Aurea List Manager vs. SMTP2GO

Lyris LM is suited well with an organization or group that have several lists, as virtual list hosting is not represented by any other hosting company as far as I can tell.

It's great for any application that you need to track email receipt and recipient interaction, or with devices/programs that don't fare well with Exchange based email services. Don't try to set SMTP2GO as your outbound email server if you're using O365, that just isn't a possibility (not that I've looked into that setup).

Incentivized

• Reports: extensive reporting on mailings and membership. Pre-built reports/charts include Mailings, Members, Server Performance, Web site, Purchases, Interest and Surveys. If Aurea ListManager doesn't have the built-in chart needed, you can easily create your own.
• Easy to analyze mailings: Completed mailing can be analyzed quickly. Options include viewing any errors that may have resulted, and checking list performance, evaluating recipient actions, ( opens, click-troughs). Details can be seen on a per-recipient basis, allowing you to see exactly what happened with each message sent.
• Discussion Lists. There are numerous list setting to customize each list.

Incentivized

• adding senders or domains to improve email deliverability
• you don't have to deal with RBL to white list an IP address previously used for spaming
• Control panel gives you enough flexibility without a cluttered UI
• Everything you need is well documented
• The API is easy to use offers you the ability to integrate SMTP2Go with virtually anything

• Tech support is limited for standard users, especially during non business hours even for critical errors
• Installation/upgrade is often complicated
• Version releases are too frequent

Incentivized

• Might be nice to add a monthly good looking PDF report for subaccount users that can be branded and sent directly to the subaccount contact. A 'client facing' report that we can use to show our customers the email usage history.

Incentivized

We will most likely not use Lyris LM for much longer. We have recently been offered to utilize a different software that better meets our needs, is current, user friendly, and has fantastic reporting capabilities.

Reliability in email delivery is what counts the most. SMTP2GO is undeniably a winner in this category. The price is reasonable, therefore the RoI is excellent.

While reporting could use some tweaks overall it is a very good product that works reliably and is simple to set up and maintain.

Incentivized

I have not needed to utilize customer support during my use of Lyris LM.

When I first contacted SMTP2GO while searching for a solution, they were extremely helpful and attentive. I think it only took two email messages to answer all my questions and make a decision. I don't think I've ever needed any support to implement and operate the several solutions I currently use with the SMTP2GO service. It just works intuitively and flawlessly.

Incentivized

I was not part of the implementation process.

We selected Lyris LM based on cost, the fact that we can create custom reports and the way that they handle bounced emails just to name a few, It is easy to use and we have control of who can and cannot use. With a virtual list I can create a list or take a list down at any given time without filling out a form or contact with my provider and my list looks as if it is coming from my own server @museum.com.

It has been so long since I did my comparison with other products that no comparison would be valid today. It has worked so well at a price point that is so acceptable that I don't feel an urge to do the evaluation again.

Incentivized

• Aurea as a company is mediocre with support. The former LM staff was better informed about the product.
• LM can do almost anything you need. it's complete.
• ROI has suffered as Aurea has not updated the product, charges a considerable amount for renewals, promises with no results.

Incentivized

• Allowed us to use the same SMTP information across the board for all customers instead of having them split between several accounts.
• More cost efficient than paying for several different email accounts.
• Created an additional layer of great customer service for us since SMTP information is able to be preprogrammed into the equipment before ever leaving our facility.