Selecting an On-Demand LMS
A Litmus Test for Separating Hype from Reality in the World of SaaS
presented by
Will Hipwell
June 6, 2007
Today’s Agenda
• Role of the LMS• Two Deployment Choices• What is SaaS?• Advantages of SaaS• Best Use Case Scenarios for SaaS• SaaS Myths• Litmus Test• Free Resources
Poll #1
Would you say you understand the differences between LMS software deployed on-premises vs. on-demand Software as a Service?
1. Clear as a bell.2. Yes, but I’m no expert.3. Maybe. But not enough to have an opinion.4. Huh?
The Challenge of Enterprise Learning Technology
The LMS is the primary management system for training and development:
• Managing training administration
• Scheduling and resource management
• Reporting
• Maintaining user groups and roles
• Cataloging and tracking electronic content
• Grouping content and user into groups• E-commerce
Evolving Role of the LMS
• Store and manage e-learning content• Deliver integrated assessment and skill libraries• Integrate with other enterprise applications for:
– Learning
– Compliance
– Training Measurement
– Webcasting
– Knowledge Management
LMS Deployment: Two Choices
• Traditional software license sold foron-premises or behind-the-firewall installation
• Software as a Service (SaaS)– ASP/hosted model– True Software as a Service
Poll #2
Do you have a LMS, and how is it deployed?
1. Yes. Installed on-premises behind-the-firewall as traditional software.
2. Yes. SaaS/on-demand solution.
3. Yes. But not sure if hosted or on-premises.
4. No. We do not have a LMS.
What is Software as a Service?
Software solution that is hosted and supported by a vendor as a service, which is accessed by users via the Internet, without the need to deploy and maintain an on-premise IT infrastructure.
Whereas some people associate SaaS with pay-as-you-go subscription pricing, SaaS is more indicative of the hosted deployment model. In fact, SaaS can be priced via subscription, annually or perpetually.
Advantages of SaaS
• Speed to implementation & business impact• Predictability• Faster & higher ROI• Improved overall satisfaction• Direct cost & resources savings• Low cost of entry• Outsourced system & technical expertise• Rapid upgrades/access to updates• Avoid technology obsolescence• Focus & operational freedom• Flexibility• Reduced hassle & risk
The Known• Software
• Implementation & Integration
• Support and IT personnel
• Hardware
• Training
The Unknown Risk• Length and rate of implementation
• Delayed time-to-market
• High deployment risk
• User acceptance and adoption
• Ongoing maintenance & upgrades
• Full application lifecycle operation
Hidden Costs
HardCosts
Licensed vs. SaaSLicensed GeoLearning
On-Demand/SaaS
Acquisition Purchase and pay maintenance. Rent software as a service.
Configuration & Upgrades
You take responsibility; requires IT commitment & investment.
GeoLearning takes responsibility; upgrades happen automatically.
Content Integration You do it. GeoLearning does it.
Systems Integration Complex and costly. GeoLearning does it.
Typical Risks High cost; long implementation. GeoLearning’s proven service & support history.
Best Fit Heavy IT commitment. Cost concerns; high service demands; low or no IT resources.
Satisfaction Fair. High.
Vendors Plateau, SumTotal, Saba, Oracle GeoLearning
Cost Structure Comparison
Best Use Case Scenarios for SaaS
• Cost conscious without surprise expenses• Users external to “the network”• Geographically dispersed audience(s)• Low-to-No IT support/staffing/resources• Best-of-breed approach to total solution• Require high service levels• More than “just software” from a vendor• Abreast of technology advancements• Small training/HR group (divisional solutions)• Flexibility to scale for future growth (quickly)
Five SaaS Myths
• High security
• Proprietary content
• Data security
• HRIS/ERP integrations
• Global enterprises
Is All SaaS the Same?
• BTF vendors adding “on-demand,” “SaaS” or “ASP” to product names.
• Streamlined BTF product retro-fitted for Internet delivery but less functionality
• BTF & SaaS product roadmap are not same• Service Level Agreements (SLAs)• Bersin: 5 to 10 references from production clients
similar to your solutions• ASP…is a 3rd-party now involved?
How is SaaS Changing Corporate Learning?
• 1 in 3 to 1 in 2 of every LMS now being purchased is SaaS/hosted/ASP
• Adoption rates are skyrocketing• Speed & global competition…unwilling to wait
12 months for deployment• Platforms are required to manage more and
more complex business processes• Doing more with less resources• Convergence of learning & performance to talent
Separating Hype from Reality
• Discern between true SaaS and vendors new to the space or jumping on the bandwagon
• Questions to ask of vendors in your search• No right or wrong answers• But answers do shed light on capabilities
and how they match up with your business requirements
• Comfort level
Poll #3
Which best describes your current LMS search status?
1. Searching for SaaS/hosted/ASP
2. Searching for on-premises software
3. Not searching
Litmus Test: Questions to Ask
1. Focus & Core Capabilities2. SaaS % vs. BTF %3. SaaS functionality vs. BTF functionality4. SaaS deployment vs. BTF deployment
methodologies5. Hosting location6. Hosting resources7. Security: physical, network, data
Litmus Test: Questions to Ask
8. Service Level Agreements
9. System Performance
10. Network & System Administration
11. Data integration with others systems
12. Software Upgrades
13. Technical Support Options
14. Content Support Services & Vendor Management
15. Access to Learning Services
Free Resources from GeoLearning
Today’s PPT Slideswww.geolearning.com/june6
SaaS Litmus Testwww.geolearning.com/litmus
Enterprise Learning Technology: A New Breed of Solutionswww.geolearning.com/newbreed
E-Learning Strategy Blueprintwww.geolearning.com/bp
Technology Requirements Checklistswww.geolearning.com/lmschecklistwww.geolearning.com/lcmschecklistwww.geolearning.com/webcastchecklistwww.geolearning.com/talentchecklistwww.geolearning.com/analyticschecklist
Q&A Session
Top Related