Connectivity Services by DerbySoft vs. Exely Channel Manager:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right channel management software can significantly impact your hotel's revenue, operational efficiency, and guest experience. Both DerbySoft’s Connectivity Services and Exely Channel Manager aim to streamline online distribution, but they differ in scope, user feedback, and market presence. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and specific needs—so which solution is the better fit?

DerbySoft offers extensive global coverage, robust integrations, and a deep history in the industry, while Exely provides a highly rated, user-friendly interface with a focus on ease of use and affordability. But which one truly solves your biggest distribution challenges?

Is DerbySoft or Exely Better for Hotels?

Both DerbySoft and Exely serve hotel properties seeking to optimize their distribution channels, yet they approach the problem differently. DerbySoft’s connectivity platform emphasizes broad network coverage, deep integrations, and solutions tailored for large hotel chains or properties requiring extensive CRS and PMS connectivity. Meanwhile, Exely’s Channel Manager simplifies rate and availability updates across multiple OTAs with a focus on ease and automation, ideal for small to mid-sized hotels.

DerbySoft’s solution has a limited review count (6 reviews, all from the past 6 months), making its data less recent and less comprehensive than Exely’s, which boasts 102 reviews—many from the last 6 months—highlighting its current relevance. With a perfect recent score of 85.1, Exely clearly leads in user confidence. Does your hotel need a proven, broadly adopted solution, or a specialized tool that simplifies distribution?

DerbySoft vs Exely: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs extensive connectivity, especially at the PMS or CRS level, DerbySoft is the better pick. It’s suited for large brands or chains that require real-time ARI delivery, multiple integrations, and a focus on global coverage—its 16 verified partners include industry giants like Oracle Hospitality and Infor, which underscores its enterprise focus.

Conversely, if your hotel is more concerned with ease of management, rapid updates, and budget-friendly options, go with Exely. Its user satisfaction is reflected in a 4.95/5 Ease of Use rating and a 98% likelihood to recommend, making it ideal for independent hotels or smaller chains aiming to reduce overbooking and manual work. Exely’s focus on automation and straightforward interface makes it the better option for hotels prioritizing simplicity.

Is DerbySoft or Exely Easier to Use?

DerbySoft’s interface scores 4.5/5, with onboarding rated 4.33/5, indicating a generally smooth learning curve but potentially requiring some initial training for complex features like PMS connectivity and yield rules. Reviews highlight the responsiveness of DerbySoft’s support and the platform’s real-time updates, but users note that reporting and notification features could improve, especially for new users.

Exely, on the other hand, scores a near-perfect 4.95/5 for ease of use, with onboarding rated 4.86/5. Reviewers praise its intuitive interface, quick setup, and effortless updates across channels. Its automation features reduce manual tasks, which most users find straightforward and reliable.

Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Features: DerbySoft or Exely?

DerbySoft offers 15 shared features and two additional features exclusive to its platform: PMS connectivity and yield rules. These capabilities are essential for large hotels managing complex distribution and revenue strategies, offering granular control over rates and inventory.

Exely provides 13 shared features, with no exclusive features, but excels in core channel management, rate updates, and automated reporting. Its simplicity and automation are perceived as more accessible for hotels that do not need advanced revenue management tools.

Edge: DerbySoft.

Which Has Better Customer Support: DerbySoft or Exely?

DerbySoft’s customer support scores 4.83/5, with reviewers describing the team as responsive, helpful, and proactive. Feedback mentions quick responses, dedicated managers, and positive experiences, although some wish for more detailed reports and notifications.

Exely’s support ratings are marginally higher at 4.95/5, with reviews emphasizing their responsiveness, helpfulness, and ongoing platform updates. Users find Exely’s support team highly engaged, making onboarding and troubleshooting easier.

Edge: Exely.

Which Has More Integrations: DerbySoft or Exely?

DerbySoft boasts 16 verified partners, including major industry players like Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and Infor, offering extensive integration options for large hotel groups. It also features unique integrations like apaleo GmbH and Hotelchamp.

Exely has 8 verified partners, including Booking.com and Hotellab, with a focus on essential OTAs and channels. While its partner count is smaller, it covers critical channels for independent and mid-sized hotels, offering reliable synchronization.

Edge: DerbySoft.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: DerbySoft or Exely?

Exely enjoys a higher recent review score (85.1) and a 98% likelihood to recommend, reflecting strong current user satisfaction. Its users, primarily hotel chains and independent properties, praise its ease of use, automation, and support.

DerbySoft’s reviews are limited (6 total, all from the last 6 months), with no published ratings, but its support scores 4.83/5. Although it appeals to larger hotels, its lower review count makes it less demonstrative of recent user sentiment.

Edge: Exely.

How Much Do DerbySoft and Exely Cost?

DerbySoft’s connectivity services start at $1,000 per month, with no free tier or trial available. Its pricing reflects its enterprise-level offerings, tailored for larger hotel groups seeking extensive integration.

Exely charges a $100 monthly fee, with no mention of implementation or setup costs, making it more affordable and accessible for smaller hotels or chains with tighter budgets. Both lack trial options, so hotel managers must evaluate based on their needs and budget.

What Type of Hotel Should Use DerbySoft?

• Hotels that operate at a large scale, especially chains, with complex distribution needs.
• Properties requiring extensive CRS and PMS integrations.
• Teams managing multiple brands or properties across regions.
• Hotels that prioritize real-time ARI delivery and yield management capabilities.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Is small or independent with limited distribution channels.
• Needs quick setup without complex integrations.
• Prefers a lower-cost, less technical solution.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely?

• Independent hotels or small to mid-sized chains seeking straightforward management.
• Properties focused on increasing direct bookings and reducing overbooking.
• Hotels that want fast, automated updates without a complex setup.
• Teams that value user-friendliness and responsive support.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Operates on a large, multi-region scale with complex data needs.
• Requires deep revenue management tools or PMS connectivity.
• Seeks extensive customization beyond rate and availability updates.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

DerbySoft excels in providing a comprehensive, enterprise-grade connectivity solution with extensive integrations, tailored for large hotel chains and properties with complex distribution needs. Its core strength lies in PMS and CRS connectivity, yield management, and global reach, but it comes with a higher price point and a steeper learning curve.

Exely offers a highly rated, easy-to-use channel management platform at a fraction of DerbySoft’s cost, perfect for smaller hotels or chains looking to streamline rate updates and minimize manual work. Its recent reviews underscore strong user satisfaction, support, and automation features, making it a reliable choice for hotels prioritizing simplicity.

If your property operates at a large scale and needs deep integration and control, DerbySoft is the clear leader. For hotels seeking quick deployment, affordability, and high user ratings, Exely is the recommended choice.