My company is just begining the elearning process and I am trying to find an LMS that is easy to use, can manage course content and assessments, and be cost effective. There are so many programs out there, I am just not sure where to turn. Any ideas?

Mike, there r some commercial software out there like WebCT and BlackBoard.But they r very costly.Dont know how much your company is willing to spend. we are using open source LMS Moodle. Can be a good option for your company.

Mike..
I have a lot of experience with LMS's. I can offer you a number of things..1) a list of features and functions you can use as the bases of what you need, and the beginnins of an RFP. 2) I have some research I have done one LMS's including Industry Standard pricing, 3) awhite paper on SCORM and 4) finally some personal advice based on what you can tell me about what you need to accomplish. we could chat for a bit.. email me at scase20@juno.com if any of this is interesting to you.. steve

This is a big question. I assume you've looked at things like: Learning Management Systems. You can also look at the eLearningGuild, BrandonHall, Bersin reports on this.

I'd start with the post on the LMS Selection Process.

Hi, definitely have a look at Moodle, the open source LMS. The Elearning Guild report last year showed that around 25% of US small to medium companies are now using it.

See a review and demo site at http://www.kineo.com/open-source-tools/moodle---your-free-lms.html

Good luck.

Steve