Wondering which is the best option for you?
Both, SaaS and open source LMSs are learning management systems with long histories.
The basic features of both are now mature and standardized, but developments in social learning, mobile learning and the use of artificial intelligence to automate and personalize learning at scale is sparking a shift away from open-source enterprise learning solutions.
Open source systems, such as Moodle, evolved from an academic context. While universities and non-profit organizations may have the time to develop and tinker with a built-in-house solution, larger organizations simply don’t have the time and require a turn-key system that provides (almost) immediate value.
What You Get With A SaaS Solution (Docebo)
Moodle and other open source systems offer a tactical, low-cost approach to starting an LMS project. As the organization’s training needs evolve over time, however, the open source system can’t meet the needs of mobile learning, skills gap management, social learning and other innovative areas that an enterprise learning solution like Docebo can achieve.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Organizations leveraging a SaaS learning platform, such as Docebo, don’t need to invest in infrastructure costs, maintenance costs, upgrading costs, or branding costs as these are all taken care of. With open source solutions, unpredictable costs can arise once you need to scale the system and introduce more courses and learners. Alternatively, a learning platform, such as Docebo adapts as your needs change.
A Clear Innovation Strategy
In open source solutions, most of the innovation is left up to customizations which may or may not be incorporated into the main source code. These projects are controlled by a committee that is more concerned about the integrity of the code, rather than having a clear vision of where they want to take the product as needs change.
Docebo has a clear innovation strategy that is shared with partners and customers and provides the associated training, support and assets. In October 2018, we introduced the first artificial intelligence-powered functionalities to the platform. That was just the beginning with even more transformative technology on the way to elevate learning programs and the learner experience.
Greater Organizational Value
Docebo was developed to address business learning needs. Within a SaaS platform, an HR Manager or L&D admin will find all the tools necessary to run a corporate learning initiative at their fingertips. SaaS platforms account for the massive enrolment of users, help build organization charts, track important learning metrics, and typically include built-in reporting tools and certificate management.
Using the Docebo platform, you can easily integrate your learning data with other business tools, including ERP, CRM and videoconference systems. Linking these systems improves visibility and analytics across the organization as a whole. From here, you can glean the insights you need to inform your wider strategy going forward.
Speedy Deployment
Docebo is a fast-to-deploy solution, while open source systems are still based on the original formula where customers must download and install the LMS on a private server.
Using the SaaS model, in just a few minutes you can activate a personal learning platform and, within a couple of hours, completely customize the layout and benefit from a personalized set-up of the environment. High-speed activation provides significant advantages in contrast to open source systems that can take anywhere from two days to a week just to install.
Ongoing, 24/7 Support From Experts
If you require assistance, Docebo offers on-demand support through our knowledge base and our learning and support team. Open source systems rely on community-sourced support or paid assistance to help you solve your problem.
If you’re running your first e-learning project, you’ll appreciate the intuitive user experience with Docebo. When your skills improve, you’ll be able to use Docebo’s advanced features to deploy more complex eLearning projects. The open source user interface, on the other hand, is difficult to manage if you are not familiar with it and you might also need a third party to assist you in setting it up and managing it. Want to experience the capabilities and support of Docebo’s world-class SaaS learning platform? Talk to an expert today!