DFIN virtual data room software:
the complete guide

DFin virtual data room is a product of Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc., a leading global risk and compliance solutions company. It delivers domain expertise, enterprise software, and data insights tailored for every stage of transaction and investment lifecycles. As markets fluctuate, regulations evolve, and technology advances, the provider offers the right solutions to instill confidence during critical moments. The company specializes in regulatory filing and deal solutions designed for public and private companies, mutual funds, and other regulated investment markets.

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. operates through four segments: capital markets — compliance and communications management; capital markets — software solutions; investment companies — compliance and communications management; and investment companies — software solutions.

A DFin data room is a secure, cloud-based, XBRL-enabled financial reporting software backed by a team of experts with over 30 years of industry expertise. The provider protects sensitive data, simplifies collaboration, and streamlines complex transactions through advanced functionality, including integrated AI and intelligent analytics.

DFin serves medium and large enterprises across various industries, including finance, energy, retail, technology, and investment companies.

Security features

As the leading global risk and compliance solutions provider, Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc. ensures strong data protection, enterprise cybersecurity, and supply chain security by adhering to multiple standards, including SOC 2 Type II audits, HITRUST audit reports, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification.

In addition, the provider conducts regular third-party penetration tests to identify potential vulnerabilities in the system. Thus, companies can take proactive measures before breaches occur. Also, intrusion prevention and detection systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activities, providing real-time alerts to protect against unauthorized access.

The top features for document security include the following:

• Multi-factor authentication. Users must provide multiple verification forms before accessing the data room, which ensures that only authorized personnel log in.
• Information encryption. The platform protects sensitive data with AES-256-bit encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.2 for information in transit.
• Client-managed encryption keys. Users can expire and rotate encryption keys according to their schedule, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access through regular updates.
• Automatic watermarking. DFIN’s dynamic document watermarks deter unauthorized sharing and track document usage.
• Delayed invitations. Administrators can control the timing of user access by sending invitations at strategic moments.
• Symantec virus scanning. Symantec detects and eliminates potential threats before files are uploaded or shared.
• User permissions. Data room admins can assign and modify user roles and access rights, maintaining tight control over who can view or edit documents.

These DFIN security measures guarantee sensitive data protection, ensure authorized access, and mitigate potential security threats to deliver business leaders a secure virtual data room environment.

Pricing

DFIN offers clear pricing based on file-level page count. Extra storage is charged at the same per-page rate for a set period.

Users can book a demo to explore the platform’s features and contact DFIN’s sales organization team for pricing details.

Unique features

Here are innovative tools that distinguish Donnelley Financial Solutions from other virtual data room providers:

• Bulk redaction efficiency. The solution automates the redaction of market, confidential, sensitive, and personal information across multiple documents. This feature allows for bulk redactions without altering the original files, streamlining the process while maintaining data integrity.
• Real-time reporting and analytics. Users gain instant access to accurate and insightful analytics on buyer behavior with DFin’s reporting tools. This real-time intelligence allows teams to optimize follow-up timing, moving closer to successful deal completion.
• Streamlined workflows. Multi-deal management solutions, automatic electronic archiving, and scheduled reporting offer better project transparency. With all this, users can maintain a complete overview of their pipeline with valuable insights into buyer behavior.
• Accelerated AI contract analytics. The provider leverages AI to expedite due diligence and post-merger integration efforts. Thus, DFin reviews contracts up to 90% faster and up to 10% greater accuracy than traditional manual methods, allowing teams to make smarter decisions with insightful technology.

Customer support

DFin ensures smooth data room operation and user satisfaction through the following support features:

• 24/7 access to country-specific experts. Users can reach knowledgeable support teams anytime.
• Regionally assigned project manager: A dedicated project manager oversees the entire process, providing personalized guidance from start to finish.
• Comprehensive knowledge base. The provider offers detailed documentation, FAQs, and video tutorials to troubleshoot or explore platform features independently.
• Partnership program. DFin helps leaders enhance brand exposure and reach more customers. By joining the partner program, organizations can tap into innovative software solutions and deep regulatory expertise, boosting revenue growth and stronger business relationships with Fortune 1,000 and S&P 500 companies.

Dedicated support, expert guidance, and opportunities for collaboration guarantee user satisfaction and effective partnership between a customer and the DFin team.

Document management features

A DFin virtual data room streamlines sensitive information handling through the following features:

• Version control. All transaction parties can track document changes and revisions using the latest information while maintaining an organized version history.
• Customizable folder structure. Intuitive document organization with customizable folder structures makes navigating and locating specific files easy.
• Bulk upload and download. Users can simplify document management with advanced upload and download functionalities, enabling quick handling of large volumes of files.
• Document activity tracking. The solution offers detailed insights into document usage, tracking all views, downloads, and edits.

Pros and cons

Speaking of Venue’s most prominent benefits, users often report deal analysis, support, and AI-powered search.

Deal analysis functionality offers accurate analysis on processes carried out within the VDR. This helps you to gain some understanding of the interests of parties who use the data room and you can make quality decisions based on insights obtained from the report. It allows you a bird’s eye view of your pipeline across different deals, hence you can manage and determine actions to take based on reports and observations.

Clientele and case studies

Here are some industries and companies that use DFIN data rooms:

• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals: Allergan, Aetna, CVS, and Philips
• Technology: Microsoft, Cisco, Autodesk, HP, Verizon, and Roblox
• Retail: Under Armour, Burlington, Kraft, Oatly, and Carter’s
• Financial: Capital One, Morgan Stanley, Silicon Valley Bank, Square, Starwood Capital Group, and Goldman Sachs
• Transportation: Lyft, Uber, and Avis 
• Energy: First Energy
• Media:  Walt Disney, StubHub, and Scripps

Here are some testimonials from clients who use DFIN virtual data rooms for deals and everyday workflows:

1. Kensington

The executives stated that DFIN exceeded their expectations and provided the right platform and team for a complex task at a competitive price. They also highlight the availability of essential post-acquisition tools for SEC filings and annual reporting.

2. Unisys

The Unisys team says DFIN’s support team is the friendliest and most knowledgeable they have ever worked with.

3. Silicon Valley Bank

The team likes DFIN for its responsiveness and technical expertise, which make their processes fast and easy.