Free White Paper Explores Open Source Learning Management Systems

Five free learning management systems that have evolved in university settings are examined for commercial use

FALLS CHURCH, VA (PRWEB) May 8, 2003 -- Sticker-shock is a common reaction when learning executives shop for a learning management system. Total cost often includes six-figure licensing fees plus consulting and service fees. When the LMS is up and running, organizations can plan on shelling out the same amount for licensing and service year after year. As a consulting company that helps corporate universities in the LMS selection process, CUE has observed the sticker-shock first hand.

This sticker-shock motivated CUE to take a closer look at a few free learning management systems. These systems are primarily used at universities. Their applicability for private industry was not clear, however. The results are presented in a new white paper called Learning Management Systems for the Rest of Us: An Assessment of Open Source Learning Management Systems.

How can some learning management systems be free? The reason is that they are developed in open source software. Open source software is distributed under a public license, meaning they can be used and modified by anyone. Just as you can download a copy of the Linux operating system for free, there are learning management systems developed in open source software.

We were skeptical when we started looking at this phenomenom," says Erik Granered, Manager of Marketing and Productions at CUE, who researched and wrote the report. Linux itself was never in question because we knew major banks trust Linux to host their customers financial transactions. However, these LMSs were not specifically developed for corporate learning and there is still some lingering debate about whether open-source middleware and database platforms are ready for enterprise use."

The white paper examines five LMSs from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, and the US. They have several things in common: They evolved in the university environment, and they all use the same middleware and database for functionality. They differ greatly in features and pedagogical approach. Some are more suitable for a corporate setting than others, but even their usefulness will depend on what a company is hoping to get out of an LMS.

To find out more, please visit http://www.cuenterprise.com and sign up to receive your free copy.

About CUE
Corporate University Enterprise, Inc. (CUE) is an educational consulting firm designed to bring a strategic approach to workforce education in both private and public organizations. Partnership, value, and innovation are the strategic drivers in CUEs consulting model. The company was incorporated in 1998 and has since served clients throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.