This document discusses the differences between self-hosted and cloud-based LMS hosting. Self-hosted LMS systems store data on a organization's own servers, providing more control but also requiring in-house maintenance. Cloud-based LMS systems store data on a vendor's secure servers and require fees but offer reliable accessibility. Key factors in choosing a hosting method are an organization's IT resources, customization needs, budget, and users' internet access. The document emphasizes evaluating features, use cases, and testing a platform before making a hosting decision.

1. LMS Hosting
Everything you need to know about it.

2. What is hosting?
Hosting refers to how an LMS stores data. There are two types of
hosting: self-hosted and cloud-based. A big difference exists between
the two beyond just how and where your data resides – namely
accessibility, costs, ownership and security.

3. Self-Hosted
LMS

4. How does it work?
A self-hosted LMS (sometimes called on-premise or locally hosted)
stores its data within your organisation’s walls. Self-hosting means the
system is sold to your organisation by a supplier, at which point they
retain no responsibility for the upkeep of the system.

5. Advantages
Hosting an LMS through your own servers comes with a few key
benefits, mostly underpinned by the power of choice. These include
greater control and customisation, stronger security options, no
service fees, and the ability to decide on the server location.

6. Disadvantages
While it has its perks, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Generally self-
hosted means restricted accessibility, greater maintenance
requirements and costs, and a need for operational expertise in-house.

7. Who is it best for?
A self-hosted system is best suited to those with a dedicated IT team,
those with the space and resources to maintain servers and those
who have a domain name to spin the LMS off.

8. Cloud-Based
LMS

9. How does it work?
Cloud-based systems are hosted on the cloud and accessed via the
internet. Data is stored on a supplier’s secure server. Often these
come under the umbrella of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). The vendor
provides maintenance, support, development and storage for a fee.

10. Advantages
While it has its perks, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Generally
self-hosted means restricted accessibility, greater maintenance needs
and costs, and a requirement for operational expertise in-house.

11. Disadvantages
These can vary from vendor to vendor, but you may find some cons to
the cloud-based pros. These include internet reliance, less flexible
customisation and paywalled support.

12. Who is it best for?
Organisations with users who have access to good internet, those
who don’t mind that a cloud-based system is basically more of a
lease, and those who need to meet super strict security standards.

13. Factors On
Decision Making

14. Use Case
Common uses of an LMS include employee training, third party
training, commoditised content and consulting. Most vendors will be
able to supply success stories or case studies of their platform. Use
these to get a sense of how others use the system.

15. Features
Consider which LMS features you need to meet your use case. You
might want features to support workforce plans (learning pathways,
skills mapping), compliance (external facilitators or third-party
content) or just general development opportunities.

16. Budget
It’s best to create a realistic profile of your needs. You can then
determine your budget which will in turn determine your hosting
setup, supplier, contract length and the depth of features you
can ultimately afford.

17. Key Hosting
Considerations

18. Accessibility vs availability
A good LMS should have a smooth user experience for all users,
whether learner or instructor. A standardised interface also ensures
the experience is consistent throughout a learner’s academic career.
Standardisation and access like this might be less available with a
self-hosted system.

19. Customisations vs configuration
Customisation requires configuration, but configuration doesn’t mean
customisation. Configuration means you can do something yourself
(usually superficial changes to the look and feel of the platform).
One or both might cost you with a vendor, so it’s important to
understand what you need and what you’re paying for.

20. Try before you buy
Self-hosted LMSs are probably the biggest investment you’ll make in
terms of time, resources and money. This is why test driving the
platform is critical before you sign on the dotted line. Keep an eye on
the user interface, support services and functionality of features.

21. You can learn more about this topic by
checking out the full article:
https://acornlms.com/resources/what-is-a-hosted-
lms