WHAT WE DO

Expertus is a "learning management services" firm - what does that mean?

We focus exclusively on helping corporations gain and maintain business advantage by optimizing the processes and technologies that drive customer, partner and employee training. Learn more about our mission.

How does Expertus improve the business impact of training programs?

We provide a full spectrum of innovative strategies, services and solutions that help corporations manage learning as a business. Examples include learning operations and technology roadmaps, governance initiatives, training administration services, e-learning content development and conversion, learning analytics and learning 2.0 portal development. Learn more about our learning management services.

How large is the Expertus staff?

A: We employ more than 500 learning management consultants, technology experts and business process outsourcing specialists, worldwide. Our offices are located on three continents, with headquarters in Silicon Valley, California.

You're a services firm - but don't you also develop software?

Above all, we're a learning services provider. However, because we're experts at implementing learning management systems (LMSs), we understand how training technologies work. Therefore, we've created innovative software modules that address specific learning operations challenges. For example, we offer business intelligence applications and Learning 2.0 portals that can be implemented much faster and more cost effectively than full custom solutions. Read about Expertus learning management solutions.

Do your software-based solutions work with any LMS platform?

Yes, our solutions are specifically designed to work in concert with any learning systems infrastructure. You can choose to implement these software modules yourself, or rely on our learning systems experts to implement them for you. Learn more about Expertus learning management solutions.

Is Expertus allied with any LMS software vendors?

Although we maintain relationships with Saba, SumTotal Systems, Plateau, Oracle and other LMS vendors, our strength comes from our vendor-neutral philosophy. Clients value this independent approach, because we're free to recommend learning technologies that best meet their needs.

Don't LMS companies like Saba offer services similar to yours?

LMS platform vendors like Saba typically have a professional services team that installs and configures their software. But their expertise and interests focus on selling their LMS platforms. Our only agenda is to help our clients gain full value from whatever learning technologies are best for their particular needs. That applies to everything from LMS implementation and customization to enterprise-wide systems integration and ongoing maintenance. Learn more about our learning technology services.

How is Expertus different from the professional services arm of an LMS vendor?

Our business model differs dramatically from services organizations at LMS/LCMS software vendors like Saba, SumTotal Systems and Plateau. Our competence centers on identifying and solving business problems with the right combination of technology and best-practice techniques for your organization. See 8 key reasons to choose Expertus.

Does Expertus offer training delivery?

No, we're not a training delivery firm. Instead, we implement, manage and improve the systems and operational processes that drive training programs. In other words, we help learning organizations save time and money - or generate revenues and profits - by managing training as a business. Our services naturally extend to e-learning content development and conversion, but don't include traditional classroom training delivery. Learn more about our content development services.

What kind of companies do you serve?

Typically, we serve global companies in dynamic markets - wherever learning is vital to keeping employees, customers and business partners skilled and knowledgeable about their offerings. Clients include market leaders from various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, aerospace and more. Learn more about our clients.

There's a Canadian company named Expertus. Are they related to you?

No. The Canadian financial software vendor is not affiliated with us in any way.

What about Expertus InfoTech in India. Are they related to you?

Yes. Expertus InfoTech is the offshore technology and operations arm of Expertus - where our primary Global Center of Excellence is located. This facility features a comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology infrastructure - including data redundancy and stringent information security protocols. It's also where we train our specialists in best-practice methods for learning business process management, measurement, content development and systems integration. And it's the home of a division that offers HR and training-related solutions to organizations based in India - such as Mitsubishi, Schwarzkopf and Vodafone India.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EXPERTUS

When do corporations need a learning management service firm?

Whenever your staff lacks bandwidth, expertise or insight to drive learning operations processes, measurement, e-learning content development or training technology implementations, it's wise to look outside of your organization for advice, hands-on assistance - or both. A learning management partner can help you find the fastest path to more efficient, effective training operations. They'll also help you prioritize and plan improvements for maximum business benefit.

Which learning functions should we outsource?

