BlogMary Novak
Mary is an EdTech digitalization expert with a passion for transforming educational experiences through innovative technology. With a deep understanding of the latest digital trends and tools, she excels at helping educational institutions and organizations implement effective digital strategies.
What is a Hosted LMS and How To Choose One?
Learning management systems (LMS) have evolved significantly since their advent. For starters, gone are the days of clunky on-premise software that required an IT degree to maintain. We live in the era of the hosted LMS – a game-changer for companies of all shapes and sizes. But what exactly is a hosted learning management system, and how do you choose the right one? Let's look at all the LMS hosting options and find the best way to store your data, allowing for more flexible management and easier eLearning content delivery.
Understanding Hosted LMS
With a hosted Learning Management System (LMS), organizations can completely reshape their approach to employee training and online education. The term "hosted" pertains to the location and method of storing and managing the LMS software and its associated data.
LMS hosting comes in various forms. Organizations can choose to have their LMS hosted externally by a service provider or opt for self-hosting on their own servers. Organizations should thoughtfully consider the specific pros and cons of each of these approaches.
Where and how to host an LMS can actually have a major impact on the entire operation of your organization. Is your data secure, can it be easily scaled, and will you have easy access to it? And what level of control do you want to have over each part of the system's implementation? While some companies value the convenience and reduced IT responsibilities that come with externally hosted solutions, others prefer the complete control over data and infrastructure that self-hosting provides.
Regardless of the hosting method, an LMS offers powerful tools for managing training content, tracking learner progress, and adapting programs to meet changing business needs. Modern LMSs are flexible enough to help organizations develop, roll out, and manage their training programs quickly. This flexibility allows them to meet a wide range of training requirements from new employee onboarding to compliance training and professional development.
Types of Hosted Learning Management Systems
When diving into the world of hosted Learning Management Systems (LMS), you'll encounter two main categories: on-premise and cloud-based solutions. The two types each have their standout traits and are designed with specific company requirements in mind.
Let's start with on-premise LMS, sometimes called self-hosted or locally hosted platforms. Picture this as having your own personal library right in your office building. With an on-premise LMS, you install and run the software on your company's servers. Choosing this path means you're the boss of both your data's home and how the whole system ticks. It's like being the librarian of your collection – you decide how to organize, secure, and update your resources. This setup is often favored by organizations with strict data privacy needs or those looking for extensive customization options.
Now, let's shift gears to cloud-hosted LMS, also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions. Imagine this as a vast digital library you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. In this scenario, external providers manage the LMS and host it in the cloud. They take care of all the behind-the-scenes work – maintenance, updates, and security. Think of it as an elite squad of librarians running a huge library for you. SaaS LMS platforms are renowned for their scalability, accessibility, and reduced IT burden for the organizations using them.
Both types of hosted solutions share common ground in their core functionalities. They're equipped with all the bells and whistles for whipping up digital courses, peeking into learner progress, and juggling your training resources. It's like having a well-equipped classroom at your fingertips, regardless of the hosting method you choose.
Deciding between a self-hosted and a cloud-based learning management system depends on several factors. And if you read this guide to the end, you'll likely find it easier to lean toward a particular option.
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