Connectivity Services by DerbySoft vs. Exely Channel Manager:
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Is Connectivity Services by DerbySoft or Exely Channel Manager Better for Hotels?

Connectivity Services by DerbySoft and Exely Channel Manager both address the critical hotel need of managing distribution across multiple OTAs and other channels, but they diverge sharply in market presence, user base, and operational focus. DerbySoft specializes in connectivity for larger hotel chains with complex CRS and PMS integration needs, emphasizing real-time ARI delivery to reduce manual work and inquiries. Exely serves a broader range of hotel sizes with a modern channel manager that syncs rates and availability in under 7 seconds and emphasizes driving direct bookings through its integrated booking engine.

Both products solve the problem of synchronizing rates, availability, and reservations across multiple online travel agencies to minimize overbooking and manual errors. However, DerbySoft targets mid-sized to large branded and luxury hotels seeking deep CRS and PMS integration, while Exely supports a wider variety of independent and boutique hotels, hostels, and resorts with a highly rated, user-friendly platform that also prioritizes direct booking growth.

Connectivity Services by DerbySoft vs Exely Channel Manager: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a mid-sized or large branded chain with existing CRS and PMS systems requiring real-time ARI synchronization, DerbySoft’s platform offers specialized connectivity solutions proven over 20 years. This is supported by DerbySoft’s user base where 32% are luxury hotels and 17% branded hotels, with average segment ratings around 4.3 to 4.5 stars. However, DerbySoft’s review volume is limited (6 total, none recent), so data on current performance is thin.

If you operate a small to medium independent hotel, boutique property, hostel, resort, or a hotel seeking to increase direct bookings, Exely Channel Manager is better supported by 242 reviews, including 121 in the last 6 months, with an overall 4.9 rating. Exely’s users span many segments including boutique hotels (81 reviews), bed & breakfasts (48 reviews), and city center hotels (65 reviews), all rating it 4.8 to 5 stars. Exely’s platform also integrates a booking engine proven to increase direct bookings by 15% to 100% in case studies, a clear advantage for revenue-focused hotels.

For properties outside large branded chains or those prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and direct sales, Exely is the safer choice based on volume and recency of reviews.

Is Connectivity Services by DerbySoft or Exely Channel Manager Easier to Use?

DerbySoft has an ease of use rating of 4.5/5 with onboarding at 4.3/5 based on 6 reviews, while Exely scores 4.9/5 for both ease of use and onboarding across 242 reviews, 121 in the last 6 months. DerbySoft users appreciate the fast rate sync and streamlined channel management but mention some interface latency, particularly with PMS integration delays of 1-2 hours. Reviewers also request more onboarding videos and tutorial pop-ups to clarify complex features.

Exely users repeatedly praise the platform’s intuitive design and quick information loading, describing it as easy to adapt even for new users. Some users note navigation complexity and slower page loads in advanced features, but these do not significantly impact daily operations. Both products receive praise for reducing manual workload, but Exely’s higher and more recent volume of positive feedback reflects stronger overall usability today.

Edge: Even.

Which Has Better Features: Connectivity Services by DerbySoft or Exely Channel Manager?

Both products share the same 15 core channel management features, including rate and availability synchronization, OTA connectivity, and reservation handling. Neither product offers unique features that the other lacks based on the source data. DerbySoft emphasizes its CRS and PMS level connectivity for large chains, while Exely integrates a proprietary booking engine that helps hotels increase direct bookings and control pricing strategy.

While the booking engine is a critical operational feature driving revenue for Exely users, it is not listed as a separate feature outside channel management. DerbySoft’s strength lies in its real-time ARI delivery that reduces inquiries and manual updates for brand and chain hotels. Since no additional unique features were identified for either platform, their feature sets are effectively equivalent in scope.

Edge: Even.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Connectivity Services by DerbySoft or Exely Channel Manager?

Customer support ratings are 4.8/5 for DerbySoft and 4.9/5 for Exely, with onboarding scores of 4.3/5 and 4.9/5 respectively. DerbySoft reviewers highlight helpfulness and responsiveness, especially singling out their Customer Success Manager Mandy Yip for clear guidance and rapid response times. The team is receptive to feedback and supports troubleshooting when OXI connections face challenges.

Exely customers consistently commend the support team’s quick, proactive assistance with setup, rate optimization, and troubleshooting. Reviewers mention the support’s role in enabling smoother operations and faster distribution issue resolution. Both products provide effective support, and the slight rating difference in favor of Exely is not enough to call a clear edge.

Edge: Even.

Which Has More Integrations: Connectivity Services by DerbySoft or Exely Channel Manager?

