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Benefits of Open Source Over Proprietary LMS Solutions

HR Tech Outlook | Friday, January 08, 2021

Technology has intervened in all kinds of business processes ranging from data analytics to employee training.  Many organizations have started to adopt LMS for their employee training and learning. LMS stands for learning management system software, an application utilized by enterprises—primarily but can be put to private use—to administer, track, report, and deliver training to employees or new talents. Many of this software is proprietary solutions which require a purchase of the license for installation. In contrary, opens source LMS solutions are also available for business to install.

Open source software is one, whose access and codes are open for all and are open to modification as per the requirements. Companies have always been facing the dilemma to choose between an open source and proprietary solution for their business. Certainly, open source has benefits over the other one which makes it more preferable.

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•  Flexibility: In no scenario, proprietary software has a chance over open source when it comes to the flexibility of the platform. E-learning landscape is evolving rapidly, requiring a flexible platform for agile transformation. To meet the demands it is crucial for LMS, to be flexible and proprietary solutions are mostly rigid. On the other hand, various plugins are available in open source that can be integrated into existing software for increasing its functionality, appearance, and features that would keep the learner engaged. Even bug fixes are a part of this which can be easily patched to make the software bug free.

•  Customization: Proprietary solutions cost hefty for getting any customizations in the existing version. Whereas, in case of open source an in-premise programmer is capable to make the changes required for customizing the software to meet learning requirements. As aforesaid there various pre-designed plugins that enable enterprises to customize their solution and optimize it the way they want.

•  Cost: A much obvious point to put forth. Open source software is built on the principle that everyone is benefitted when information is free. There exists a community of developers that continuously update the software and upload it for rest to utilize. As a result, open source software runs smoothly, securely, and free of cost. But in case of a proprietary software company has to invest heftily in resources to keep their solution updated. Access and code are free for open source still considerable costs are involved during setting up the solution but that is comparably low. 

Few  LMS Companies(Asentia, Aziksa, DOCEBO)

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