Convene vs. Summon

Attribute	Convene	Summon
Definition	To come together for a meeting or activity	To call upon a higher power or authority
Usage	Commonly used in the context of meetings or gatherings	Commonly used in the context of summoning spirits or deities
Etymology	From Latin "convenire" meaning "to come together"	From Old French "sumondre" meaning "to call, send for"
Formality	Generally used in formal or professional settings	Can be used in both formal and informal settings

Introduction

Convene and Summon are two popular software solutions that are used by organizations to streamline their meeting and collaboration processes. While both platforms offer similar functionalities, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Convene and Summon to help you determine which solution is best suited for your organization's needs.

Features

Convene is a comprehensive meeting management platform that offers features such as agenda management, document sharing, voting, and minutes management. It also provides tools for scheduling meetings, sending out invitations, and tracking attendance. On the other hand, Summon is a search and discovery tool that allows users to search across multiple sources, including library catalogs, databases, and institutional repositories. It provides a single search interface for accessing a wide range of resources.

Usability

Convene is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. It is easy to navigate and offers a seamless user experience. Users can quickly access the information they need and collaborate with team members in real-time. Summon, on the other hand, has a more complex interface that may require some training to fully utilize. However, once users are familiar with the platform, they can take advantage of its powerful search capabilities and access a wealth of information.

Integration

Convene offers seamless integration with popular productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Calendar, and Dropbox. This allows users to easily import and export documents, schedule meetings, and share information across platforms. Summon, on the other hand, integrates with library systems and databases to provide a unified search experience. Users can access a wide range of resources without having to switch between different platforms.

Customization

Convene allows organizations to customize the platform to meet their specific needs. Users can create custom templates, workflows, and permissions to tailor the platform to their unique requirements. Summon, on the other hand, offers limited customization options. While users can adjust settings such as search filters and preferences, the platform is primarily designed to provide a standardized search experience.

Security

Convene prioritizes security and offers robust encryption and authentication features to protect sensitive information. The platform complies with industry standards and regulations to ensure data privacy and security. Summon also takes security seriously and implements measures to safeguard user data. However, as a search tool, Summon may not have the same level of security features as Convene, which is specifically designed for managing confidential meeting information.

Cost

Convene is a paid software solution that offers different pricing plans based on the number of users and features required. The cost of Convene can vary depending on the size of the organization and the level of customization needed. Summon, on the other hand, is typically offered as part of a library's subscription service and may be included in the institution's budget. While Summon may be more cost-effective for organizations that already have access to the platform through their library, Convene may be a better option for organizations that require a dedicated meeting management solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Convene and Summon are both valuable tools that offer unique features and capabilities. Convene is ideal for organizations that need a comprehensive meeting management platform with advanced collaboration features. Summon, on the other hand, is best suited for users who require a powerful search tool for accessing a wide range of resources. Ultimately, the choice between Convene and Summon will depend on your organization's specific needs and priorities.