BlueSpice as an
alternative to BookStack

Both wiki solutions are powerful tools for enterprise knowledge management, but there are clear differences.

Why should you choose BlueSpice over BookStack?

BookStack for small teams – BlueSpice for larger teams and complex needs

When managing your team’s knowledge, both BookStack and BlueSpice MediaWiki offer distinct benefits. Here’s a concise breakdown of what each platform brings to the table and who they’re best for.

BookStack’s clean,  page-based editing tools make it easy to organize and manage content. However, its simplicity comes with trade-offs. Advanced features like workflow automation, structured approvals, and complex data management are missing. Customization is possible but limited, and its extension library is relatively small. If your needs are straightforward, BookStack is an excellent no-fuss option.

BlueSpice is designed for scalability and use cases of medium and large companies. It offers comprehensive workflow features and compliance-ready approval systems, making it ideal for regulated environments. These workflows also include task-based review reminders and approvals that align with industry standards. It is therefore ideal for teams that require formalized content management practices for audits, for example. In addition, BlueSpice’s modular architecture allows easy integration of tools like Draw.io for diagrams and ISO-compliant templates. Unlike BookStack, these functions are already included or can be seamlessly integrated.

Hosting & Pricing
Both platforms are open source, but BlueSpice emphasizes scalability and freedom in hosting. Your wiki can be operated in the cloud or on your own company server without any price difference. BookStack is free of charge – apart from the server costs – and also allows both hosting options. However, due to the limited range of features, the system can quickly no longer be adapted to requirements. With its license model and comprehensive expansion options, BlueSpice ensures that your knowledge base can grow just like your company.

Features in comparison

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BlueSpice farm

BookStack

Knowledge base
Integrated management system
Documentation system
Online-/Organization manual
Visual editor (WYSIWYG)
Wiki syntax editor / Markdown editor Wiki syntax editor Markdown editor
Dynamic content elements, Macros, Droplets
(lists, videos etc.)
Create diagrams draw.io, BPMN Drawings.net
AI editing assistant
Page hierarchy (via subpages)
Category system (hierarchical)
Category management
Templates for pages and individual elements
Templates with dynamic content
Simultaneous  editing
Forms
Forms with semantic metadata support
Search OpenSearch Basic search
Responsive design adaptable to CI Limited to basic customizations
Fast upload and embed files
Customizable permissions
Working with drafts and approvals
Workflow function
Read confirmation
Reminders & resubmissions
Tasks
Book functionality
Comments & blogs
Create and manage sub-wikis
Inter wiki search
Content transfer between wikis (with translation)
Multilingual support
Export (PDF, Office, XML)
AI chatbot connector
AI translation connector
On premises
Cloud
Docker
Virtual machine
Password policies configurable
EU GDPR features
Two-factor-authentication
Audit Logs / Logbooks
Single-Sign-On (SSO)
Central authentication
API
Community support
Professional support
Installation, migration, updates
Configuration
Trainings, workshops, consulting
Software development as part of a project

Numerous companies around the world rely on BlueSpice

Numerous companies around the world rely on BlueSpice

Try BlueSpice 30 days for free!

Experience the enterprise wiki in action.

  • Try BlueSpice pro with all features
  • Place and edit your own content
  • Protection by individual access data and SSL
  • Possibility to transfer your data to a licensed version
  • Free personal consultation with our MediaWiki experts

Try BlueSpice 30 days for free!

Experience the enterprise wiki in action.

  • Try BlueSpice pro with all features
  • Place and edit your own content
  • Protection by individual access data and SSL
  • Possibility to transfer your data to a licensed version
  • Free personal consultation with our MediaWiki experts

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