What's an LMS and where do I get one?
Do I need a server?
What about server administration, who does it?
What about technical issues - who do I call, who fixes them?
Where do I host my LMS/server?
What about firewalls and security?
Who backs up my Data and recovers it if something goes wrong?
What's an LMS and where do I get one?
An LMS is a Learning Management System, in general terms are giant peice of internet enabled software that allows many people to connect to them to administer, facilitate or participate in e-learning. It's the online equivalent of the building and equipment you would use to make training available and to hold the training within. It should provide things such as:
This is of course a very basic summary. There are many LMS's to choose from all with varying levels of complexity and functionality, however most LMS's now cover the same basic functions. To simplify the selection process take the time to write down tasks that you would do in your real world training organisation, ask yourself if these are functions you will need online particularly if you will be delivering training to a place you will never physically see then ask your prospective learning provider if their LMS offers these functions. top
Do I need a server?
An LMS has to sit on a piece of computer hardware that is able to handle the strain of a series of people connecting to it via the internet. Some LMS providers provide this hardware, others do not. Make sure you know whether the package offered includes hardware as well as specifications of how many people can connect to the machine without causing a problem. top
What about server administration, who does it?
Servers come with a variety of Operating Systems such as Windows, Linux, Novel. Someone will have to install the operating system on your server as well as your LMS and of course should something go wrong with the server you'll need someone to do fault finding and repair of the system. Make sure you know who you are able to call and who will fix it. Complications may arise if the people looking after the server adminstration side of your server are unfamiliar and seperate to the people who look after your LMS. top
What about technical issues - who do I call, who fixes them?
Operating Systems aside - what if something goes wrong with the computer hardware in your server? Who identifies the problem, buys and install replacement parts - how much downtime can you expect? What about bugs or issues with the software itself? Make sure you know who can call if you have one of these issues. top
Where do I host my LMS/server?
As an internet enabled application your LMS and server needs to be hosted by a Hosting Provider. Make sure you know if this is something you are supplied with, must source yourself or are able to do inhouse. How crucial is that your LMS not go offline? If your hosting is being provided what kind of risk management has been put in place to keep your LMS and data safe in case of fire, theft, human error, power loss and so on? top
What about firewalls and security?
As an e-learning provider you are placing what can be sensitive information such as learner records, assessment information, Intellectual Property and privacy information within reach of tech savvy culture that may wish to access this without your consent. Are any safety measures being offered by learning or hosting providers to keep these people out? top
Who backs up my Data and recovers it if something goes wrong?
Imagine the worst case scenario. For whatever reason the learning material, assessment records and all other data is destroyed. How badly would this affect your business? If this would hamper your business make sure you are aware of whether any data backups are being provided of your information and who you need to call in the event that needed to recover your lost information. top