If you’re a newcomer to online training, you might not be familiar with the phrase “cloud-based LMS.” What’s an LMS? What’s “the cloud” anyway?
Put simply, a cloud-based LMS (or learning management system) is an online training solution that does not require users to install any specific hardware or software on their device to use. Instead, users need only log into the service provider’s website to take courses, create course content, and communicate with others in the organization. Data is stored on the internet instead of the device’s internal storage, which is why the term “cloud” is used.
There are many reasons to choose a cloud-based LMS, some of which might be too technical to be of much interest. An expert opinion is needed to take this complex information and break it down for the masses, and that’s where Craig Weiss comes in. Weiss is one of the most respected names in online learning, with decades of experience in the space. What follows are his five best reasons to choose a cloud-based LMS, each explained in a straightforward way. If you’d like to learn more about cloud-based LMS options, you can create a free account on FindAnLMS.com for unbiased reviews of the leading options on the market.
- Low Start-Up Costs
Buying training software and paying somebody to install it for you can become prohibitively expensive in a hurry, forcing many small businesses to delay their online training initiatives because they simply cannot afford them. Since a cloud-based LMS doesn’t require any dedicated software or hardware, there is nothing to buy. That makes it much more affordable to get started. - Cost Predictability
Similarly, most cloud-based LMS solutions use subscription pricing models called SaaS, or Software as a Service. You choose a package (most providers offer different price points to accommodate as many potential customers as possible) and pay the corresponding monthly fee every month. You never need to worry about surprise maintenance fees or upgrade costs, nor do you need to hire an entire IT department to keep your LMS up and running. Cloud-based LMS are generally backed by customer service as well, though you may need to pay extra for personalized support. - Accessibility
You don’t need to download anything to access content on a cloud-based LMS, allowing both learners and administrators to get it on their favorite devices. A factory worker could double-check safety regulations before operating a forklift, or an admin could design a new course on their tablet during their lunch break. This might seem like a small thing, but allowing learners to choose how they interact with training content improves information retention. - Security
While sharing information is an important aspect of any employee development program, you don’t want your sensitive information to be stolen by a competitor. To that end, most cloud-based LMS solutions receive automatic security updates to keep them safe from prying eyes. If you sell training content through an eCommerce module, you’ll receive security features to protect the financial information you collect. The encryption used is also stronger than social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, making them more difficult to hack. - Scalability
Most importantly, a cloud-based LMS can grow with your organization with the only possible expense being an upgraded package. Content is stored in the cloud, so you don’t need to burn all of your internal storage on learner accounts and training courses. In contrast, software or hardware-based learning systems frequently must be discarded entirely if an organization’s needs grow to outstrip its capabilities.
What Are Some Examples of a Cloud-Based LMS?
Some of the biggest names in the cloud-based LMS space include Absorb LMS, Talent LMS, Docebo, LearnUpon, Cornerstone LMS, BizLibrary, Stream LXP Learning Suite, and Open LMS. If the sheer volume of options has you feeling overwhelmed, Craig Weiss has reviewed these systems on FindAnLMS.com already. Create a free account on FindAnLMS.com to learn more about how they measure up to each other and any specialized features that might help your company take employee learning to the next level!
