small training provider starting out

Take a look at this list of alternatives to Moodle. These should be in a similar price range as what you were quoted for Moodle hosting, but some of these systems are easier to use and administer. In Docebo, for example, I had my first course built in 30 minutes when I tested it last year.

http://blog.capterra.com/9-cheap-alternatives-moodle-small-businesses/

Moodle has lots of power and options, but it can be complicated. You need someone who knows what they're doing to administer it.

I'm not familiar with LearnUpon, but I think you may be able to find something comparable and cheaper.

Have you considered any of the Wordpress LMS plugins? If your needs aren't extensive, those may be sufficient. They're much cheaper, even if you need to pay an expert to set it up for you. LifterLMS, LearnDash, and WP Courseware are all worth investigating. These aren't full blown LMSs with all the features of something like Moodle or Docebo, but they may be enough for you to get started.

I wrote a blog post called "I need an LMS. Where do I start?" That has more links and info.

Hi Christy thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it. I have an existing website which uses wordpress, can Docebo work off my existing site?

Thank you

Josephine

You can use Learndash off of Wordpress but will need an LRS which dependent on the number of users can be expensive.

As far as Moodle is concerned I would say roughly £2000 should get you a hosted solution.

I am not sure what you count as Admin, I believe all that is included in Learn Upon is a 24/7 help desk.  

Whichever LMS you decide upon you should expect too do Admin work each month.

Docebo (and many LMSs) can probably integrate with your existing website. It can be branded to look like your site. With most of the choices discussed, you can probably have the LMS be a subdomain of your existing site, although that's a question you should be asking all the vendors. If you're using a membership plugin on your existing Wordpress site, I would expect Docebo to be able to integrate with SSO (Single Sign On) so people don't need a separate username and password.

If you already have Wordpress, then I would recommend a free option like Lifter LMS. You can upload some of your content and test it out on a small pilot group of learners before you start looking at investing in a larger scale LMS like Docebo (which is a fantastic LMS).

I would thoroughly recommend a small text platform with some sample courses before you invest in getting all the content created and investing in an expensive LMS, when your concept of delivering online training is still just a concept.

Christy's article is great, you might also be interested in a free crash course I wrote for those looking to get started in delivering elearning - you can click here to register.

PS. Lifter doesn't host SCORM content, but I'm not sure if you'll need that or not. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions: ant@elearningarchitect.co.uk

Hi Josephine

As you already have WordPress. And, assuming you want to host Articulate content. You should look at LearnDash and GrassBlade xAPI Companion.

If you need tracking you will also want to add GrassBlade LRS or GrassBlade Cloud LRS. 

Pankaj

Hi Christy and Ant thank you very much for your replies, I am certainly learning loads. I am going to continue to read more and if I have any more questions I will certainly link in again. Thank you both very much for your time.

Kindest Regards

Josephine