Authentication
Define supported authentication methods including SSO, OAuth, and provisions for multi-factor authentication when accessing sensitive contact lists or analytics dashboards.
Clear, well-structured proposals align PR goals with technical scope, reduce ambiguity, and set client expectations for timelines, approvals, and data handling responsibilities across teams and vendors.
Needs a clear description of features that support media outreach, approval workflows, and reporting. Prefers high-level timelines, cost estimates, and assurances about data handling and auditability so internal stakeholders can authorize the project quickly.
Requires a technical appendix with API expectations, integration points, hosting and security requirements, and acceptance criteria. Detailed wireframes, data schemas, and test cases help estimate effort and identify dependencies.
Communications, PR, and marketing leaders need proposals that clarify outcomes and approval steps before development starts.
A concise summary plus a technical appendix helps both nontechnical stakeholders and engineering teams reach agreement faster.
Define supported authentication methods including SSO, OAuth, and provisions for multi-factor authentication when accessing sensitive contact lists or analytics dashboards.
Specify retention and deletion schedules for contacts and signed documents, and explain how these align with organizational records policies and privacy requirements.
State encryption algorithms for data at rest and in transit, and clarify key management responsibilities between vendor and client.
Detail roles and permissions model, administrative controls, and how team templates or role templates will be provisioned for PR staff.
List specific systems to integrate such as CRM, cloud storage, and analytics platforms, including expected data flows and transformation rules.
Highlight requirements for ESIGN and UETA validity, HIPAA or FERPA applicability if handling protected data, and audit expectations.
Specify REST endpoints, authentication method, data formats, rate limits, and expected error handling to support integration with PR tools, CRMs, and media monitoring platforms.
Describe contact schemas, consent flags, retention fields, and export formats. Define required and optional fields and any mappings to existing CRM data models.
Indicate hosting preference (cloud or on-premise), expected concurrent users, scalability requirements, and SLAs for uptime and incident response.
List unit, integration, and user acceptance tests, acceptance criteria, and sign-off steps required before moving to production.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Reminder Frequency | 48 hours |
| Signature Method | Email eSignature |
| Approval Order | Sequential |
| Retention Period | 7 years |
| Notification Channels | Email and in-app |
Confirm device compatibility and whether approvers will use desktop, tablet, or mobile devices during the signature process.
Specify minimum browser versions, mobile OS requirements, and whether an installed app will be needed, and document any accessibility requirements for approvers with assistive technologies.
A national nonprofit required a centralized press contact database with role-based editing and subscription controls.
Resulting in streamlined campaigns and auditable contact management for compliance and reporting.
A technology firm needed an approval workflow to route releases through legal and product teams.
Leading to predictable publication schedules and a clear audit trail for regulatory and internal review.
| Criteria \ Vendors | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Acrobat Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESIGN / UETA Validity | |||
| Audit Trail | |||
| Bulk Send | |||
| HIPAA Support | Available | Available | Available |
Within 7 business days
5 to 10 business days
Up to 14 days
3 business days
Within 2 weeks of sign-off
| Edition / Vendor | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Acrobat Sign | Dropbox Sign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price | Starts at $8/user/month | Starts at $10/user/month | Starts at $9.99/user/month | Starts at $15/user/month | Starts at $19/user/month |
| Suitable For | SMBs and teams | Individuals to enterprise | Enterprises and Adobe users | Small teams and Dropbox users | Sales and proposals |
| Bulk Sending | Included in higher tiers | Add-on or higher tier | Available in business plans | Available in business plan | Available in higher tiers |
| API Access | Available via API | Robust API | Enterprise API | API available | API available |
| HIPAA-Compliant Option | Offered with BAA | Offered with BAA | Offered with BAA | Offered via enterprise | Offered via enterprise |