As the most popular edtech solution, a learning management system streamlines the creation, delivery, and management of online training programs and courses. Every organization these days has the option to choose from two distinct categories of learning management systems – on-premise and cloud.
An on-premise learning management system is installed and run on an organization’s internal IT infrastructure. In addition to investing in hardware and other IT infrastructure, an organization has to deploy in-house IT staff to update, maintain, and manage the software internally.
Most organizations these days prefer cloud learning management systems to on-premise learning management systems to curtail infrastructural costs. We can understand the growing demand for cloud learning management systems (LMS) by discussing two important questions – what is a cloud LMS? and what are the major benefits of cloud LMS?
What is a Cloud Learning Management System?
Unlike an on-premise LMS, a cloud-based LMS is hosted and run on a remote server. An organization can access the web-based edtech software using a software licensing and delivery model called Software as a Service (SaaS). Also, the software is maintained, managed, and updated by the cloud service provider.
Both trainers and learners can access the features provided by the software using computers and mobile devices connected to the internet. Hence, they can access the cloud-based LMS anytime and anywhere using their preferred devices. Additionally, they need not put extra time and effort into installing, maintaining, and updating the cloud LMS.
Cloud computing helps organizations leverage learning management systems without incurring infrastructural and human resource costs. The provider further allows them to customize and scale the LMS on demand. Cloud LMS providers allow organizations to choose from multiple pricing or subscription options according to their precise eLearning needs.
What are the Major Benefits of Cloud Learning Management Systems?
As highlighted by several market research studies, cloud deployment contributes hugely towards the steady growth of the worldwide learning management system market. We are highlighting some of the major benefits or advantages that make organizations switch from on-premise LMS to cloud LMS.
12 Important Benefits or Advantages of a Cloud Learning Management System
No Installation
Organizations have to deploy IT staff to install and implement a conventional LMS. However, they are not required to install or configure a cloud-based LMS. The provider configures and customizes the cloud LMS in hours according to the precise needs of each organization. Hence, end-users can access the LMS as soon as an organization subscribes to the pricing plan.
Quick Deployment
The absence of installation and implementation activities makes it easier for an organization to implement the cloud-based LMS in hours. The trainers can upload content, structure courses, and enroll learners once the software is configured and customized. Likewise, they can track course completion and monitor learner performance by generating reports.
No Maintenance
On-premise LMS requires enterprises to deploy in-house IT staff to fix technical glitches, maintain the software, and install new updates. As noted earlier, the cloud LMS are maintained and managed by the team deployed by the provider. Leading cloud LMS providers these days mitigate disruptions and resolve emerging issues by providing 24/7 customer support. Hence, an organization can keep the LMS operational without deploying dedicated IT staff.
Option to Customize
Leading providers customize cloud LMS according to the branding needs of individual customers. For instance, they help customers create a comprehensive eLearning portal with multiple subportals. Likewise, they customize the LMS systems by including branding elements like logos, banners, color schemes, and customized login pages. The customization options make cloud-based LMS hugely popular with online training companies.
Seamless Access
An end-user can access the cloud-based LMS over the internet. He simply needs to access the web portal using any device connected to the internet. Hence, a learner or trainer can access the LMS anytime and anywhere using a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. The new-age cloud-based LMS delivers optimal user experience across devices and platforms.
Scale on Demand
An organization can scale cloud LMS on demand by upgrading the existing subscription plan. The scalability makes it easier for them to avail of additional computing resources like storage space, databases, and processing power. Also, an organization can scale up the software to make the LMS accessible to additional trainers and learners according to changing needs and demands.
Enhanced Data Security
The cloud LMS provider safeguards an organization’s eLearning data by implementing many security measures. In addition to installing security firewalls and using advanced data encryption technologies, they make security monitoring and auditing an ongoing process. Hence, trainers and learners can access the cloud LMS confidently without worrying about targeted security attacks and data thefts.
Simplified Content Creation and Delivery
Cloud LMS simplifies content creation and delivery by featuring easy-to-use tools. Trainers can use web-based tools to accelerate content creation using ready-to-use templates and content authoring tools. Likewise, they can use specialized tools to upload and import e-learning content without putting in extra time and effort. The LMS further helps them optimize content by gathering feedback from learners in real time.
Digital Library Integration
Many providers these days complement cloud-based LMS with comprehensive digital libraries. An organization can integrate the cloud LMS seamlessly with third-party libraries using application programming interfaces (APIs). The integration enables organizations to expand eLearning programs without investing in digital content creation and optimization.
Multiple Pricing Options
Leading cloud LMS providers allow subscribers to choose from multiple pricing options and plans. Also, a subscriber can upgrade to a higher-value plan in minutes. The pricing options enable an organization to access the cloud LMS by paying according to its current eLearning needs. It can further control costs by choosing a pricing plan according to the required features and number of users.
Free Trials
Leading cloud LMS providers support free trials. They allow organizations to evaluate the LMS for a limited period of time before subscribing to a premium plan. These free plans enable organizations to evaluate a cloud learning management system in real-time. An organization can further leverage the option to evaluate multiple LMS and implement the best LMS system.
Cost Reduction
Unlike on-premise LMS, cloud LMS does not require organizations to incur upfront and ongoing infrastructural overheads. Also, an organization can leverage the edtech solution without deploying in-house IT staff. Hence, it becomes easier for small organizations to run online training programs without incurring additional costs. An organization can further control costs by subscribing to a pricing plan according to its current eLearning needs.
Conclusion
Unlike on-premise LMS, Cloud Learning Management System does not require organizations to incur upfront infrastructural costs and deploy in-house IT staff. Also, end-users can access the up-to-date version of the cloud LMS without updating, maintaining, and securing the software frequently. That is why; enterprises have been switching from on-premise LMS to cloud LMS to avail of boost eLearning experiences without increasing upfront and ongoing overheads.
