Selecting an On-Demand LMS

A Litmus Test for Separating Hype from Reality in the World of

SaaSpresented by

Will Hipwell

October 15, 2007

Session #307 – 3:15pm

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 for

on-premises or behind-the-firewall installation

Software as a Service (SaaS)

ASP/hosted model

True Software as a Service

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 operationHidden 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

Litmus Test: Questions to Ask1. Focus & Core Capabilities

2. SaaS % vs. BTF %

3. SaaS functionality vs. BTF functionality

4. SaaS deployment vs. BTF deployment methodologies

5. Hosting location

6. Hosting resources

7. Security: physical, network, data

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 Checklists

www.geolearning.com/lmschecklist

www.geolearning.com/lcmschecklist

www.geolearning.com/webcastchecklist

www.geolearning.com/talentchecklist

www.geolearning.com/analyticschecklist