trial
- Ryver offers a 14-day fully functional free trial. During this period, you can add unlimited users and experience all the features before deciding to upgrade.
Free Version
- Ryver does not offer a free version beyond the 14-day trial period. There is no freemium plan available for long-term use.
Ryver - Integration and Compatibility
Ryver Overview
Ryver, a comprehensive collaboration and productivity tool, offers several robust integration options and ensures compatibility across various platforms and devices, making it a versatile choice for teams.
Custom Integrations
Ryver allows users to create custom integrations using its REST APIs and both inbound and outbound webhooks. These integrations can be managed within the context of a special “integration user,” which is separate from regular users. This integration user can be configured as either a “bot” or a standard “app” user, each with different capabilities. For instance, a bot user can be @mentioned and appears in user lookup lists, while an app user does not have these features but still appears on team rosters.
Zapier Integrations
One of the most significant integration features of Ryver is its compatibility with Zapier. Through Zapier, Ryver can be integrated with over 2,000 other applications by creating “zaps.” This allows users to automate workflows between Ryver and a wide range of other tools and services. Users can choose from existing zaps or create their own custom integrations.
Platform Compatibility
Ryver ensures seamless integration across different devices and platforms. It has modernized its web client and migrated to faster Amazon Web Services servers, enhancing performance and reliability. The platform also offers revamped mobile apps for both iOS and Android users, ensuring universal availability and optimized user interface for enhanced speed and performance.
Additional Features
Ryver supports various collaboration features such as unlimited chat, task management, topics, and groups. It is also currently in beta for screen sharing, voice, and video calls, making it a comprehensive solution for team communication and collaboration. Additionally, features like Single Sign-On (SSO) simplify the login process, and users can share files directly from services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.com.
User Experience
The updates to Ryver have been focused on improving performance, reliability, and user experience. The platform has been optimized to reduce the need for multiple apps and email, streamlining team communication and task management. This has resulted in significant benefits for users, such as reduced internal email and fewer meetings, while keeping team members up-to-date with company-wide information.
Conclusion
In summary, Ryver’s integration capabilities, including custom integrations, Zapier connections, and compatibility across various platforms and devices, make it a highly versatile and effective tool for team collaboration and productivity.
Ryver - Customer Support and Resources
When You Need Support
When you need support or additional resources for Ryver, there are several convenient and efficient options available to you.
Contact Methods
- Email Support: You can email your questions or issues to support@ryver.com. The support team typically responds within one business day, and often even faster than that.
- Live Chat: Ryver offers live chat support, accessible by clicking the blue “Chat” button on their support page. This service is generally available from 8am to 4pm Pacific Standard Time.
- Feedback Within the App: You can send feedback directly from the Ryver app by selecting the “Send Feedback” option from the Help Icon (“?”) next to the Ryver Logo at the top of the Navigation Bar.
Additional Resources
- Support Site: Ryver has a comprehensive support site where you can find guides, FAQs, and other helpful resources. This includes the Ryver Admin Getting Started Guide, which helps administrators set up and get the most out of Ryver.
- Social Media: You can also reach out to Ryver through Twitter by tweeting at @RyverApp.
Premium Support for Enterprise Users
For users of the Ryver Enterprise edition, there is an added layer of support. This includes premium support, which ensures you get immediate help when you need it. This level of support is part of the package that also includes features like workflow automation, single sign-on (SSO), and unlimited storage and file sharing.
Integration and Migration Help
If you are transitioning from another tool like Trello, Ryver makes it easy to import your existing boards and setup. This helps in streamlining the migration process and ensuring minimal disruption to your team’s workflow.
Conclusion
These support options and resources are designed to help you get the most out of Ryver, ensuring that you can communicate, collaborate, and manage tasks efficiently.
