BrightArrow vs ParentCom
BrightArrow
brightarrow.comParentCom
parentcom.comSide by side
| Figure | BrightArrow | ParentCom |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · School Communication Software | 7.5 (#17) | 8.3 (#5) |
| Headquarters | Bellevue, Washington, United States | 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands |
| Integrations | The Blackbaud integration page lists API integration, Blackbaud single sign-on and direct integration with Blackbaud Education Management and Raiser's Edge. | The Communication Cockpit can publish messages to social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. |
| Purpose | BrightArrow automatically delivers messages to large groups through voice, email, text, social media posts, push notifications and app messages. | ParentCom provides school-parent communication through branded school apps, websites, and a shared Communication Cockpit. |
| Support | The company contact page lists sales and support by phone and email and invites organizations to request a quote. | The Light and Business app licenses include unlimited online support, while Pro includes unlimited online and telephone support. |
Plans
ParentCom
- Business AppPriced on request
- Light AppPriced on request
- Pro AppPriced on request
In their own words
BrightArrow
BrightArrow is a group-messaging platform for sending voice, text, email, social posts, push notifications and app messages. It supports scheduled and trigger-based delivery and integrates with more than 100 databases. Its education offering is designed for K-12 schools and districts, including routine communications and emergency alerts, while the company also serves nonprofits and public- and private-sector organizations. BrightArrow combines voice, text, email and app messaging, supports two-way messaging, and offers SMS and voice notifications. The home page describes automatic translation into more than 120 languages. ParentHub is available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The service runs on Android, iOS and the web. Subscription fees are due annually at the beginning of the term, usage limits are set in the purchase, and extra usage fees may apply.
ParentCom
ParentCom provides branded school apps and websites for communication between schools and parents, managed through a shared Communication Cockpit. The CMS lets schools publish to online channels in one step and is included free with every solution. Schools can send news, calendar items, personal messages, and push notifications to parents’ phones. Class Book lets schools share photos and stories from the school day for parents to like or respond to. Parents can submit sickness reports and holiday requests through the app. Other listed features include forms, surveys, PDF support, staff contacts, and volunteer recruitment. The app can link with school websites and social platforms, while the cockpit can post to Facebook and Twitter. ParentCom lists Light App, Business App, and Pro App licenses; the latter two add personal inboxes, requests, Class Book, custom layouts, and other features at their respective tiers. Plans and prices require a request for the full overview. The platform is available in English, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian; the CMS is available in English and Dutch. Schools can request a free trial app, with no duration stated.