May 31, 2022

5 min read

LMS vs LCMS: Differences and Features Comparison

What is the current situation in the e-learning market? According to Research.com, in Europe, the LMS market is expected to generate the second-highest revenue. In the Asia Pacific, the LMS market has increased at a CAGR of 34.2%.

What’s more, today, there are more than 73.8 million active LMS users. That’s why 90% of learners prefer online learning to a traditional one. Among the LMS buyers, 30% are the long-established tech giants. Here, 65% of executives and 35% of managers are primarily involved in LMS training.

So, having growth in all aspects of EdTech and 100% demand, let’s find out the LMS and LCMS difference together!

Education will never stop being one of the focus topics of this blog. Especially, when it is supported by the most innovative technologies worldwide. So far, we have spoken about how to create an LMS and what are the different LMS. Also, we have discussed the enterprise LMS solutions and how to create an educational app. This time, let’s compare such solutions as LMS and LCMS.

What are LMS and LCMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is a type of software application that allows educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs to be

When do you need an LMS

The choice of the LMS has been quite a challenge for businesses. But, if you happen to put all the factors in place, you will surely get what you need. Consider LMS vs LCMS when it comes to:

A Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is an integrated platform specifically designed for multiple users, administration possibilities, authoring, and delivery. Online training activities are being admin-

When do you need CLMS

On the contrary, LCMS vs LMS has another applicability. If you need major support of tools to help manage your content, then consider LCMS. For example,

Similarities and differences of LCMS vs LMS

Learning management system vs learning content management system are the two platforms that have different applicability in the eLearning processes. But, being with several similarities, the differences they have might be vague. To clear out the similarity and difference between LMS and LCMS, let’s discuss their characteristics separately.

Similarities

Among the similar features of LMS vs LCMS, you can find:

Authoring and delivering content
Supporting different content types
Existing content templates
Collaborating on learning content
Searching for content in an advanced way
Gathering analytics and sending reports
Supporting SCORM and xAPI eLearning standards
Accessing platforms on mobile devices

Differences

Any LMS focuses mainly on making learning available for learners and tracking the latter. LCMS, in its turn, focuses on storing online content, managing it, and reusing it via an integrated database functionality. You might spot a slight overlap in the functionality between LMS vs LCMS. But, still, the primary focus of each is different. Let’s have a look:

LMS makes the process of scheduling classes, creating catalogs, and registering learners more efficient.

In the broadest terms, the LMS helps get you to the classroom door and the LCMS manages the experience inside the classroom.

LMS and LCMS Features Comparison

To provide the most visible LMS and LCMS features comparison, it is vital to understand what features are there to compare.

Now, you are more aware of the features each platform supports. This LMS and LCMS comparison still depends on what you need for your business. Both the systems may be easy and hard to develop based on your needs and requirements. Consider our Inoxoft app calculator to understand what resources are to be used and how much you can pay for an LMS or LCMS.

How to Choose the Right Platform: LMS or LCMS?

Before setting up your mind on what to choose — LMS versus LCMS, consider the type of your organization, eLearning purpose, available budget, and possible timeframes.

1. Consider eLearning requirements

Some of the eLearning requirements may be to

Manage learners
Availability of catalog at the course
Registration system
Management of competency
Launch and track e-Learning
Assessment creation, evaluation, and feedback
Collaboration, synchronous learning tools
Integration with HR applications

Here, LMS has limited functionality only what concerns collaboration and learning tools. And, LCMS is a platform that is limited according to every point except assessment creation, evaluation, feedback, collaboration, and learning tools.

- So, what to look at to choose?

2. Prefer LMS when you need to

Track and report learners’ progress
Analyze groups’ performance
Manage content by another system
Target formal learning
Work with created content

3. Prefer LCMS when you have

Centralized and single-sourced content
Many authors work on the same content
Distributed content in different forms to different audiences
Translated or/and localized content
A need for interactive training output

Consider Inoxoft to Empower Your E-Learning Project

Inoxoft is an education software development company with more than 7 years of experience. We are used to tracking the EdTech market as trends in eLearning change all the time. Need to develop an educational app? That’s not a problem for our skilled team. Share your idea and requirements and let’s get to work!

Our LMS development services allow you to drive innovations into your business. In particular,

Increase the tech potential and expertise of your employees
Advance both mentorship and leadership skills of managers
Provide care for employees’ mental health
Support your sales and accounting teams
Implement gamification and simulation
Deliver immersive learning experience via media

Final Thoughts

This article has shown you the main differences and features between LMS and LCMS. Both systems are extremely popular these days. People are fond of online learning. Especially, your employees, who learn better using innovative tools and apps. So, if you are looking for the right LMS solution, you should check out Inoxoft’s comparison.

Originally published at https://inoxoft.com on May 31, 2022.