--- title: "HCL Connections Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about HCL Connections Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Intranet products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/159156/IBM-Connections/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-19" --- # HCL Connections Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 19, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) HCL Connections ## What is HCL Connections? HCL Connections is a business social network & collaboration platform that helps you get work done by engaging the right people to deliver results. The cloud-integrated platform promotes better knowledge-sharing and decisions with features like business e-mail, chat & instant messaging, web conferencing, file sharing, online document editing, & more. ## What is HCL Connections used for? [Collaboration](https://www.capterra.com/collaboration-software/)[Social Networking](https://www.capterra.com/social-networking-software/)[Intranet](https://www.capterra.com/intranet-software/) Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 21 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 100% Neutral 0% Negative 0% Starting price $6 Flat Rate, Per Month Free trial not available Free version not included Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for HCL Connections?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/hcl-connections/claim_requests/new?auto=true) ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### HCL Connections 4.3 (21) VS. [4.5 (94)](https://www.capterra.com/p/185819/Mighty-Networks/reviews/) Starting Price $6 Flat Rate, Per Month Starting Price $41 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.3 (21) Ease Of Use 4.2 (5,200) Value For Money 4.0 (18) Value For Money 4.4 (3,644) Customer Service 4.2 (19) Customer Service 4.2 (3,673) ## HCL Connections alternatives [4.6 (6,134)](https://www.capterra.com/p/147657/monday-com/reviews/) Starting price $9.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.2 (1,009)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/reviews/) Starting price $69.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 82% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars Highest Rated [Instagram](https://www.capterra.com/p/210721/Instagram/) [4.7 (5,226)](https://www.capterra.com/p/210721/Instagram/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 96% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/210721/Instagram/) [Twitter/X](https://www.capterra.com/p/214056/Twitter/) [4.5 (1,813)](https://www.capterra.com/p/214056/Twitter/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 90% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/214056/Twitter/) [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/159156/IBM-Connections/alternatives/) ## FAQs about HCL Connections Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from HCL Connections? HCL Connections is most used by IT engineers and technical consultants for internal knowledge sharing and collaboration, while project and product managers coordinate work and updates. Communications, press, and marketing teams publish information and manage stakeholder messaging. Operations managers, administrative consultants, and executive support staff organize documents, discussions, and cross-department communication. Answer based on 20 reviews Overview ### What company size and specific industries is HCL Connections built for? HCL Connections is designed for larger companies that need social and collaboration software to save time. It targets enterprise and mid-market organizations rather than small businesses, and no specific industries are named in the vendor description. Features and Usability ### What are the key features of HCL Connections? HCL Connections offers activity and news feeds, blogs, discussions/forums, and brainstorming for team communication. It also includes document and content management with file sharing, version control, and real-time editing, plus calendar and event management, project and workflow management, group management, user profiles, real-time chat, and video conferencing. ## Features AI summary Based on 3,913 Intranet reviews According to Capterra reviewers, these are the features buyers prioritize most when evaluating social networking software: - **Social Media Integration** (**42%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Data Security** (**51%**) - **Mobile Access** (**55%**) HCL Connections provides collaboration-focused capabilities for teams that need a central space for internal communication, knowledge sharing, and community-based work. Its feature set supports day-to-day coordination across employees and departments, helping businesses keep information organized, improve visibility into shared content, and support teamwork across the organization. Activity/News Feed 4.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Continuous profile-based stream of news and activity Communication Management 4.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Manage and track all internal and external communication conducted via calls, email, text, or chat Content Management 4.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Handles digital content throughout its lifecycle, from creation and storage to distribution and archiving Document Management 4.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location Event Management 3.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Schedule and manage the logistics of activities and other gatherings Real-Time Chat 5.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Engage in direct, instant messaging with customers, users, etc. HCL Connections 19 features ### All Features - Activity/News Feed: Continuous profile-based stream of news and activity - Blogs: Allows users to publish blogs on social site - Brainstorming: Group collaboration to solve ideas in a productive and concentrated manner. - Calendar Management: Track and manage schedules and meetings via an integrated calendar - Communication Management: Manage and track all internal and external communication conducted via calls, email, text, or chat - Contact Management: Manage, organize, and store contact information - Content Management: Handles digital content throughout its lifecycle, from creation and storage to distribution and archiving - Discussions/Forums: Online forums/groups where users can ask questions, share ideas, best practices, etc. - Document Management: Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location - Event Management: Schedule and manage the logistics of