The cloud learning platform is a part of a more extended umbrella term — learning management system. It is a web-based system; you can access information on the cloud platform by logging into a portal. With a cloud-based learning management system, you don’t need any software or hardware to work.
If you are looking at being cost-effective, flexible, and collaborative and have increased storage functionality while optimizing your workforce utilization, you should opt for a cloud-based learning platform.
Investment and Returns
Investing in a cloud-based system can be a huge decision, and you might not be able to alter your decision once purchased. The usual expectation is to have the performance outrun the actual investment and cost incurred in the platform.
You can discuss this with your vendor and plan a mode of payment. The pricing can vary from system to system and seller to seller, such as pay per user. If you have any doubts regarding the cost, then you should feel free to ask the vendor.
Security
The information that you upload on the system is your most valuable asset. If the information reaches the wrong hands, then your company has to face colossal loss in various forms, such as insider trading.
You should check the level of information security they are offering; it can be verified if they have certification from organizations including SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and ISO 27000. You can ask if you can track all the activities of the users to ensure maximum security.
Features
Not every system has the same features. The number of features a system contains majorly depends on its cost. However, some features are supposed to be consistent throughout the cloud learning platform. These features are as follows:
- Flexibility
- Ease of installation
- Customer support system
- Ease of use
- Scalability
- Adaptability
- Level of customization
Training Requirement
While opting for a cloud-based learning platform, make sure your employees can understand and manage the complexities of a cloud system. While the students are comfortable working with a cloud system, ensure that their instructors are adept too.
During the demo period, ask the vendor if he provides system usage training to the faculty and management members. You might want to know if they charge for providing additional services like skill training.
Technological Compatibility
Technological compatibility is another crucial aspect that determines whether or not you should go for cloud LMS. It may happen that the product/platform does not live up to your expectations and in that case, you have to check what sort of adjustments have to be undertaken.
You should never opt for a system that operates on a lower level than your already existing one. At times, the process of change can be daunting for some people, so you might want to consider taking help from friends or family members who have experience of using it.
Licencing
The most reliable way to establish the credibility of the vendor is by ensuring they have the requisite license to sell a cloud-based system. If they have a highly recognized certification, their services can be leveraged after considering the other crucial aspects.
The certification companies, such as ISO 27000, perform a million tests on a specific product before giving it the stamp of approval. If there’s even the slightest bit of a problem, the product is refrained from selling.
Reliable Provider
Instead of consulting just one or two vendors; you should test out multiple sellers and their products. Here are some of the factors based on which you can judge whether or not to rely on a vendor.
- Client reviews and feedback
- Customer service
- Experiential learning
- Content refresh rate
- Scenario stimulation
- Multi-cloud focus
- Skill management
- User engagement
Hidden Cost
At times, you might find it challenging to deal with some of the tricky vendors. You should ask critical questions during your free trial, which might include training charges, any additional cost for regular updates and migration, and re-platforming charges.
While signing the contract, the sellers may include the cost of licensing in your monthly bill. You need to ask for a complete list of things that will be billed in the end. If you have any suspicion, then raise questions so that you get the best ROI.