LMS vs. Authoring Tools

The key differences between an LMS (Learning Management System) and eLearning software are:

1. Functionality and Flexibility: LMSs offer more comprehensive functionality, including file sharing, collaboration, and data storage, while eLearning platforms focus more on content delivery and may lack advanced management features. 
2. Accessibility: LMSs are typically hosted on premises, while eLearning platforms are generally hosted, providing more flexible access controls and scalability. 
3. Time to Market: LMSs require more time to set up and integrate with other systems, whereas eLearning platforms can be integrated into existing websites or apps with less time. 
4. Pricing: LMSs often come with a higher cost due to their extensive feature set, while eLearning platforms are generally more affordable and less feature-rich. 
5. Scope: LMSs manage the entire learning program, including scheduling classes and tracking performance, while eLearning platforms may focus more on delivering content and may not include advanced management features. 
   These distinctions help organizations choose the right platform based on their specific learning needs and goals.

I like using the bookshelf analogy. An LMS is like a bookshelf. The courses/modules are the books.

You can structure the bookshelf (LMS) to house a series of books together (like several modules within a course) or keep them separate. You can also house blank books (that would be a an empty module on the LMS). An eLearning development software (like Articulate Rise or Storyline) is what writes the content in the books.

So without an eLearning development software, you would just have an empty bookshelf. Similarly, without an LMS, you would just have a bunch of books floating around and no way to access or organise them.

Obviously there's a lot of nuance not captured in that analogy, but I find that tends to get the general idea across to my clients!

The eLearning-development software prepares various kinds of food (aka content). 

The LMS serves the food—usually forcing folks to consume specific items and occasionally allowing them to select something else that they actually want. The LMS also tracks what everyone consumes.