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What is SaaS LMS?
This is a new buzzword in the LMS industry and it’s SaaS which stands for software as a service and is used to describe a type of LMS that is based on the internet or you can say CLOUD rather than directly on your computer. SaaS LMS hosting is called an “on-demand” service. That means you get an LMS product as a service from your software provider when they host your LMS on their remotely located servers.
Why SaaS LMS?
It is worth giving a thought to whether a SaaS LMS solution would be a better fit than a more traditional hosting solution.
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It won’t take up valuable space on the server
SaaS cloud LMS tool will be hosted by the software company themselves, enabling their clients to fill their servers freely with their important data and documents.
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It doesn’t limit the access
SaaS LMS software completely removes the problem of access as users will be able to log in to their dashboard and get to work right away, no matter where they are.
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It is much easier to get started
Choosing a Saas LMS means that employees can try LMS solutions on their initiative and get started right away when they find the right tool.
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It will always be updated
Choosing a SaaS LMS removes issues of remembering regular updates, as bug fixes and upgrades will be carried out centrally by the software company.
Pick what features are needed to have vs nice to have:
Building on what you want to achieve, start familiarising yourself with the standard features and functions that LMSs have – such as set-up, fully reactive systems, course creators, events, translation, etc. – then make a decision based on what is essential for your needs.
As learners continuously react to the market and gain the skills required, they become an adaptable force that can shift and twist with any changes in the market.
As a result, employees have a greater wealth of knowledge and react to what the industry demands, letting you leverage their skills to carry your business through all ups & downs.
What is a Self-hosted LMS?
Self-hosting LMS is also called self-deployed, in-house, or installed LMS. In short, your LMS vendor provides you the eLearning software as a product, and its installation is offered as an “on-premises” service. To be very specific, you host your own LMS on your servers.
So, before you consider self-hosting LMS, ask yourself these questions. Are your content and data more important than the expenses it costs you to self-host the LMS? Do you want a totally customized product with your branding of online training?
- Data and Content Security
- Tailor-make Your Learning Solution
- Low Maintenance Cost in the Long Run
- Server Storage Capacity
- Fully Responsive Team
Self-Hosted Vs SAAS
| Aspect | SaaS LMS | Self-Hosted LMS |
| Deployment and Maintenance | Hosted and maintained by the provider, accessed via the internet. | Installed on the organization’s servers, and maintained internally. |
| Cost | Subscription-based, lower upfront costs, and recurring fees for maintenance. | Higher upfront investment in hardware/software, ongoing maintenance costs. |
| Scalability | Easily scalable, the provider manages updates and upgrades. | Scalability depends on internal resources and infrastructure. |
| Accessibility | Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. | Access dependent on the organization’s server infrastructure, may require a VPN. |
| Security | Provider handles data security, backups, and compliance. | The organization is responsible for data security, backups, and compliance. |
| Customization | Limited customization, dependent on the provider’s features and updates. | Extensive customization options, tailored to specific organizational needs. |
| Control | Less control over data and system settings. | Complete control over data, security, and compliance measures. |
Why is the SaaS LMS more relevant?
At Gyrus, we are focused on extended enterprise (partner, customer, or member training), employee training, onboarding, or corporate training, people need learning technology that is easy to use, easy to automate, and accessible.
Training programs should happen on a real-time basis, through online learning which just cannot be done without having modern solutions. Here are five primary advantages of a SaaS cloud-based LMS:
1. Reduced upfront costs
Self-hosting an LMS would involve a lot of technical aspects of a system internally (or through any third-party host). Depending on the size of your program and the expertise required, this can call for a huge investment.
On the other hand, SaaS cloud server hosting solutions are likely to result in significant cost savings since your LMS will be hosted and maintained by an external service provider.
2. Rapid deployment
With SaaS hosting, there’s no need to go through the logistical headache of installing LMS software on your local servers and configuring it to your specifications. With no software to learn and install, everything is hosted online which simply means that you can sign up and start uploading your eLearning content straightaway.
3. Lower learning curve
Cloud-based LMS platforms are good for a marketplace where consumers aren’t expected to have a specialist level of knowledge. Your average cloud-based provider offers an online support service to deal with queries. But it’s still essential to find an LMS host that aligns with your team’s skills and experience level. Always assess possible candidates to verify that your needs will be met intuitively.