Ryver - Pros and Cons
Pros of Ryver
Ryver offers several significant advantages that make it a strong contender in the collaboration tools category:All-in-One Platform
Ryver integrates multiple functionalities into a single app, including group messaging, task management, voice and video calls, and file sharing. This consolidation helps teams avoid the hassle of using multiple apps and reduces the clutter associated with email communication.Task Management
One of Ryver’s standout features is its ability to turn conversations into tasks. This integration allows teams to seamlessly transition from discussions to actionable tasks, which can be tracked using progress boards and integrated checklists.Comprehensive Communication
Ryver supports various communication channels, including open forums, private teams, and direct messages. Users can create topics (similar to threads in Slack), set reminders, add reactions, edit, delete, or reply to messages. This structured messaging helps in managing and revisiting key discussions.Voice and Video Calls
Ryver provides built-in voice and video calling capabilities, eliminating the need for external integrations. It offers unlimited audio and video calls across all plans, which is particularly beneficial for teams that rely heavily on real-time communication.File Sharing and Storage
The platform allows for unlimited file sharing and storage, making it easy for teams to share and access files without any limitations.Integration and Automation
Ryver integrates with over 2,000 other apps through Zapier and supports custom inbound and outbound webhooks, bots, and workflow automation. This includes Ryver’s proprietary Active Response Technology (ART) that automates event responses and task assignments.Single Sign-On (SSO) and Premium Support
Ryver offers SSO to simplify the login process and provides premium support for immediate help when needed.User Feedback
Many users have reported positive experiences with Ryver, noting reductions in internal email, fewer meetings, and improved team communication and collaboration.Cons of Ryver
Despite its numerous benefits, Ryver also has some drawbacks:User Interface
One of the main criticisms of Ryver is its user interface. Users have found it less intuitive and more complicated compared to other tools like Slack. The design can feel outdated, and the multitude of features can be overwhelming.Notification Management
While Ryver allows for managing notifications on both conversation and app levels, it lacks keyword notifications, which are available in Slack. This can make it less effective for users who need to be notified about specific keywords.Call Features
Ryver’s voice and video calls, although of good quality, lack advanced features such as call recording or reacting with emojis during calls, which are available in other tools like Microsoft Teams.Learning Curve
The extensive array of features in Ryver can make it take some time for new users to get accustomed to the platform. This learning curve can be a barrier for teams looking for a simple and straightforward collaboration tool. Overall, Ryver is a powerful tool that combines communication and task management effectively but may require some time to fully appreciate its capabilities due to its complex interface. Ryver - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Ryver
Ryver distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools all within one app. Here are some of its unique features:- All-in-One Collaboration: Ryver integrates group messaging, task management, voice and video calls, and file sharing, making it a single platform for all team communication needs.
- Task Management: Ryver allows users to turn conversations into actionable tasks, track progress with a progress board, and use integrated checklists.
- Custom Channels: Users can create custom channels for topic-related discussions, enhancing organized communication within the team.
- Integrations: Ryver connects with over 2,000 other apps through Zapier, enabling seamless integration with various tools and services.
Comparison with Competitors
Slack
Slack is a significant competitor to Ryver, known for its AI-powered features such as message prioritization, automated responses, and suggesting relevant channels based on user activities. Unlike Ryver, Slack has more advanced AI capabilities, including real-time translation and meeting insights, but it lacks the all-in-one task management and collaboration features that Ryver offers.Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams also boasts AI capabilities, including real-time translation, transcription, and meeting insights. It generates meeting summaries and action items, which is not a primary feature of Ryver. However, Teams is more integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, which might be a consideration for teams already using Microsoft products.Trello
Trello is another popular collaboration tool that uses AI to automate repetitive tasks and provide smart suggestions for next steps. While Trello excels in project management with its visual boards, it does not offer the same level of integrated communication features (like voice and video calls) that Ryver provides.Taskade
Taskade is a more recent entrant that integrates AI-powered tools for project management and real-time collaboration. It automates routine tasks and generates actionable insights from project data, similar to Ryver’s task management features. However, Taskade’s AI is more focused on workflow optimization and content creation, and it supports a wider range of content types like mind maps and visual workflows.Potential Alternatives
- For Advanced AI Features: If your team requires more sophisticated AI capabilities such as real-time translation, meeting insights, and automated responses, Slack or Microsoft Teams might be a better fit.
- For Visual Project Management: If your team prefers a visual approach to project management, Trello or Taskade could be more suitable.
