Today, organizations cannot deny the importance of a great learning management system. It has become an indispensable tool for employee training in this digital age. For enterprises searching for flexible training methods, cloud-based or LMS SaaS systems are the way forward. Broadly speaking, there are two types of learning management systems:
- SaaS LMS System
- Self Hosted LMS
An LMS SaaS system is hosted on the servers of the suppliers and is usually offered as a service. A Self Hosted LMS, on the other hand, can be availed as a product. It is run on the networks of the organization on its servers.
An LMS Hosting Comparison will reveal significant differences in their structures and abilities as well as the user experience that they provide. Enterprises need to figure out which learning management systems out of SaaS LMS System and Self Hosted LMS are right for them. The features of both these systems given below will help you in ascertaining the right one for yourself.
Features of Saas LMS System
1. Budget-friendly
LMS SaaS contributes a lot in minimizing the initial expenditure. With it, you do not have to take out time to install programs, troubleshoot errors, and ensure the software’s company-wide deployment. Simply register with the LMS service provider and commence the creation of your content. It is a great way to enhance operational efficiency and can be used by businesses of every size.
2. Quick Deployment
A SaaS LMS System is great for eLearning Mobile App Development. It can be set up very quickly and be deployed in a very short period of time. In the absence of any software, assessing LMSs becomes a task that can be completed in a few minutes. An LMS Hosting Comparison with regards to deployment will reveal that the cloud-based LMS is much faster than the Self Hosted LMS.
3. Easy to Maintain
You do not need to worry about troubleshooting errors and fixing glitches with cloud-based LMS systems. The service providers have plenty of IT staff with them that work continuously to update functions throughout the time you are utilizing their service.
4. Greater Space for Storage
LMS SaaS systems offer the benefit of more storage space. You won’t have to worry about the space as the bulk of the information will be transmitted to this system. As the data is stored on a safe server, the content makers can easily share the information. Moreover, cloud storage of the content will shield your data from getting lost or erased from hard drives or PC documents.
5. Safe and Secure
Perhaps one of the most important reasons for choosing an LMS SaaS system for e-learning App Development is the enhanced security that it imparts. Content creators can effectively communicate and collaborate remotely with this LMS without the threat of information theft. The advanced methodologies used in such a system ensures full protection of the user-base.
Features of Self Hosted LMS
1. Security of the Content
When it comes to a self-hosted LMS system, you can be assured that your content will remain secure as there is minimal third-party interference. Moreover, the self-deployment of this LMS is what provides you full control over every aspect. You can even implement layers of security measures for optimal privacy.
2. Initial Upfront Costs
When it comes to maintenance expenditure, with a self-hosted LMS you may incur upfront costs at the time of its setup. However, the monthly and yearly subscription packages will take care of this initial expenditure.
The LMS Hosting Comparison with regards to the maintenance cost reveals while you may need to spend some money at the beginning if you’re investing in self-hosting LMS, it is not the case in cloud-based LMS.
Control Over the Storage Capacity
With a self-hosted LMS, you have the liberty to customize the storage capacity of the server according to your client base. Additionally, you can also select the location of the server. This flexibility is hard to notice in other hosting systems.
Lengthy Deployment Time
LMS Hosting Comparison with regards to the deployment time reveals that with a locally hosted LMS, you will have to bear with the lengthy setup and installation time. The installation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It will severely impact training. This is one of the major reasons why it is not preferred for the purpose of eLearning app development.
Requires In-house IT staff
Another significant difference between the two systems is regarding the requirement of technical expertise for the management of the software. Unlike cloud-based LMS systems, which provide ample IT support, with locally hosted LMS, you must have your own IT team. Without your own IT staff, the consistent management of the software is not possible. It directly impacts the resources and time of the organization.
Final Verdict
A detailed LMS Hosting Comparison between the two systems has led us to a simple conclusion. If what you are after, is time and cost-effectiveness, then a SaaS LMS System is the way forward. A great LMS system is defined by features like efficient administration, reporting, monitoring, ease of maintenance, and deployment. All of it is embodied in a SaaS LMS system.