Mural

Basic Information

Mural is a collaborative intelligence company offering a visual work platform, often described as an online digital whiteboard. It facilitates real-time and asynchronous collaboration for teams, enabling brainstorming, planning, and project execution. Mural integrates with various tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, and Google Drive.

• Model: Collaborative Visual Work Platform / Online Whiteboard
• Version: Not specified as a single version number; updates are continuous for the web application and native apps.
• Release Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided information, but it has been a leader in visual collaboration for over 10 years.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Desktop Browsers: Chrome (79 or above), Edge (79 or above), Safari (15.4 or above), Firefox (72 or above). Chrome or Firefox are recommended for optimal experience.
  • Mobile Operating Systems: iOS 15.4 or greater, iPadOS 15.4 or greater, Android 10 or greater.
  • Interactive Displays: Minimum of 16GB RAM for the Mural for Interactive Displays app.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Web App: Browser-based, compatible with macOS, Windows, and other OS with supported browsers.
  • Native Apps: iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows 10, macOS.
• Latest Stable Version: As a web-based service with native applications, updates are continuous. Specific version numbers are not typically provided for end-users.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly disclosed; support is ongoing with active plans.
• End of Life Date: Not publicly disclosed.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable for a continuously updated service.
• License Type: Freemium model with various paid plans: Free, Team+, Business, and Enterprise.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-hosted (SaaS).

Technical Requirements

Mural primarily operates as a web application, with native applications available for various devices. The technical requirements focus on browser compatibility and operating system versions for native apps.

• RAM: Minimum 16GB RAM for the Mural for Interactive Displays app.
• Processor: Not explicitly specified for web app, relies on general system performance for supported browsers.
• Storage: Not explicitly specified for client-side, as content is cloud-hosted.
• Display: Compatible with interactive displays, including Microsoft Surface Hub, Dell Interactive Touch Monitors, Viewsonic Viewboard, Cisco Webex Boards, Promethean ActivPanel, LG Interactive Digital Board, NEC InfinityBoards, and Adok table-top projector. Stylus or digital pen recommended for drawing/writing on touchscreens.
• Ports: Not explicitly specified, but for interactive displays without internal Windows OS, connecting a Windows 10 laptop via HDMI and USB-C cable is an option.
• Operating System:
  • Desktop: macOS, Windows (via supported browsers).
  • Mobile: iOS 15.4+, iPadOS 15.4+, Android 10+.
  • Interactive Displays: Windows 10 (for Microsoft Surface Hub 2S), or Android OS devices with a web browser.

Analysis of Technical Requirements:

Mural's technical requirements are largely browser-based, making it accessible across a wide range of devices without demanding high-end specifications for typical usage. The recommendation for Chrome or Firefox highlights the importance of modern browser capabilities for optimal performance. For interactive displays, a higher RAM requirement for the dedicated app indicates more intensive local processing for enhanced touch and display features. The support for various interactive displays underscores its utility in collaborative meeting environments. The platform's reliance on cloud infrastructure minimizes local storage and processing demands for most users.

Support & Compatibility

Mural offers broad compatibility across various platforms and devices, emphasizing its role as a versatile collaboration tool for diverse work environments.

• Latest Version: Continuous updates for web and native applications.
• OS Support:
  • Desktop: Windows, macOS (via web browsers).
  • Mobile: iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, iPad Pro, iPad mini), Android (phones, tablets).
  • Interactive Displays: Microsoft Surface Hub, Dell Interactive Touch Monitors, Viewsonic Viewboard, Cisco Webex Boards, Promethean ActivPanel, LG Interactive Digital Board, NEC InfinityBoards, Adok table-top projector.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly disclosed; ongoing support is provided through various channels.
• Localization: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but the platform is used globally.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable as Mural is primarily a web-based application and native apps do not typically require separate driver installations from the user.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status:

Mural demonstrates strong compatibility across major desktop and mobile operating systems through its web application and dedicated native apps. Its support for a wide array of interactive displays makes it suitable for modern meeting rooms and collaborative spaces. The platform's continuous update model ensures ongoing compatibility and feature enhancements. Support is available through various resources including in-app chat, email, and self-serve learning resources, with premier support options for Enterprise plans. The ability to invite guests and visitors with varying access levels further enhances its collaborative reach.

Security Status

Mural prioritizes enterprise-grade security and compliance, adhering to stringent international standards and offering advanced controls.

• Security Features:
  • Enterprise-grade security across the board.
  • Advanced security and administrative controls.
  • Comprehensive security and compliance built into the platform and Microsoft integrations.
  • Rigorous measures in security, reliability, compliance, and privacy.
  • Flexible permissions and access controls (view-only, edit, facilitator settings).
  • Super lock feature to prevent accidental content movement.
  • File type restrictions.
  • Idle timeout.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific known vulnerabilities are publicly highlighted in the provided information.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; no information suggests a blacklist status.
• Certifications:
  • SOC 2 Type 2.
  • ISO 27001.
  • ISO 9001.
  • Microsoft 365 Certification.
  • Compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations.
• Encryption Support:
  • BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) available as an add-on for Enterprise plans.
  • Data residency options for Enterprise plans.
• Authentication Methods:
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) with SAML 2.0.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) for members and guests (Enterprise plans).
  • Integration with Microsoft Azure Active Directory for secure access management.
  • SCIM User and Group Management for automated provisioning.
  • IP Allowlisting.
• General Recommendations: Mural is trusted by a significant portion of the Fortune 100 and customers in highly regulated industries. It is recommended for organizations with strict security and compliance requirements.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating:

