Some of the largest and most successful e-learning initiatives use a learning content management system (LCMS). Where a typical LMS might simply track and organize learners and training, a full-fledged LCMS is designed to manage the creation, storage, reuse, and delivery of e-learning content from a central object repository – everything from conception to delivery.

LCMSs are structured environments that are specifically designed to help organizations implement better processes and practices as they create an unlimited number of e-learning courses. They make creating content more efficient, help users avoid redundancy, and help organizations manage the people – professional developers, subject matter experts, or novices – who are creating the content.

How do LCMSs do this? They often strive to separate content from presentation, usually by using XML content tagging and/or by following widely used standards (AICC, SCORM, etc.). This provides the flexibility to publish to a wide range of formats, platforms, or devices such as print, Web, and even hand-held devices. In essence, they are designed to turn an organization into its own e-learning publishing entity.

If you've decided that an LCMS is what your organization needs, you should be applauded for understanding the power and flexibility that an LCMS can provide, but you should also be sure you are prepared to choose an LCMS. You will face many (many!) details and specifications to consider, and you should plan for your organization's specific, long-term e-learning goals.

We've designed this online KnowledgeBase service to help organizations choose an LCMS that fits seamlessly with their e-learning plans. The research includes extensive information on 45+ of the leading LCMSs in the marketplace, with detailed specifications for each product.

Topics include the following:

• How content is created by each LCMS system
• What kind of built-in authoring capabilities exist in each LCMS
• Which third-party tools are interoperable or preferred
• Pre-testing, skill-gap analysis, and adaptive learning capabilities provided
• An overview of workflow management capabilities in each LCMS
• Highlights of the learner interface and other learner-centric information
• Standards and specifications compliance information
• The extent of built-in LMS functionality
• Essential system requirements
• Pricing guidelines, including estimates for Year 1 and Year 3
• How each vendor implements its product

If you are planning to harness the power and flexibility of an LCMS, this research is the way to go about it. It can help you understand all the details that go into choosing the right LCMS for your organization.

Best of all, the LCMS KnowledgeBase is available from the convenience of your desktop for one full year. Search and search again. Narrow down your short list. Learn all the details about LCMS products that you simply can't find anywhere else.