We currently have an LMS that provides both the ability to launch and track online courses, as well as schedule instructor-led classroom courses. The problem is that it is lacking a lot of functionality (like Outlook integration) and we have a lot of work-arounds to get it to function properly. In short, it is a piece of junk and hard to use.

The problem is that I cannot find an LMS package that does this...only better. Every LMS touts online tools and course functionality, but none of them allow you to schedule instructor led courses as well, or integrate well with Outlook.

Any advice?

There are a number of ways that you can find a good LMS. I’m not going to mention specific systems, because the best option will depend upon all of your requirements. ILT and eLearning with outlook integration are only a part of your complete requirements. There are many additional requirements that I’m sure the system must fulfill.

That said, there are a number of ways that you can find a good vendor.

1) You can look at Brando Hall's LMS Knowledgebase. This has a number of systems and their capabilities. Once you find a system that you think matches your requirements, have the vendor perform a demo – making sure that they illustrate your requirements in the system.

2) Hire an LMS consultant that can help gather the requirements, create a vendor RFP, and review the proposals and demos. This will reduce the amount of effort that you need to spend, they bring years of experience with these systems, can highlight how the vendors are meeting (or not) the requirements, and can raise unforeseen issues or concerns. My company can provide this service, as can others.

3) Contact a bunch of vendors and have them demo their system. Make sure that they illustrate how they will meet each of your requirements and if they can’t, don’t choose them as a vendor. Starting off with the need to customize or hack a system can create numerous issues in the future.

Those are some of the techniques and criteria that I have used in the past. Please feel free to reach out to me with additional questions.

Michael is right. There are a number of systems on the market that can do what you are requesting, but there are probably only 1-3 that are right for your organization.

If you need a consultant (step 2), I've done several workshops and consulting gigs on LMS selection. Plus we've implemented and supported a handful of LMSs. There are many moving parts, such as SCORM course integrations, LCMS, intranet and ERP integrations, reports, etc. Picking up a few books on the subject is no substitute for having been there.

Thanks,

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
www.sslearn.com

Dan, I appreciate your problem. It is not going to be easy to find this mix in the LMS systems. However, UpsideLMS Version 4.0 caters closely to your specifications. In addition to a full range of features on managing and delivering online learning, it has a robust module to create, manage and schedule offline classroom sessions. Learners see a comprehensive calendar with offline classes marked clearly and each event can be downloaded to Outlook calendar as well. UpsideLMS comes from Upside Learning, a recognised emerging leader in training outsourcing and UpsideLMS , over last 3.5 years of its existence, now serves more than 30000 users across over 35 customers globally.

Please feel free to write back to me for more information. You may want to check out our website www.upsidelearning.com and areas specific to LMS on the site http://www.upsidelearning.com/...rning-management.asp. I am confident that you will find the system a good fit.

I will be happy to organize a demo for you whenever it is good to you to show you how this is all done.
Look forward to hear more from you on the same.

Thanks

Girish Dhat
Upside Learning Solutions
girish.dhat@upsidelearning.com www.upsidelearning.com