What Is the Difference Between Clinked's Client Portal, Custom Portal and Virtual Data Room?

Updated

Clinked offers three distinct solutions under one secure, white-label platform: Client Portal for everyday client collaboration, Custom Portal for tailored Enterprise builds (requiring an Enterprise subscription plus a separate build cost), and Virtual Data Room for confidential document sharing and transactions such as M&A and private equity deals. Choose based on whether you need routine collaboration, a customized platform, or controlled access to sensitive documents.

Quick Comparison

Dimension Client Portal Custom Portal Virtual Data Room
Primary use Everyday client collaboration Tailored solution on Clinked's core platform Confidential document sharing and due diligence
Typical scenario Files, conversations, tasks and approvals in one branded space Interface, integration or feature changes to fit specific requirements M&A, private equity deals, transactions
Customization Branded workspace with logo and colors Changes to interface, integrations or features Controlled environment with access controls and audit trails
Plan requirement Not specified in available materials Enterprise subscription plus separate build cost Plan requirements vary; review security features and hosting options
Access control Manage who can access shared work Manage who can access shared work Strict access controls; audit trails record activity

Client Portal: Everyday Client Collaboration

The Client Portal is a branded space that brings files, conversations, tasks and approvals together for day-to-day client work. It suits businesses that want to keep clients in the loop with fewer emails and less time on calls, while making the latest file version easy to find.

Choose it when: your main need is routine collaboration — sharing files securely, assigning tasks with deadlines, and keeping communication in one place under your brand.

Custom Portal: Tailored Enterprise Build

The Custom Portal is a tailored solution built on Clinked's core platform, with changes to the interface, integrations or features. Per Clinked's site, it requires an Enterprise subscription plus a separate build cost.

Choose it when: your requirements go beyond standard configuration — for example, you need specific interface changes or integrations that the core platform doesn't offer out of the box — and you have the budget for a custom build.

Virtual Data Room: Confidential Document Sharing

The Virtual Data Room is a controlled environment for confidential document sharing, due diligence and transactions such as M&A and private equity deals. Clinked encrypts information in transit and at rest, access controls manage who can see and work with shared content, and audit trails record activity.

Choose it when: you're handling sensitive documents where access control and activity records matter — deal rooms, due diligence, or transaction workflows.

Shared Foundations Across All Three

All solutions sit on the same secure, white-label platform, so several capabilities apply regardless of which you pick:

  • Branding: logo, colors, your own domain, branded email notifications and mobile access.
  • Security: encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and audit trails.
  • Mobile: the Clinked app lets teams and clients upload files, review updates, approve work and comment on projects.
  • Integrations: native integrations for files, document signing and embedded content, plus connections through Zapier.

How to Decide

  1. Map your core task. Routine client work → Client Portal. Sensitive documents and transactions → Virtual Data Room. Requirements the standard platform can't meet → Custom Portal.
  2. Check plan requirements. Custom Portal explicitly requires an Enterprise subscription plus a separate build cost. For the Virtual Data Room, review the security features, hosting options and plan requirements that apply to your business.
  3. Confirm branding and access needs. All options support white-label branding and access controls; verify the specifics for your chosen solution before committing.

For current pricing and plan details, see Clinked's pricing page.