June 29, 2009
Convergent Learning Launches Learning Management System Hosting Services
Convergent Learning, LLC, a San Francisco-based e-Learning and training company, announced plans to offer a Learning Management System (LMS) Hosting Solution in addition to the consulting services the company currently offers. The new hosting solution will provide a reliable, custom-designed, and scalable LMS without the frequently sizable costs associated with installing, implementing, and integrating an onsite LMS. Convergent Learning is offering these services to enable small and midsize companies to leverage the competitive advantages of providing just-in-time web-based and classroom training to their employees without the sizable startup and maintenance costs typically associated with a custom-configured, feature-heavy LMS.
According to the company’s president, Michael Plocek, Convergent Learning recognized that barriers to entry—including the cost of hardware, software, and the need for additional IT staff—were preventing many small to midsized companies from implementing robust training programs. “The current state of the economy highlights the need for businesses—both large and small—to adapt as quickly as possible to the changing demands of the global marketplace,” Plocek said. “By offering a hosted solution that uses open source tools, Convergent Learning’s LMS experts can help your business maximize training dollars and ensure that your employees have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”
The new LMS Hosting Solution is based on open source architecture that allows businesses to offer a variety of learning options—including instructor-led training, online courses, forums, chats, and downloadable documents—within a single curriculum. In addition, Convergent Learning’s LMS Hosting Solution uses Cloud Computing Technology for low cost, optimum reliability, and minimal downtime. Convergent Learning will configure the LMS to the needs of each client, including custom interface design and company branding. In addition, Convergent Learning will perform all necessary hosting and support tasks including implementation, integration, data migration, and software maintenance. If necessary, Convergent Learning can also help administer the LMS by configuring courses, running training reports, and managing courses, course enrollments, and LMS user accounts, as needed.
According to Ted Blanchard, long-time technical e-Learning consultant for Fortune 500 companies and former Senior Director of Technology at VitesseLearning, “Flexibility, speed, and return on investment are the hallmarks of any effective training initiative. Conversely, I’ve seen too many costly, enterprise-wide e-Learning initiatives bog down under the sheer option-rich complexity of market-leading LMS deployments. Convergent Learning’s solution, using robust, cost-effective open source technology and leveraging the team’s depth and breadth of experience for nimble, timely implementation of online training, is designed to avoid that trap and deliver exactly what the small or midsized company needs; no more, no less.” The cost savings of outsourcing a small training infrastructure, as with Convergent Learning’s new LMS Hosting Solution, ensures that companies can equip their workforces with the knowledge and skills they need and see a more immediate return on their initial investment. Michael Plocek said, “This new solution, designed by LMS experts with a decade’s worth of experience in providing the best Learning Management Systems and optimizing their use for a variety of Fortune 500 companies, makes the same comprehensive training, tracking, and reporting features available at a fraction of the cost to smaller companies. Our new service can help make comprehensive training strategies a reality for companies of all sizes.”
About Convergent Learning
Convergent Learning’s LMS Hosting Solution is based on open source architecture and uses Cloud Computing Technology for optimum reliability, ease of use, and minimal downtime. Convergent Learning configures and brands each LMS solution to the needs of the client and provides all necessary hosting and support functions, saving considerable expense by eliminating licensing fees and maintenance costs. The service is available for a small initial set-up fee plus a monthly subscription.
Convergent Learning brings together the best in instructional design, project management and technical expertise in order to solve training problems. Founded in 2007, Convergent Learning employs a staff of experts well versed in the tools and techniques for tailoring the best solutions to meet specific business situations. Convergent Learning is led by Michael Plocek, who has been involved in the Learning Industry since 2000 and has extensive experience selecting, configuring, implementing, administering, and deploying content on a variety of Learning Management Systems.
