Datasite VDR (formerly known as Merrill DataSite) is a leading virtual data room solution designed for M&A, financing, restructuring, and other complex business transactions. In this comprehensive overview, we'll explore what Datasite's virtual data room offers and how it compares to modern alternatives like Papermark.

Datasite VDR: What's Inside?

Datasite's virtual data room is a sophisticated platform designed specifically for M&A transactions and due diligence processes. It offers a secure environment for document sharing, deal management, and collaboration, helping dealmakers save weeks on complex transactions while maintaining the highest security standards.

Key features of Datasite VDR

Fast setup and content management

Datasite VDR provides a streamlined approach to document organization and deal management:

• Drag-and-drop file and folder upload capabilities
• Bulk import functionality with folder structure preservation
• Built-in templates for quick setup
• Email-to-project upload feature
• Proven folder structures and checklists

Seamless collaboration

The platform enables efficient teamwork across all stakeholders:

• Centralized checklist of tasks
• Trackers linked to your index
• Integration with emails and spreadsheets
• Real-time collaboration tools
• Customizable permission settings

Powerful AI capabilities

Datasite leverages artificial intelligence to enhance productivity:

• AI-powered categorization and indexing
• Automatic content translation between 10+ languages
• Smart redaction features
• OCR technology for searchable content
• Machine learning for document classification
• Advanced AI-powered search capabilities with word and phrase detection
• Intelligent redaction and unredaction tools for sensitive information
• Mobile app for on-the-go access and document management
• Comprehensive Q&A workflow management system

The platform's AI-powered search functionality allows users to find specific words and phrases across all documents, while intelligent redaction tools ensure sensitive information remains protected. The mobile app provides secure access to your data room from any device, and the integrated Q&A system streamlines communication between deal parties.

Advanced security features

Security is paramount in Datasite's virtual data room offering:

• End-to-end encryption
• Rigorous security standards at platform, process, and people levels
• Customizable watermark settings
• Granular permission controls
• Detailed audit trails

Comprehensive analytics

Datasite provides detailed insights into deal progress:

• Real-time activity monitoring
• Engagement tracking at document level
• Team activity analysis
• Customizable reporting dashboards
• Scheduled automatic reports

How to use Datasite VDR

1. Initial setup

• Create your virtual data room project
• Choose from pre-built templates or custom structure
• Configure security settings and permissions

2. Content organization

• Upload documents via drag-and-drop or bulk import
• Organize content using AI-powered categorization
• Apply watermarks and security settings

3. Collaboration management

• Set up workflow roles and categories
• Configure Q&A teams and processes
• Establish approval workflows

4. Deal monitoring

• Track engagement metrics
• Monitor team activity
• Generate progress reports

Datasite VDR pricing

For detailed pricing information, you'll need to contact Datasite's official sales team as they don't provide transparent pricing on their website. However, based on our research and user reviews, we can provide some insights into their pricing structure.

Datasite follows a page-based pricing model, with an average upload cost of $0.60 per page. For larger implementations, such as a 10 GB plan, the annual cost can reach up to $720,000. The platform charges additional fees for Excel files and special media types, and prices tend to increase during deal continuation periods. Notably, smaller deals often face proportionally higher costs due to the pricing structure.

The final cost of your Datasite VDR implementation will depend on various factors including your project size and duration, the number of users, storage requirements, feature requirements, and the service level needed. This complex pricing structure makes it difficult for organizations to estimate costs upfront without engaging with their sales team.

Note: Unlike modern alternatives that offer straightforward subscription-based pricing, Datasite follows a traditional legacy pricing model based on page count and special media charges. We recommend contacting their sales team for a custom quote based on your specific project requirements.

Limitations of Datasite VDR

While Datasite offers a robust virtual data room solution, some considerations include:

1. Complex pricing structure with custom quotes only
2. Steep learning curve for new users
3. Higher cost compared to modern alternatives
4. Limited customization options
5. No self-hosting capabilities
6. Complex implementation process
7. Required training for optimal usage
8. Limited API access

Why consider Papermark as an alternative?

Papermark is a next-generation virtual data room built for speed, transparency, and modern collaboration. While legacy providers like Datasite still rely on page-based pricing and complex onboarding, Papermark delivers a flat-fee, all-inclusive experience that lets teams spin up secure workspaces in minutes—without paying extra for every page, user, or file type.

Transparent, flat pricing

Papermark is priced at €99 per month—full stop. That single subscription unlocks unlimited data rooms, unlimited guest access, and unlimited storage, so your costs stay predictable no matter how many deals you are running.

Enterprise-grade security & compliance

Papermark is SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 compliant, supports GDPR/CCPA requirements, and encrypts data both in transit and at rest. You can enforce SSO, MFA, and dynamic watermarks on every document, with page-level audit logs that satisfy even the strictest compliance teams.

Modern productivity features

• AI-powered auto-indexing, full-text search, and smart redaction

• Granular user permissions down to the page level

• Page-level engagement analytics and heat-maps

• Integrated Q&A workflow and real-time Slack / Teams notifications

• Version history, secure shredding, and automatic PDF conversions

Developer-friendly & open-source

Need to embed the data room in your existing workflow? Papermark exposes a fully documented REST API and Webhooks, and the core codebase is open-source—so you can self-host or customize without vendor lock-in.

5-minute setup, zero training required

Invite stakeholders with a single share link, drag-and-drop your documents, and you are live. The interface feels familiar to anyone who has used Google Drive or Dropbox, which means less time onboarding and more time closing deals.

Try Papermark data room

Feature comparison

Conclusion

Datasite VDR is a comprehensive virtual data room solution with powerful features for M&A and due diligence processes. However, for organizations seeking a modern, cost-effective alternative with similar capabilities, Papermark offers an intuitive platform with transparent pricing, unlimited storage, and advanced features without the complexity.

Learn more about Data Room features