Mural demonstrates a very strong overall security rating, particularly for enterprise environments. Its extensive list of certifications (SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, Microsoft 365 Certification) and compliance with major data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA) highlight a robust commitment to information security. The platform offers advanced security features such as SSO, 2FA, IP allowlisting, and BYOK encryption for Enterprise customers, providing comprehensive control over user access and data protection. Its integrations with identity providers like Azure Active Directory further solidify its secure access management capabilities. Mural's focus on enterprise-grade controls makes it a suitable choice for organizations with stringent security needs.

Performance & Benchmarks

Mural's performance is optimized for real-time visual collaboration, with features designed to enhance productivity and engagement.

• Benchmark Scores: No specific numerical benchmark scores are provided in the search results.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Seamless real-time collaboration.
  • Ability to handle numerous collaborators simultaneously on an infinite canvas.
  • Fast and easy creation of diagrams.
  • Quick diagramming features.
  • Mural AI for accelerated insights and decisions, including clustering, mind mapping, classifying, and summarizing.
  • Facilitation Superpowers (timers, summon, private mode) enhance meeting efficiency.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed, but as a cloud-based service, client-side power consumption depends on the device and browser used.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Often compared to Miro, with some users finding Mural slightly pricier but highly intuitive.
  • Mural is designed for teams across the enterprise, not just creative teams.
  • Praised for its structured and guided collaboration focus, especially for workshops and meetings.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status:

Mural's performance is characterized by its ability to provide a smooth and responsive real-time collaborative experience, even with many participants on an expansive digital canvas. The platform's "Facilitation Superpowers" and AI-powered features significantly contribute to efficient workflows, allowing for quick ideation, organization, and decision-making, thereby boosting productivity. While specific numerical benchmarks are not available, user feedback consistently points to its effectiveness in streamlining collaborative processes. Its design for enterprise-wide use, coupled with robust integration capabilities, positions it as a high-performing tool for visual collaboration.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback consistently highlight Mural's strengths in fostering visual collaboration and facilitating productive meetings, while also noting some considerations regarding pricing.

• Strengths:
  • Intuitive interface and ease of use, even for beginners.
  • Seamless real-time collaboration, mimicking in-person interaction.
  • Extensive library of customizable templates for various activities.
  • "Facilitation Superpowers" (timers, summon, private mode, outline) for structured and guided sessions.
  • AI features (clustering, mind maps, summarizing, classifying) enhance brainstorming and analysis.
  • Ability to visualize complex ideas and strategies effectively.
  • Strong integration with other productivity tools (Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Google Drive).
  • Promotes inclusivity by allowing anonymous input and diverse participation.
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance.
  • Flexible member model with unlimited guests and visitors.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can be pricier than some competitors (e.g., Miro).
  • Some limitations on interactive charts and tables.
  • Fiddly configuration process for certain integrations.
  • Subscription and exclusive license costs can be high for some users.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Brainstorming and ideation sessions.
  • Project planning and roadmapping.
  • Design thinking workshops and design sprints.
  • Remote and hybrid team collaboration.
  • Strategy visualization and execution.
  • Facilitating meetings and workshops.
  • Gathering and organizing feedback.
  • Teaching and presenting.
  • Agile and Scrum methodologies.

Summary

Mural is a leading collaborative visual work platform that excels as an online digital whiteboard, designed to enhance teamwork, innovation, and productivity across enterprises. Its core strength lies in providing an intuitive and dynamic shared canvas where teams can engage in real-time or asynchronously, regardless of their physical location.

Strengths: Mural's user-friendly interface, coupled with an extensive library of templates, makes it highly accessible for diverse use cases, from brainstorming to complex project planning. Its "Facilitation Superpowers" and integrated AI tools significantly streamline meetings and workshops, promoting structured collaboration and efficient decision-making. The platform boasts robust enterprise-grade security, evidenced by multiple certifications (SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, Microsoft 365 Certification) and advanced features like SSO, 2FA, and data residency options, making it a trusted choice for highly regulated industries. Broad compatibility across desktop, mobile, and interactive displays, along with seamless integrations with popular business tools, ensures a versatile and connected workflow.

Weaknesses: While highly effective, Mural can be perceived as more expensive than some competitors, particularly for its paid plans and exclusive licenses. Some users have noted minor limitations in interactive charting capabilities and occasional complexities with integration configurations.

Recommendations: Mural is highly recommended for organizations seeking a secure, scalable, and feature-rich visual collaboration platform. It is particularly well-suited for distributed, hybrid, and remote teams that require structured ideation, strategic planning, and effective meeting facilitation. Its emphasis on enterprise-grade security and compliance makes it an excellent fit for businesses in regulated sectors. For smaller teams or those with budget constraints, evaluating the free plan or comparing features against pricing with alternatives is advisable. However, for comprehensive visual collaboration, especially in complex enterprise environments, Mural offers significant value through its powerful tools and commitment to security.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.