The price of in-person instruction might be lowered with well-designed online training modules. However, when transitioning to online education, you may find it challenging to locate an efficient and user-friendly system. Making and selling online courses is a breeze with the help of a Learning Management System (LMS). Also, using this convenient platform, you can monitor your learners’ development and adjust their coursework without leaving the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will discuss how cloud-based LMS like Cloud Academy and hosted LMS are different from each other.
Cloud-based LMS:
Using a cloud-based LMS is a common choice and many people think that cloud hosting is a must have feature for your LMS. There is no requirement for a web server installation of this programme. An online service will store your LMS on its servers. A cloud-based LMS’s primary benefits are its low cost and easy availability. Typically, you’ll only be charged for the resources you employ. In addition, your web host should be able to handle any required routine server maintenance. This might be an excellent alternative for beginners because there is little to no effort required in setting up or maintaining the Learning Management System. There is no waiting around for course development with a cloud-based LMS. However, a cloud-based LMS will have fewer personalization options. You will have little say in how your course platform and user interface are set up. It’s also not always easy to include external programmes.
Features of Cloud-based LMS:
Updated Safety Measures:
In the cloud, you can find reliable LMSs that provide a safe learning environment. You can achieve these extra layers of security on your own, but you might not want to spend the extra money or time doing so. However, while you and your courses might not be a priority for an attacker, the organisation itself might be an easier target.
Improved Accessibility:
There is greater convenience for both learners and instructors with cloud-based LMSs. Learners now have the freedom to study whenever and wherever they like. They need only log into their LMS account from any device they choose to immediately begin accessing courses and data, expanding their knowledge base, and developing new abilities. Also, content developers can collaborate with their colleagues and learners from anywhere in the world using their cell phones, tablets, or other Internet-enabled devices.
Easy Maintenance:
Your SaaS hosting provider handles the technical complexities of routine maintenance, freeing you from many, if not all, maintenance responsibilities. The alternative hosting choices, on the other hand, necessitate constant upkeep from an internal team. In addition, you can quickly switch to a more expensive plan if the company needs and the customer base expand
Self-hosted LMS:
A self-hosted LMS is one the organization is responsible for setting up and maintaining on its server. You have the option of either creating the app yourself or purchasing a licence to do so from a third party. The features and layout of a cloud-based LMS are fixed and cannot be altered. When you host your own LMS, you can add your logo and other branding elements. However, a self-hosted LMS might not be the best choice if you lack technical knowledge. Your responsibility is to keep the LMS up-to-date, add new features, and maintain integrations because the software resides on your server.
Features of Self-hosted LMS
Content and Data Protection:
The value of one’s data and personal privacy cannot be put into monetary terms. Not compromising on this issue is not a good idea. You don’t have to worry about outside intervention when you host your learning management system (LMS). Your training materials and learner’s data will be as safe as Fort Knox. You’ll be in charge when you deploy this LMS on your own. You’re free to use whatever necessary precautions based on what you know to be safest for your business. This is not because of a lack of safety features in competing hosting services. But you can restrict who can see what by implementing additional layers of security protocols.
Make a Customized Plan for Your Learning:
Hosting your eLearning software gives you more freedom to alter the interface to suit your needs. Since you have complete control, you can add or remove any learning features as you see fit. You may also add your logo and name to the training materials you provide without spending any extra money. Therefore, the benefit here is not just personalization but also own-branding at no further cost.
Conclusion
In our comparison of Cloud LMS and Self-Hosted LMS, you may have anticipated correctly that neither option wins the battle. There are advantages and disadvantages to the cloud and self-hosted LMS, and both come with their trade-offs. Your company’s IT ability, your training needs, and the LMS you decide to use are the deciding factors. It’s important to remember that the best learning management system (LMS) option is the one that fits in with your company’s goals, personnel, and eLearning training budget.