activities and other gatherings - File Sharing: Public or private sharing of digital files such as documents, audio/video, images, and more - Group Management: Organize and edit a group of people's policy and members - Project Management: Plan and coordinate all the resources, costs and time needed to execute assignments - Real Time Editing: Preview and make real-time changes in the web content - Real-Time Chat: Engage in direct, instant messaging with customers, users, etc. - User Profiles: Profiles of users providing basic information - Version Control: Track revisions and updates made to files and navigate between different versions - Video Conferencing: Connect with meeting participants remotely over video - Workflow Management: Create, design and manage workflows for repetitive tasks --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.4 (21) 4.4 Based on 21 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.0 (18) Basic $6.00 Flat Rate,Per Month Value for money 4.0 (18) 4.0 Based on 18 reviews Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.2 (19) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.2 (19) 4.2 Based on 19 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.3 Based on 21 reviews Filter by rating Counts reflect reviews available in this feed. 5(6) 4(15) 3(0) 2(0) 1(0) Mentioned topic Recent reviews first, then most helpful Exson M. Director de Linea de Procesos OBPP Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "It is an excellent information consolidation tool ideal for the growth of organizations. " 4.0 May 1, 2018 IBM is a prestigious communication tool that allowed the organization to consolidate 7 years of record of information related to the load of projects financed to organizations and entities in the 24 states of the country. Thanks to the tools, it was possible to understand the results information allowing to make decisions focused on the long-term growth of the organization. It is a tool that allowed the organization to update and adapt to the dynamics of the market, being currently more efficient in compliance with the processes. Pros I like IBM because: Is a leading company in the social enterprise software market. It puts at the disposal of businessmen tools for cognitive analysis with business social networks allowing to improve decision making for the growth of companies. Thanks to the IBM tools you can perform data analysis that results in our ways of presenting and displaying the results. IBM provides a security and cognitive technology of social network data allowing results to be obtained that optimize the processes of the organization. The tools facilitate the combination of advanced business communications with collaborative tools that the market demands. They are tools that transmit a competitive image of the organization, being positive for the organizations. Offers conversation and meeting tools with security functions and data protection. Is a collaboration platform that can help you grow your business to its maximum potential allowing you to update based on market behavior. Cons The least I like about IBM; I believe that the image of the interfaces can be improved considering a grass of light colors. You can add models of results analysis reports, and management indicators by project type. It's a program that I personally like a lot, and therefore, there are few negative observations. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Carlos P. Consultor Administrativo Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Keeps you in constant communication with your work team" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 April 30, 2019 It is an excellent tool when you need to lighten and improve the working environment, has meant for us a better integration of staff in their different areas, without vertical relationships only support and collaboration we have achieved in this space. Pros One of the features that stand out about this software is that it is not very eye-catching and yet it contains all the functions and tools to enhance and boost teamwork. At the platform level generates a communication space like a social network but business, with different channels of communication, messaging, creating communities to work on your projects or departments, are features that can be customized without problem according to your needs. In addition, you will have additional integration options from IBM. Cons The import and export of data tends to be a bit clumsy, it must be more fluid so that the information is available at the required time without setbacks. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Tawanda S. Sponsorship Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "Workplace social networking hub" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 August 12, 2019 I feel if i were to loose access to IBM Connections I will really feel the gap. That said, Connections has become our daily pastime in professional and social collaboration within and without the organisation. It isva go to resource center which never sleeps! Pros I like that Connections is a complete resource center for peer to peer sharing and collaboration. Whether you are working on a research work or a project ideas keep floating around freely as long as you are subscribed to the relevant CoP Cons Its a bit of a chunky product which first time users might find intimidating. The pricing I suppose limits the number of business units who can opt for against competition Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Natasha A. Analista corporativo Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "Dynamize the communication within your company" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 October 14, 2019 It is a good space for discussion of creative projects, encourages each team member to communicate and not be afraid to express their own ideas, all working together in healthy competition for the achievement of the objectives of the company, one of the most used channels is the discussion forum is great and works very well to get your recommendations, opinions and views, has no loss this platform Pros It is a platform with which you can develop communication and collaborative work in an enjoyable and creative way, works as a kind of social network that allows you to create a comfortable working environment, pleasant and effective, you can create different communication channels, such as blog or discussion forums on certain topics, this makes the interaction is dynamic and or Cons The software is a bit heavy, especially if the PCs are not very current. Of rest, it's a platform that does honor to its brand Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Freelancer Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Highly Recommend for Workplace productivity" 5.0 August 12, 2022 My overall experience using HCL Connections has been great, I can highly recommend it if you consistency in communication with your at work. Pros HCL Connections is one of the best software tools that helps to achieve workplace productivity. If you want to create a community in workplace then this is tool for you to achieve that. My colleagues and I use it to exchange ideas, communicate, video chat and everything happens in real time. The user interface is simple and effective to use and hassle free and its price point is also good. Cons I have no negative things to say about this software because I haven't had bad experiences with it, so far so good! Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Verified Reviewer Senior System Engineer Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "HCL Conenctions is unique" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 30, 2019 I'm using Connections from years, before as user than also as admin and i could not imagine my working activity without it. Pros Connections is an unique collaborative platform that permit corporate environment to work and collaborate easly. Features like communities blogs and wikis are perfect to be self used managed and created by users. Now it was sold to HCL so i'm sure the development will go faster than ever. The future is bright !! Cons If i've to find a cons the architecture is not easy to be installed, mantained and user from the Admin side. you have to be skilled to work correctly. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Matteo B. System Engineer Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "IBM Connections your social intranet" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 May 17, 2017 I'm an IBM Business partner and IBM Connections is one of the best social collaboration tools IBM has ever made. As user IBM Connections fits perfectly what i could expect from a social: easy to use , clear and logic UI, features needed like file share and edit. One of my favorite Connections apps is Wiki where you can store all info regarding projects. Last but not least IBM has also made the connections client for Windows and Mac so users can use Connections as repository insted traditional filesystem share. As admin i love connections because is Solid and when you have it tourned on after a setup or migration you can forget it until next CR to install new functionality and fixes. Connections is also available for many platform like Windows, Linux or AIX and it's also available for principal DBs like DB2, Oracle or MSsql so any customers can choose his preferred way. I like also to reccomend a good adoption plan to engage and teach the users in right way so you will have the ROI of the investment for sure. Pros Easy to use, a lot of functionality you cannot miss in a modern environment , solid architecture . Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Aymara P. Gerente de Gestion Comunicacional Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "Ideal for collaboration and information sharing" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 April 5, 2019 We started using IBM connections when I started in this company and I did it to break down communciational and even hostile barriers between the different administrative departments and substantive areas. IBM made the task a meeting place where workers not only collaborated with work information but also contributed with internal corporate aspects such as change of image, organization of events of different work teams, this had a positive impact on the rest of the activities of the company with positive results in their work performance and efficiency. Pros It is a kind of corporate social network, which I like because it creates a pleasant and relaxed working environment, however it is also a platform with very powerful tools for collaboration and communication, you can interact in forums, blogs, instant messaging, calendar, is very reliable in all these aspects to build planning strategies. Cons Being a social-business tool, managers must be careful that it does not become a leisure space, the administration must be based on the principles and values of the company. Since it can be a useful tool with great impact Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. José S. H. Jefe del Taller de Metalmecanica Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "excellent platform very simple and effective with tools and applications for the user" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 June 18, 2018 Very good is easy to use and adapts to the needs of the user. Pros What I like the most is the security of the information that is based on the high standards of the data, besides that it can be shared and reach the other members of the organization in an ongoing way, improving the agility of the process based on a reliable service. environment and adjustable to the requirements of employees, partners and entrepreneurs. Cons One of the negative aspects is that it would be necessary to implement management indicators to improve efficiency and performance within the organization, improving aspects related to productivity. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Saskia C. Periodista Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "The social network of collaborative work" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 April 17, 2019 We use this platform as a social network, in our department we are about 10 journalists and we stay communicated through this space, we organize and share information with other journalists from other companies, photographers and graphic designers who help us with their work to complete our publications. It's instant communication that avoids having to wait hours or days for a response. We are aware that those who have programmed guidelines and that journalists are free is excellent and very useful. Pros Manage real-time communication with colleagues, share information, create communities with topics of interest, hold meetings remotely and chat for fast, real-time response. Technically has all the necessary functions to make communication flow and is a company recognized worldwide with an extraordinarily technical support. Cons Its installation and configuration is complex, but once there it's a wonder. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/159156/IBM-Connections/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.