As a popular software licensing and delivery model in cloud computing, Software as a Service (SaaS) enables subscribers to access the required software solution remotely over the internet. Unlike on-premise software applications, SaaS solutions are not required to be installed on the end-user’s devices.
An end-user can access the cloud-based tech tool on demand using his computer or mobile device connected to the internet. An enterprise or educational institution can create, deliver, and manage eLearning programs by accessing the software over the Internet.
Also, the learning management system (LMS) is maintained, updated, and managed by the SaaS software provider maintains, updates. We can understand the SaaS learning management system elaborately by discussing two important questions.
- What makes SaaS LMS different from on-premise LMS?
- Why do organizations prefer SaaS LMS to on-premise LMS?
What Makes SaaS LMS Different from On-Premise LMS?
On-premise LMS and SaaS LMS do not differ from each other in the category of features and tools. Both provide the features and tools required by an organization to implement eLearning and boost eLearning experiences.
But SaaS Learning Management System, unlike on-premise LMS, need not be installed or hosted on the end-user’s device. A learner or trainer can access the features provided by the software over the Internet. Also, he can access the software seamlessly over the internet using a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Hence, SaaS LMS helps learners acquire knowledge at their own pace by accessing content in various digital formats – text, images, videos, and audio. At the same time, the cloud-based edtech solution helps organizations implement eLearning without incurring infrastructural costs.
Additionally, it is not required to incur IT staffing costs as the cloud LMS is maintained and managed by the software provider. Leading providers allow customers to implement SaaS LMS by choosing from multiple pricing or subscription options.
Why do Organizations Switch from On-Premise LMS to SaaS LMS?
Most market forecast reports suggest a surge in the number of users switching from on-premise LMS to SaaS Learning Management System. We can understand why enterprises and educational institutions opt for SaaS LMS by discussing some of its prominent features and benefits.
Accessibility
A SaaS LMS is more portable than an on-premise LMS. A learner can access the software hosted in the cloud anytime and anywhere over the internet. Also, he can access the edtech solution seamlessly on computers and mobile devices. Hence, SaaS Learning Management System helps organizations support self-paced eLearning.
Availability
A learner can start using an on-premise LMS after several minutes. However, he can access the SaaS LMS instantly using a computer or mobile device. The availability makes it easier for corporate employees to enhance their knowledge and hone skills during and after working hours.
Customization Options
A SaaS LMS is easier to customize than an on-premise LMS. While implementing the software, the provider customizes the eLearning tool according to the precise needs of each organization. Hence, a business or educational institution is not required to deploy IT staff to implement and customize the cloud-based LMS.
At the same time, the customization options help organizations engage learners and increase course completion rates through eLearning gamification. An organization can boost learner experiences by implementing gamification options like course avatars, quests, leaderboards, badges, and virtual coins.
Integration Options
Leading SaaS LMS comes with integration APIs. The APIs make it easier for organizations to integrate the software with existing eLearning tools. For instance, a user can save eLearning content creation time and costs by integrating the LMS with digital library software. Likewise, it can implement blended eLearning by integrating the LMS with virtual classroom software.
Maintenance
No organization can maintain and manage on-premise LMS without deploying dedicated IT staff. However, it is not required to deploy IT staff as the SaaS LMS is implemented and maintained by the providers.
Leading providers beat the competition by adding new features regularly and fixing glitches proactively. Furthermore, leading SaaS LMS companies help customers resolve issues by providing 24/7 technical support across multiple communication channels.
Security
Many organizations still implement on-premise LMS to optimize data security. However, several studies have highlighted that the data stored in the cloud are more secure than data stored in internal servers. Also, an end-user can increase cloud data security using options like two-factor authentication.
Leading SaaS LMS providers optimize content and data security using advanced encryption technologies and installing robust firewalls. Additionally, they eliminate cyber security risks by making security monitoring and auditing an ongoing process.
Cost
When an organization opts for on-premise LMS, it has to invest in specific hardware and software. Additionally, it has to deploy in-house staff to implement, customize, and maintain the learning management system. However, the organization can eliminate IT infrastructural needs by implementing SaaS LMS.
Additionally, it is not required to deploy IT staff as the eLearning tool is implemented, customized, and maintained by the provider. Leading providers help organizations reduce eLearning adoption costs by supporting multiple pricing and subscription plans.
Learning Experience
No organization can increase online course completion rates without boosting learner experience and engagement. SaaS LMS beat on-premise LMS in the category of user experience. Learners find it easier to access and use cloud-based LMS. Also, an organization can keep learners engaged by implementing gamification techniques and delivering micro eLearning models.
Conclusion
As highlighted by several market research studies, flexible pricing models make most enterprises and educational institutions opt for SaaS LMS. Organizations further integrate the SaaS LMS with essential eLearning tools and platforms. Hence, many organizations these days prefer unified learning platforms that provide multiple eLearning solutions, including a learning management system.
About Mintbook
Mintbook caters to the eLearning needs of businesses and educators by launching a robust unified learning platform. In addition to featuring a feature-rich learning management system, the cloud-based platform enables access to a comprehensive digital library.
The integrated platform boosts learning experiences by enabling end-users to learn a topic by reading an eBook, watching videos, or taking quizzes. At the same time, the learner can acquire knowledge at his own pace by accessing the LMS and digital library anytime and anywhere over the internet.
