Best Cloud Based LMS
It’s a well-known truth that knowledge is power and with the advancement of technology and the internet, the delivery and access to this knowledge have never been easier. A Learning Management System (LMS) is the engine that powers eLearning today enabling educational institutions, government agencies and business corporations to create, manage, and share educational content with various users. Typically, organizations interested in acquiring an LMS have two options to choose from, either a locally deployed (on-premise) LMS platform or a Cloud-based LMS platform.
Locally deployed LMS
A locally deployed LMS platform is basically a desktop application, usually sold as a licensed product, that you get to install, manage, and maintain from your own server. This means that you’re responsible for operations such as data backup, updating software, scaling to more local machines and many other mandatory responsibilities. While this option offers a lot of flexibility, it is highly demanding and can only be achieved by organizations with a resource-rich IT department.
Cloud based LMS
Cloud-based LMS solutions are the most popular and go-to option for most organizations due to the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and less-demanding nature of this option. With Cloud-based LMS, you can access all the capabilities of an LMS without worrying about software updates, data backup or server monitoring. All these are handled by the Cloud provider and the best part is that you can pick the pricing, performance and feature combination that matches your needs.
However, having an IT support with an understanding of LMS systems is crucial when selecting a Cloud LMS to ensure your organization gets the right LMS with the best feature combination that is in line with your business goals. Virtual CIO consulting by PowerConsulting is one such reliable IT support service with the right blend of expertise that ensures your organization’s LMS and IT needs are well catered for. Another important aspect of Cloud-based LMS systems is that they don’t require you to download and install the LMS software on your device. Instead, you can access it via the internet from anywhere in the world. That said, Cloud LMS solutions are the most desirable option for many organizations and through our cloud-based LMS comparison, we’ve gathered the best choices based on functionality, ease-of-use, and online user reviews.
1. Adobe Captivate Prime
This is one of the leading Cloud LMS out there that empowers users to create, manage and track learning all by themselves. Adobe Captivate Prime aligns itself with modern business needs through its rich set of tools that offer a fast, secured and personalized learning experience. Organizations can stay informed on how their learners or teams are doing on their learning objectives while learners can gain actionable insights into their learning initiatives. This Cloud-based software makes learning engaging with gamification, unified content playback, and high-definition video streaming. Adobe offers a free 30-day trial for new users and a flexible subscription plan thereafter hence a great option to consider when looking to adopt an LMS for your training needs.
2. Docebo
Docebo is one of the most popular and highly acclaimed LMS cloud-based solutions that has been endorsed by many reputable organizations including Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters. This software uses a learn, coach, and share philosophy to ensure its users get an unparalleled learning experience. Some of Docebo’s notable features include gamification, web conferencing, ILT classroom training, custom domains, e-commerce, advanced reporting among others. These features are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that delivers content curation and aggregation tools for a personalized learning experience. Docebo is especially suited for corporate training but it’s also handy for selling courses online. Docebo’s pricing plans are based on active users with packages starting at $370 per month for 1000 active users only.
3. TalentLMS
This is the most versatile and one of the best Cloud LMS platform out there that is suited for all kinds of eLearning purposes including employee training, customer training, partner training, and student training. Its user-friendly interface enables you to create courses with minimal effort and access a wide range of online material through various social integrations. TalentLMS is available both for mobile and desktop devices hence giving users the ability to stay up-to-date on the go. Users can also download courses and access them even when offline. TalentLMS supports the latest industry standards, namely SCORM and Tincan that allow content to be shared across multiple LMSs. TalentLMS offers a free cloud LMS version that’s limited to 5 users and 10 courses as well as an enterprise version with pricing starting at $29 per month.
4. Litmos LMS
Litmos is a full suite learning software that combines learning management, prepackaged content, and a content management system into one platform. It enables employees, customers, and partners to stay informed on company policies, compliance, and other necessary training needs. Designers can create completely customized learning paths for their students and receive feedback and reports that can help optimize the content appropriately. Litmus LMS also offers a superb eCommerce feature that allows you to sell courses online or create an online selling platform using Shopify integration. Litmus only offers annual pricing plans with packages starting at $72 per user with a minimum requirement of 150 users.
5. Thought Industries
Thought industries is a powerful, scalable and flexible cloud-based solution that provides you with one place to build websites, create online courses, monetize them and monitor their performance. Its supported in both mobile and desktop devices and is suited for use by both small and large enterprises. With eCommerce features integrated into the platform, Thought LMS streamlines your ability to create, promote and sell digital content through subscription-based packages. It also offers real-time dashboards complete with financial variables to help you gain insights on how users are engaging with your content. Thought Industries’ pricing plans are based on the request and will depend on the needs of your organization.
A Cloud-based LMS is an ideal option for getting your online classroom up and running in little time. Hopefully, the choices we’ve provided above coupled with a little research will help you select the best LMS for your needs.