DerbySoft has 16 verified integration partners compared to Exely’s 10. Both integrate with Oracle Hospitality and Mews, two major PMS providers. DerbySoft’s exclusive partners include apaleo GmbH, SHR Group, Infor, and Cendyn, which cater to larger branded and chain hotel environments requiring complex connectivity. Exely’s unique integrations include Booking.com, Hotelogix, IDeaS, and Clock, focusing more on independent hotels and operational analytics.

Hotels with established CRS and PMS systems needing extensive third-party connections will find DerbySoft’s broader integration ecosystem advantageous. Properties prioritizing a smaller set of key OTAs and revenue management tools may find Exely’s integrations sufficient. The 60% greater number of DerbySoft partners is meaningful given the typical chain hotel environment.

Edge: Connectivity Services by DerbySoft.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Connectivity Services by DerbySoft or Exely Channel Manager?

DerbySoft holds a 4.6/5 overall rating from 6 mostly older reviews, with no reviews in the last 6 months to confirm current performance. Exely has a 4.9/5 rating from 242 reviews, including 121 in the last 6 months, indicating strong and consistent user satisfaction today.

Segment ratings favor Exely for nearly all property types with multiple reviews: bed & breakfasts (5/5 vs 4.5/5 DerbySoft), boutique hotels (4.9/5 vs 4.3/5), luxury hotels (4.9/5 vs 3.8/5), city center hotels (4.9/5 vs 4.5/5), and branded hotels (4.9/5 vs 4.5/5). Exely’s dominant review volume and recent feedback weigh heavily in its favor. DerbySoft’s limited data and lack of recent reviews limit confidence in its current rating.

Edge: Even.

How Much Do Connectivity Services by DerbySoft and Exely Channel Manager Cost?

DerbySoft’s base price is $1,000 with no freemium, no monthly flat fee, no per-room monthly pricing, and no implementation fee. Pricing details beyond the base are not published. Exely’s base price is $100 with the same pricing model characteristics.

The stark difference in base price suggests DerbySoft targets larger hotel chains with bigger budgets and complex connectivity needs. Exely’s lower entry price aligns with its focus on smaller to medium properties and independents. Without published details on additional fees or tiers, the base price difference is the only reliable pricing data.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Connectivity Services by DerbySoft?

• Hotels that are mid-sized or large branded chains needing real-time CRS and PMS integration for ARI delivery.
• Luxury and city center hotels where instantaneous rate and availability updates reduce manual inquiries.
• Properties that require extensive third-party system connections, including apaleo, SHR Group, and Infor.
• Teams that prioritize a stable, long-established connectivity provider with 20+ years of industry experience.
• Hotels with IT resources to manage more complex setups and integrations.

Not ideal if:

• Independent or small hotels seeking a more user-friendly, lower-cost solution.
• Properties that want a channel manager with an integrated booking engine to grow direct bookings.
• Hotels with limited IT support that need faster onboarding and simpler interfaces.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely Channel Manager?

• Independent hotels, boutique properties, hostels, and resorts looking for an intuitive, user-friendly channel manager.
• Hotels aiming to increase direct bookings, supported by the integrated Exely Booking Engine.
• Properties with a preference for fast rate and availability synchronization (under 7 seconds).
• Teams that want proactive, accessible support and frequent updates.
• Hotels seeking an affordable solution with transparent base pricing.

Not ideal if:

• Large branded chains requiring extensive CRS-level connectivity and multiple third-party system integrations.
• Hotels needing deeply customized channel management workflows and complex PMS integrations.
• Properties requiring advanced reporting beyond current Exely capabilities.

Connectivity Services by DerbySoft vs Exely Channel Manager: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Connectivity Services by DerbySoft and Exely Channel Manager both offer reliable channel management solutions but serve distinct hotel segments and operational requirements. DerbySoft focuses on providing real-time ARI connectivity at the CRS and PMS level for mid-sized and large branded chains, integrating with broad third-party ecosystems. Exely targets independent and smaller properties with a modern, user-friendly platform that excels at quick syncs and driving direct bookings through its integrated booking engine.

Choose DerbySoft if your property requires deep PMS/CRS integration, has a complex channel ecosystem, and values the experience of a veteran connectivity provider with a broad partner network. DerbySoft’s fast rate sync, real-time ARI delivery, and 16 verified integrations support these needs.

Choose Exely if your hotel prioritizes ease of use, rapid onboarding, and increasing direct bookings through a built-in booking engine. Exely’s 4.9/5 rating across 242 reviews, strong support, and affordable pricing make it ideal for independent hotels, boutiques, and resorts seeking a cost-effective, scalable solution with fast OTA synchronization.

The evidence distinctly positions DerbySoft for chain-level complexity and Exely for independent hotel agility and revenue growth.