Link Redirector vs Bitly
Bitly is a great tool. But if your organization runs on Microsoft 365 and your IT team has opinions about where data lives, it's the wrong tool. Here's why teams switch.
Bitly owns your link data.
We don’t.
Every short link you create in Bitly lives in Bitly’s database. Their servers, their encryption keys, their data retention policy. When you click Bitly’s links, Bitly logs it.
Link Redirector deploys into your Azure subscription. Your link data lives in your Azure Table Storage. Your encryption keys. Your retention policy. InWorks has no access to your data whatsoever.
For organizations subject to GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, or internal data-handling requirements, this isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the requirement that rules out Bitly entirely.
Bitly
Your links, clicks, and destination URLs stored on Bitly’s multi-tenant SaaS infrastructure. Data exits your organization the moment you create a link.
Link Redirector
All data in Azure Table Storage inside your subscription. AES-256-GCM field-level encryption with keys in your Function App settings. Zero vendor access.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Bitly | Link Redirector |
|---|---|---|
| Data location | Bitly’s servers (US) | Your Azure tenant, your region |
| Authentication | Separate Bitly account | Microsoft Entra ID SSO — no new passwords |
| Microsoft 365 integration | None | Native Outlook Add-In (compose + read mode) |
| Org-wide deployment | Manual per-user access | M365 admin center — one deploy, all users |
| Access control | Bitly workspaces & seats | Entra ID security groups — uses existing groups infrastructure |
| Vendor data access | Bitly can see your links & clicks | Zero — InWorks has no access |
| Encryption at rest | Bitly-managed | AES-256-GCM, your keys, field-level |
| GDPR / data residency | Bitly’s DPA required; data may transfer to US | Stays in your Azure region; Azure DPA applies |
| Custom short domain | Paid add-on | Included — your own domain from day one |
| One-time links | Not available | All plans — self-expire after first click |
| Redirect landing pages | Not available | Branded HTML templates with countdown & message |
| Pricing model | Per-seat SaaS subscription | Per-tenant license — not per user |
| Infrastructure cost | Bitly fee only | Azure resources (~$1–5/month) |
When Bitly is the right choice
We’re not for everyone. Here’s when Bitly genuinely makes more sense.
Choose Bitly if…
You don’t use Microsoft 365
Link Redirector’s core advantages are its Microsoft 365 integration. If your team doesn’t use Outlook, Teams, or Azure AD, you won’t benefit from the native authentication or the Outlook Add-In.
Choose Bitly if…
You need a two-minute setup
Bitly is sign-up-and-go. Link Redirector requires provisioning a few Azure resources and configuring Entra ID. It takes about an hour, not a few minutes. If you need something instantly, Bitly wins on setup speed.
Choose Bitly if…
You have no Azure footprint
Link Redirector runs on Azure. If your organization has no Azure subscription and no appetite to create one, the operational overhead may not be worth it for a small team with simple link needs.
When Link Redirector is the right choice
Choose Link Redirector if…
Security and privacy are priorities
If your security team asks "where does our data go?" before approving any new SaaS tool, Link Redirector is the answer: your subscription, your data, your controls.
Choose Link Redirector if…
You live in Outlook and want it to stay that way
The Outlook Add-In lets your team browse, create, and insert short links without leaving their inbox. Deploy it org-wide from the M365 admin center in minutes — no end-user action required.
Choose Link Redirector if…
You need features Bitly doesn’t have
One-time links, branded redirect landing pages with countdown timers, message gates, locked links, and full redirect control — none of these exist in Bitly at any price point.