The pros and cons of open source LMSs

Open source software is disrupting the world of enterprise software. Here we explore the pros and cons of open source learning management systems compared with commercial systems.

There are a few open source LMSs we’re addressing in this post:

• Moodle– a widely-used open source learning management system that was originally designed for educational use
• Totara LMS– a version of Moodle with added features to support enterprise and workplace learning
• Canvas LMS – a relatively new LMS that was designed for educational use. Instructure also has released Bridge, which is designed for enterprise and workplace learning but is not open source.

	Open source	Enterprise
Suitability for workplace learning	Open source LMSs such as Moodle and Canvas were originally designed for the educational market and they lacked some of the key features needed for workplace learning, e.g. organisational hierarchies. Totara LMS is designed to solve these problems. It is basically Moodle but with added features that support organisations’ hierarchical and performance management.	Workplace learning is what most commercial LMSs were designed for. Their weakness is that they focus on self-paced learning and are often just a database of modules.
Support	The powerful thing about Moodle is that you can download and install it yourself, but what you don't have is any support. Most support is forum based, and if someone in the community is not interested in your problem it's often hard to find a solution. The Moodle partner network is designed to provide a better level of support. Totara LMS also has a partner network that provides the type of support that commercial LMS providers offer.	A high level of support is one of the services that LMS providers do really well.
Complexity	An LMS is a complex piece of software. Often, open source projects pay less attention to interface design and usability. One of the great things about Canvas LMS is that it is easy to use.	Commercial LMSs often have fewer features than open source LMSs, which helps to reduce their complexity. Also, their user interfaces are often easier to use.
Customisations	Most LMSs require extensive configuration to suit a given organisation. Commercial providers will say that the need for extensive customisation is the weakest part of an open source LMS. One of the powerful features of open source software is the ecosystem of plug-ins that already exist.	In reality, both commercial and open source LMS providers make most of their profit from customisations and integration.
Support for blended integrated learning e.g. the 70:20:10 learning model	Totara/Moodle’s roots are in the educational area, where the approach to blended learning has matured. Support for blended integrated learning is one of the strengths of open source software.	Commercial LMS’ roots are in the delivery of self-paced modules. If they do have features like discussion forums, they often work in a way where they are tacked on and not truly integrated.
Price	Open source LMSs are cheaper.	Commercial providers will say that open source systems are more expensive because of the customisation costs. However, in the long term commercial LMSs are more expensive the open source LMSs.