Softwr

Government · head to head

DataSF vs OnBase

DataSF logo

DataSF

Government

San Francisco Open Data Portal

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OnBase logo

OnBase

Government

Enterprise Information Platform

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only DataSF has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: DataSF covers Open Datasets, OnBase covers Content Management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataSF and OnBase actually diverge.

Attributes where DataSF and OnBase differ
AttributeDataSFOnBase
Starting priceFree$400/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Mobile
Founded20091991

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Government).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DataSF

  • Open Datasets
  • Data API
  • Visualizations
  • Data Catalog
  • Automated Updates
  • Socrata
  • ArcGIS
  • Analysis Tools

Only in OnBase

  • Content Management
  • Workflow Automation
  • Case Management
  • Records Management
  • Intelligent Capture
  • Microsoft 365
  • Salesforce
  • Epic

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DataSF

  • Citizen Services
  • Records Management
  • Public Safety
  • Civic Engagement

OnBase

  • Citizen Services
  • Records Management
  • Public Safety
  • Civic Engagement

Both are used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DataSF

Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.

OnBase

  • Pricing starts at 2,000 USD per month, making it expensive for small agencies
  • Complex implementation and configuration required for government-specific workflows
  • Requires significant IT resources for deployment and ongoing management

Pricing, plan by plan

DataSF

Free
  • Public AccessFree
    • Dataset Access
    • API Access
    • Visualizations

OnBase

$400/month
  • Government$400/month
    • Content Management
    • Process Automation
    • Case Management

Which should you pick?

Choose DataSF if

  • You need open datasets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want data api.
DataSF review

Choose OnBase if

  • You need content management.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want workflow automation.
OnBase review

Questions people ask

Is DataSF or OnBase better?
Neither clearly leads. DataSF starts at Free and OnBase at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DataSF or OnBase?
DataSF has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DataSF and $400/month for OnBase.
Does DataSF or OnBase run on more platforms?
DataSF runs on Web. OnBase runs on Web, Mobile.
Can I use DataSF for free?
Yes. DataSF has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. OnBase starts at $400/month.
What is DataSF best used for?
DataSF is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement.
What can DataSF do that OnBase cannot?
DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog. OnBase covers Content Management, Workflow Automation, Case Management, Records Management. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OnBase: What is OnBase used for in government?

OnBase is used for digital permitting, inspections, and plan review processes. Government agencies use it to streamline workflows, enable online forms, automate approvals, and provide citizen access to application status.

Source
OnBase: Does OnBase support mobile access?

Yes. Mobile access is a key feature of OnBase, allowing users to manage documents and cases on the go.

Source
OnBase: What document management capabilities does OnBase provide?

OnBase provides centralized document storage with version control, search and retrieval tools, records management across physical and electronic lifecycles, and compliance with policies and regulations.

Source
OnBase: Can OnBase workflows be customized?

Yes. OnBase is flexible and configurable with user-defined workflows for case management, streamlining processes like accounts payable, employee onboarding, and contract management.

Source
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