This document provides tips for purchasing a Learning Management System (LMS), highlighting the importance of understanding system functionalities, budget, and long-term value. It emphasizes vendor credibility, support, and user needs, advocating for careful research to ensure a suitable investment. The LMS market is growing rapidly, and potential buyers are encouraged to consider various factors including compliance standards and content delivery methods.

1. LMS BUYING TIPSLMS BUYING TIPS
THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Considerations Before Buying an LMSConsiderations Before Buying an LMS
?? KNOW THE LMS
Basic things
that every Learning
Management System
allows to do
33
Administer
training
programs
Deliver training &
education courses
& programs to
employees
Document,
track & report
on the training
activities of employees
Do you REALLY need to buy an LMS? Or does a
Content Management System suffice your need?
Are there alternatives?-IT team and Resources for
in-house development.
ANALYSE
UNDERSTAND SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY
REQUIREMENTS
Integration
With
Other
Systems
System
Complexity
CustomisationEase
of
Use
Scaling
Functionalities
Security/
Privacy
DECIDE ON THE CONTENT & COURSES
Whether you plan to
buy it or build it, take the
compliance standards &
target device(s) into
consideration.
Where will the
learning content
come from?
BUDGET
Have an
estimate
in mind
Have an
estimate
in mind
Be open to adjust
and adapt within
reason
Be open to adjust
and adapt within
reason
SHORT TERM CHALLENGES VS LONG
TERM GAINS
Ensure that the LMS addresses the current challenges.
Think of long term gains - cost- effectiveness, future-proofing your
learning etc.
VENDOR SELECTION (KEY ASPECTS)
Credibility
Capability
SupportYears of existence
Experience in
eLearning/online
training
Familiarity
with your
business/industry
Awards &
recognitions
Testimonials &
recommendations
LMS demo
Case studies/
Use case
scenarios
Full trial
Ask questions
Involve multiple
stakeholders
Onsite
implementation
Customer
support
Upgrade facility
Admin &
Allied
services
Continuance
Growth
Innovation
The Learning Management System market stands at over $2 billion,
according to Forbes, and is continuing to grow. MarketsandMarkets
forecasts the LMS market to grow from $2.55 billion in 2013 to $7.83
billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 25.2% during the period 2017 to 2018.
DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS NEED
Define the core objectives, perceived benefits & the
desired outcome(s) from the LMS
Identify the target audience that will be using the LMS &
the device(s) it will be accessed from
Based on the above two factors, list out the features &
functionalities that are relevant to your business
Categorise them as 'Critical' and 'Good to have’
Focus on ease of use more than the number of
features/ functionalities
REFERENCES
http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/learning-management-systems-
market-1266.html
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3m6wpn/learning
http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2015/03/24/top-6-things-lms-buyers-need-
to-know/
http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2014/02/19/6-lms-buying-tips-for-smes/
http://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/userview/lms-report-2015/
SUMMING UP
Bear in mind – Good investment is a result of careful consideration and research. Today the
situation is different – more LMSs than before – so, plan ahead of time and decide what you
want to do and how you want to go about it.
Looking for an LMS that ticks all the boxes? Check out our multi award-winning, responsive
Learning Management System - UpsideLMS.
ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
Do you need an on-premise solution, cloud-based or shared
hosting?
Is data security and privacy an issue of concern?
What is the application backup strategy? How often? What is the
backup location?
What integrations will be needed? Is Data sharing required?
Do you have content compliance standards requirements like
SCORM, AICC, xAPI (Tin Can)?
Do you need multi-device delivery?
Infographic by
www.upsidelearning.com/upsidelms