Cloud-based LMS
The New Age of Cloud-based LMS
A recent encounter brought about a chuckle in our offices. Two colleagues sharing information with each other, frustrated with a temporary lag on the internet. Finally, a third colleague emerges with a flash disk, “Why not just use this?” Now, why did we not think of that! And laughter ensued.
We have become so accustomed to sharing high volumes of data via the internet, it has rendered Cds/DVDs and even flash disks and external hard drives close to useless.
In the era of cloud computing, we are no longer bound by a local machine or software files installed on a computer or server. SaaS applications have become the go-to in the new world that is in the Cloud. What is SaaS though? And how has this move impacted the educational technology world?
SaaS or a “Software as a Service” application is software that is delivered via the internet as a service. This means these applications are available from anywhere, and from any device. The provider of the services then hosts the applications on behalf of the customer, delivering them to the user via the internet. In a similar manner, a SaaS LMS (Learning Management System) is an LMS that is hosted in the Cloud. But why would you need a Cloud-based Learning Management System?
Self-hosted vs Cloud-based LMS
Traditionally, software is purchased as a license. This means an organisation would pay a once-off or upfront fee for software to be installed onto your computer or server. Typically, this is a very high cost to organisations, and a software license is paid per user or device. With SaaS, software organisations can subscribe on a monthly or annual basis. This means the cost is not as upfront and becomes more affordable. Users can also end the subscription when services are no longer applicable.
A SaaS-hosted LMS means all the technical work is usually done for you by an LMS provider. One of the biggest advantages is that, since the software is all cloud-based, apps are updated automatically. In other words, there is no need for the IT team to sort out each individual computer or user with updates – saving resources from day one, both in terms of time and capacity.
Costing – What You See is What You Get
Unlike software installations on-site, the initial investment in new software is minimal. In some cases, the set-up cost may even be nothing. The monthly cost is known in advance (and transparent with a trusted provider). Over and above the software costs, there are also savings on installation time and troubleshooting.
Fast Deployment
With all software being in the Cloud, it is all systems go when it comes to deployment. Technical processes, hosting, and setup are sorted by your service provider, saving your technical team and organisation a great deal of time and money.
Easy to Maintain
When it comes to an LMS that is cloud-based, technical glitches and troubleshooting errors are usually part of the service. Regular software updates constantly improve user experience. Software updates are usually automatic, which is also one less thing to worry about – and agile applications mean you always have the latest software, without additional costs.
Scalability
The next great thing about the SaaS LMS is that there is no limit when it comes to growth. Your organisation can upscale users overnight, without any intervention required. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of courses, materials, or instructors that can be uploaded to the system.
Does your organisation or institution need to move to Cloud-based LMS? Reach out today for more information.
