TYPES OF LMS

A learning management system is a software application for educational courses, training programs, tracking, documentation and detailed reporting, delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. Let’s look at learning management systems from a various frame of reference.
Different types of LMS are

1. Web-based LMS and Installed LMS software

Most of the  LMS vendors develop web-based online learning management systems than installed LMS software. The expense for web-based online learning management system is a fraction of the big installed software. Users can access software online via the vendors host the software on their servers. More than that LMS vendors maintain the software and keep improving their online LMS software. Basically, web-based  LMS has a particular fee per month, which hinge on the number of users, the number of online learners and the features users need. For example, they collect dues for additional services and features. Online learners can access study materials through the web, by providing their username and password to login to the learning management system. In some cases, the learners can download the materials and complete the learning offline. Learners don’t have to worry about installing any software since the vendor takes care of hosting. They also maintain the platform, make updates, and troubleshoot tech issues. Since Installed learning management solution is locally hosted, learners can purchase the LMS software from the LMS vendor or can download it from their site and install it on a computer, also they are in charge of maintaining the system, making upgrades, and taking care of tech issues. In most cases, learners need to purchase and maintain a license every year to continue to use the platform. Installed LMS seems to be time-consuming and expensive. The main perks of installed LMS are learners can customize every aspect of the LMS and can store the data locally. Additionally, installed LMS solutions are typically more consistent with third-party apps.

2. SaaS/Cloud LMS vs Hosted LMS

Web-based LMS also known as software as a service (SaaS) or cloud-based LMS solutions and  LMS vendors host the software on their servers, which users can access online in cloud-based LMS. If the vendor is going to host the software, they are in complete control of the server space. But the vendor is also responsible for the security of the server. They have to upgrade any updates that come available. If the vendor has a dedicated IT team, they can control the server, take care of the initial installation of the learning management system and can manage updates, provide technical support and maintain the needs for a hosted LMS. Hosted LMS is not that expensive since it is a one-time software purchase. It has custom controlled security so that they can set the level of security they want. The in-house IT management team are allowed to make further customization. With a cloud-based LMS, learners won’t be needed to download or install any software. Vendors can upload course materials and create new learning contents and are able to communicate with learners directly all via the cloud. And information is stored on the cloud and is accessed by any approved users. Since no software to purchase, no programs to install, it has only lower start-up costs. Cloud-based LMS offers enhanced data security and improved accessibility.

3.Open Source Vs. Proprietary LMS

In short, proprietary LMS needs a licensing fee per user with additional subscription fee and maintenance charge on an annual basis whereas open source LMS doesn’t require any fee since it distributed freely. Litmos, Topyx, Saba,  and Blackboard are the main examples of proprietary LMS and Moodle is an example of open source LMS. With an open source learning platform, there is a group of developers upgrading the system and providing regular upgrades, plugins, and patches so that vulnerability to attack became a myth. An open source LMS offers hundreds of accredited providers along with dedicated professionals in order to give users the comfort of knowing that if they wanted a different provider to support them, other options exist. In a proprietary LMS user is locked-in to the provider and it won’t simply allow a new LMS services provider to pick up and manage your existing platform. The switching process from one LMS service provider to another one is a  lengthy complex migration process in proprietary LMS.

4.Corporate vs Academic LMS

The main difference between these two is where their focus on specific user’s needs, be they corporate or academic learning needs. The fundamental functionality is the same, but they work differently because they are used for different purposes. While there is no particular type of LMS designed for each sector/ industry separately, it would just be how the LMS is optimized with the specific features aligned with the organization requirements. Corporates use LMS for conducting online training, meetings, conferences. Creating a meeting agenda or training material, conducting training for employees, monitoring their training performance and data analysis, post-training tests and assessments, feedback about trainer & employees, etc. Re-scheduling training sessions to train weaker employees.Educational institutions use LMS for learners. Conducting live face-to-face training, self-paced courses, conducting classes to teach learners, monitoring and tracking their individual performance, learners can pay a fee in EMI’s, book individual sessions through one-to-one tutoring, etc.

Related reading: Security features in LMS