- For Comprehensive Collaboration: If you need an all-in-one solution that combines messaging, task management, and voice/video calls without the need for multiple apps, Ryver remains a strong option.
Ryver - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Ryver
What are the key features of Ryver?
Ryver offers a wide range of features to enhance team collaboration. These include group messaging, voice and video conferencing, screen sharing, task management, Single Sign-On (SSO), topic discussion channels, unlimited file sharing, and advanced search functionality. Additionally, Ryver allows users to convert conversations into tasks, assign people and due dates to tasks, and create alerts for tasks.How much does Ryver cost?
Ryver has several pricing plans. The Starter plan costs $69 per month for up to 12 users, with a discounted rate of $34.50 per month for the first three months. For larger teams, the pricing increases: $129 per month for up to 30 users, $199 per month for up to 50 users, and so on. The Enterprise plan is custom-priced and includes additional features like workflow automation and advanced team management.Is there a free trial available for Ryver?
Yes, Ryver offers a 14-day free trial. You do not need to provide your credit card information upfront, and you will only be charged when the trial period expires.Does Ryver have a free version?
No, Ryver does not offer a free version. Since 2018, it has moved away from the freemium model and now requires a paid subscription for all users.How does Ryver integrate with other systems?
Ryver integrates with various systems, including Active Directory for Single Sign-On (SSO). It also allows imports from Slack, HipChat, and Trello, and offers webhook integrations for further customization. Additionally, Ryver has an Outlook plug-in for seamless integration with email.What kind of support does Ryver offer?
Ryver provides premium support for its users, especially in the Enterprise plan. This includes immediate help when needed, which is highly praised by users for its responsiveness.Can I customize the features and settings in Ryver?
Yes, Ryver allows for various customizations. You can create custom channels for topic-related discussions, configure the navigation bar, set up private teams, and use configurable forums. The Enterprise plan also includes advanced group management and a dedicated testing sandbox.How does Ryver handle task management?
Ryver has a comprehensive task management system. You can turn conversations into tasks, assign tasks to team members, set due dates, and create alerts. The platform also includes personal and team task boards for better organization.Does Ryver offer workflow automation?
Yes, Ryver’s Enterprise plan includes workflow automation powered by its proprietary Active Response Technology™ (ART). This technology automates everyday business processes and ensures that follow-up instructions and task assignments are delivered automatically when predetermined events occur.Is Ryver secure?
Ryver emphasizes enhanced data security. The platform includes various security features to protect user data, ensuring that your team’s information remains secure. Ryver - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Ryver
Ryver is a comprehensive collaboration tool that integrates multiple essential features into a single platform, making it an excellent choice for teams of all sizes. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Key Features
- Unlimited Chat and Messaging: Ryver offers unlimited chat, topic channels, and direct messaging, allowing teams to communicate without restrictions. This includes the ability to create dedicated channels for specific projects or themes, enhancing organization and focus in discussions.
- Integrated Task Management: The platform streamlines workflow with task assignment, due dates, prioritization, and progress tracking. This ensures that tasks are managed efficiently and that teams stay focused on what matters most.
- Voice and Video Calls: Ryver includes high-quality voice and video calling with screen sharing, making remote collaboration as effective as in-office interactions. Scheduling calls within the platform is also straightforward.
- File Sharing and Integrations: Users can share files directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.com, and integrate Ryver with over 2,000 other apps using Zapier. Custom webhooks and bots can also be created for additional functionality.
- Security and Compliance: Ryver ensures data security with SSL connections, 256-bit RSA encryption, and compliance with regulations through Single Sign-On (SSO) and AWS security features.
Who Would Benefit Most
Ryver is particularly beneficial for:- Small to Large Enterprises: Any business looking to consolidate their communication and task management tools into one platform will find Ryver highly useful. It simplifies team collaboration, reduces internal email, and keeps all information in one place.
- Remote Teams: With its integrated voice and video calls and screen sharing features, Ryver is ideal for teams working remotely. It ensures seamless communication and collaboration regardless of the team’s physical location.
- Teams Needing Task Management: Organizations that require detailed task management, including task boards, checklists, tags, and assignments, will find Ryver’s features highly beneficial.