Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenWater VS Submittable

Compare OpenWater VS Submittable and see what are their differences

OpenWater logo OpenWater

OpenWater is an awards management software platform that automates, manages, and grows awards programs big and small.

Submittable logo Submittable

Submittable is an easy-to-use online submission manager.
  • OpenWater Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-21
  • Submittable Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-13

OpenWater features and specs

  • Comprehensive Solution
    OpenWater provides a wide range of features including awards management, grants management, conference and abstract management, etc., making it a versatile tool for different organizational needs.
  • Customizability
    The platform offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the software to meet their specific requirements.
  • Integration Capabilities
    OpenWater can integrate with various third-party applications such as CRM systems, payment gateways, and email marketing services, enhancing its utility.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The intuitive, user-friendly interface helps users to navigate through the platform easily, reducing the learning curve.
  • Customer Support
    OpenWater offers robust customer support including training sessions, helping users to resolve issues and optimize their use of the platform.
  • Scalability
    The platform is scalable and can handle the needs of both small organizations and large enterprises efficiently.
  • Virtual Session Portal
  • Live Stream Sessions
  • Conference Session Manager
  • AMS / CRM Integrations

Possible disadvantages of OpenWater

  • Cost
    OpenWater can be relatively expensive compared to some other solutions, making it potentially less accessible for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets.
  • Complexity
    Given its extensive features, the platform can be complex to set up and manage, requiring a significant time investment for initial configuration.
  • Customization Overhead
    While customizable, achieving the full benefits of customization can require additional technical expertise or consulting services, adding to the overall cost and effort.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported occasional performance issues, such as slower load times during peak usage periods.
  • Limited Offline Access
    The platform requires an internet connection to be fully functional, which can be a limitation for users in areas with poor connectivity.

Submittable features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Submittable offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for both submitters and reviewers, which simplifies the submission and review process.
  • Streamlined Workflow
    The platform supports a streamlined workflow with automated email notifications, task assignments, and status tracking, improving efficiency in managing submissions.
  • Customizable Forms
    Users can create fully customizable submission forms tailored to their specific needs, allowing for more precise data collection.
  • Collaboration Tools
    Submittable provides robust collaboration tools, allowing multiple reviewers to provide feedback, discuss submissions, and make collective decisions.
  • Analytics and Reporting
    The platform offers detailed analytics and reporting features, enabling users to track submission trends, reviewer activity, and overall performance.

Possible disadvantages of Submittable

  • Pricing
    Submittable can be expensive, especially for smaller organizations or individuals, as pricing scales with the volume of submissions and additional features.
  • Limited Free Plan
    The free plan offered by Submittable is quite limited in terms of features and submission volume, necessitating an upgrade for more robust needs.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, there can be a learning curve for new users to fully utilize all the advanced features and functionalities.
  • Customization Limitations
    Although forms are customizable, some users may find limitations in customizing the broader workflow and integration aspects to fit their unique requirements.
  • Dependency on Internet
    As a cloud-based platform, Submittable requires a reliable internet connection for access, which can be a drawback in areas with poor connectivity.

Analysis of OpenWater

Overall verdict

  • OpenWater is generally well-regarded for its flexibility and ability to cater to a wide range of use cases, making it a strong choice for organizations in need of an efficient application management solution.

Why this product is good

  • OpenWater provides a comprehensive platform for managing awards, grants, and application processes. It is known for its user-friendly interface, robust customization options, and excellent customer support. The platform streamlines complex workflows, making it suitable for organizations looking to simplify and automate their submission and review processes.

Recommended for

  • Educational institutions managing scholarships and awards.
  • Non-profits and foundations handling grant applications.
  • Corporations seeking to streamline internal award programs.
  • Event organizers coordinating speaker submissions and competitions.

Analysis of Submittable

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Submittable is considered a good platform.

Why this product is good

  • Submittable is a widely-used submission management platform known for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and flexibility in handling a range of submission types. It is praised for streamlining the process of collecting and reviewing submissions, offering customization options for forms, and facilitating effective communication between submitters and administrators. Users appreciate its robust reporting tools and integrations with other services.

Recommended for

    Submittable is recommended for organizations and individuals who need an efficient way to manage and review submissions, such as literary journals, film festivals, grant programs, and scholarship providers. It's well-suited for teams that require collaboration in the decision-making process and for those seeking to enhance their submission workflows with automated tools.

OpenWater videos

Review - Orca wetsuit - Openwater core

Submittable videos

Submittable: Accept and review any digital content

More videos:

  • Review - What is Submittable?
  • Review - Submittable: Submissions made simple

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenWater and Submittable)
ERP
46 46%
54% 54
Awards Management
35 35%
65% 65
Accounting & Finance
100 100%
0% 0
Event Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Submittable seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenWater mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenWater yet. Tracking of OpenWater recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Submittable mentions (5)

  • Looking for art zines
    Try checking out Submittable https://submittable.com/ and Chillsubs https://chillsubs.com/ to look for journals, zines and other publications that are seeking art :) Good luck! Source: almost 3 years ago
  • [HELP] How to publish as a new poet.
    You send them into literary magazines & journals. chillsubs.com + submittable.com + duotrope.com are good places to start. Source: about 3 years ago
  • [help]
    You'll need a Submittable account for most mainstream submissions these days. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Can I get paid by writing poems?
    Another place to search is submittable.com --I think you can even search by paid vs non-paid. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Where to publish short stories in this day and age?
    Check out duotrope. It's a searchable database of all available publications. You can also use the Discover tab on Submittable. Good luck! Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenWater and Submittable, you can also consider the following products

Award Force - Award Force is recognised as the world’s #1 awards management software, trusted by organisations across the globe to recognise excellence in their field.

SurveyMonkey Apply - SurveyMonkey Apply enables organizations to streamline the process of collecting and reviewing applications.

WizeHive Zengine - Zengine by WizeHive is the most flexible application lifecycle management software on the market. Streamline your grants, scholarships, awards, and other application-based processes. Get a demo.

Evalato - Application & evaluation software for awards, grants & more

Sage Intacct - Intacct is a cloud-based accounting and financial management system that is designed for the businesses of all levels.

Technolutions Slate - Slate is an Ed Tech solution that provides outreach, travel management, online applications, and online reading.