4. Stress-free maintenance
If you are working with SaaS LMS server hosting, it simply means you don’t have to deal with unending upgrades or updates or worry about outdated technology. Similarly, data losses or bugs within your local system become less of an acute issue and aren’t your sole responsibility to fix.
Normally included in cloud hosting is the expertise of an external support team. Not only the service provider’s team help you stay on top of any IT issues within your LMS, but they will also track the latest tech advancements, and smoothly integrate them into your platform.
5. More accessibility
Accessibility is one of the major reasons people opt for a SaaS LMS. By using a self-hosted setup, users are restricted by in-house infrastructure. But if you move to the cloud then your team is no longer tied to a particular location or office-hours schedule.
This advantage is better for remote teams working on online projects—and today, after the pandemic this feature is likely to be considered more of a necessity than a luxury for employees collaborating across multiple locations.
Conclusion
To conclude the above, we can say that SaaS-based LMS is hosted in the cloud are more cost-effective, easier to use, and offer more flexibility and time-savings. They are also well suited for a future-forward learning strategy that operates much like the rest of our technology: through the cloud. A SaaS LMS is the finest option for anyone who needs an LMS for training employees, customers, partners, or just about any other audience you can think of. It’s a much more cost-effective option and yet you won’t be compromising on quality. Let’s talk!
FAQ’s
Q1: What is the difference between a self-hosted LMS and a SaaS LMS?
A1: A self-hosted LMS is installed and maintained on your own servers, giving you complete control over data and customization. A SaaS LMS, on the other hand, is hosted on the provider’s servers and accessed via the internet, offering ease of use, regular updates, and lower upfront costs.
Q2: What are the benefits of choosing a self-hosted LMS?
A2: Benefits of a self-hosted LMS include greater control over data security, more customization options, the ability to integrate with existing systems, and no dependency on third-party providers for uptime and performance.
Q3: What are the advantages of a SaaS LMS?
A3: A SaaS LMS offers ease of implementation, automatic updates and maintenance, scalability, lower upfront costs, and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. It also typically includes customer support and reduced need for in-house IT resources.
Q4: How do costs compare between self-hosted and SaaS LMS solutions?
A4: Self-hosted LMS solutions often have higher initial costs due to the need for server hardware, software licenses, and IT staff for maintenance. SaaS LMS solutions usually have lower initial costs but involve ongoing subscription fees. The total cost of ownership should be considered over time.
Q5: What security considerations should I be aware of when choosing between self-hosted and SaaS LMS?
A5: With a self-hosted LMS, you have full control over security measures and data protection but also bear the full responsibility for implementing and maintaining these safeguards. A SaaS LMS provider will handle security and compliance, but you must trust their practices and ensure they meet your organization’s standards.
Q6: Can I customize a SaaS LMS to meet my specific needs?
A6: While SaaS LMS solutions offer some level of customization, they are generally less flexible than self-hosted LMS solutions. Customization options depend on the provider and plan you choose. Self-hosted LMS solutions allow for extensive customization since you control the software and environment.
Q7: How do I decide which LMS deployment type is best for my organization?
A7: To decide between a self-hosted vs SaaS LMS, consider factors such as your budget, IT resources, need for customization, data security requirements, scalability, and the importance of having the latest features and updates. Assess your organization’s specific needs and long-term goals.
Q8: What are the performance implications of using a self-hosted LMS compared to a SaaS LMS?
A8: Performance for a self-hosted LMS depends on your hardware, network infrastructure, and IT staff expertise. A well-maintained self-hosted LMS can perform exceptionally well. SaaS LMS performance relies on the provider’s infrastructure, which is often optimized for high availability and scalability.
Q9: How does the implementation process differ between self-hosted and SaaS LMS?
A9: Implementing a self-hosted LMS involves setting up servers, installing software, and configuring the system, which can be time-consuming and require technical expertise. SaaS LMS implementations are generally quicker and easier, with the provider handling most of the setup and configuration.
Q10: What support options are available for self-hosted vs SaaS LMS solutions?
A10: Support for self-hosted LMS solutions typically comes from internal IT teams or third-party consultants. SaaS LMS providers usually offer comprehensive support packages, including customer service, technical support, and regular updates as part of the subscription.