If you're uncertain about how training outsourcing can fit with your organization, we can help. Our learning management consultants can quickly assess your situation and develop action plans that lead to lasting, measurable results. And our learning outsourcing team is prepared to provide any level of service you require - whether it's outsourcing specific tasks, complete functions, or your entire administrative organization.

How much can I expect to save through training outsourcing?

Cost reduction is only one of the benefits - but it can be significant. Our learning operations outsourcing clients typically realize a savings of 60% of more - even as service levels improve. For software applications management, cost reductions of 40% are common. And our content development services have reduced costs for some clients by as much as 80%. See other results we've achieved.

Do you guarantee that your learning services will save me money?

For most outsourcing engagements, we create service level agreements (SLAs) that define expected performance standards. Our SLAs are aggressive, and our track record is excellent. Here's just one specific example - our catalog management specialists consistently complete core tasks over 60% faster than required.

What type of interaction should I expect with your team?

When you choose Expertus, you get the benefit of our "SmartSourcing" outsourcing model. That's the optimum balance of onsite, onshore, near-shore, and offshore support. Depending on your needs, you'll have access to a dedicated relationship manager, who coordinates the Expertus team on your behalf. This gives you highly efficient, on-demand access to our global resources. It means you'll gain all the value of outsourcing, without compromising quality or responsiveness. Learn more about our outsourcing services.

You have a large staff in India. Would we work directly with them?

Expertus is actually a US corporation with a global presence. Our learning business consultants and outsourcing engagement managers are primarily located in the US and Europe. Engagement managers act as the link between you and whatever technical or operations specialists are assigned to your account. They maintain daily contact with team members to ensure that your needs are met. And although our team of over 500 learning technology and business process specialists is largely based in India, we also provide US-based LBPO and HR IT staffing resources.

Our company has learners around the world. Can you provide continuous support?

Yes - we provide round-the-clock global support for clients who require it.

What tools do you use for e-learning and rapid e-learning development?

We continuously upgrade and expand our repertoire of e-learning authoring skills to include the most advanced tools available. Examples of our current strengths: Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Breeze and Captivate, Articulate Studio, and OutStart Evolution. Learn more about our content development services.

When you develop e-learning courses, do you comply with industry standards?

Absolutely. All e-learning content we produce is based on established standards such as AICC, IMS (XML) and SCORM. This means you can rest assured that it will always run as intended on standards-based learning platforms.

How do we get started with learning outsourcing?

The best first step is a preliminary consultation. In fact, we offer a free written assessment of your learning organization's efficiency - at no obligation to you. Developed in conjunction with intelligence from learning industry analysts at Bersin & Associates, this scorecard and analysis quickly pinpoints operational strengths and weaknesses - and recommends ideas for improvement. Request a free assessment.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT DEFINITIONS

Training Outsourcing (or Learning Outsourcing)

Training outsourcing is the practice of delegating corporate learning operations and technology functions to specialized service vendors like Expertus. In recent years, the outsourcing trend has grown rapidly, as corporations discovered that external organizations often manage operational tasks far more efficiently and effectively than internal staff. In addition, they found advantages in shifting fixed administrative overhead to variable costs. But the benefits don't stop there. Read our article, "Outsourcing - It's Not Just for Cost Savings Anymore."

SmartSourcing

SmartSourcing is training outsourcing - the Expertus way. It's much more than hiring a "body shop" to coordinate training technology and administration tasks. It's about outsourcing with insight. It's about partnering with a team that's highly skilled and committed to advancing your learning initiatives in whatever way you require. And it's about mobilizing the right resources at the right time - when and where you need them. Bottom line - SmartSourcing is simply a more intelligent way to manage learning. Read more about our learning outsourcing services.

Learning Business Process Outsourcing (LBPO or Learning BPO)

LBPO is a variation of learning outsourcing focused on managing the administrative functions that support corporate training. By applying BPO best practices to the learning domain, training organizations can benefit from economies of scale and scope, while improving overall quality of service. Read about our Learning BPO services.

The Expertus Learning Process Encyclopedia

This is our definitive collection of best-practice guidelines for learning operations process and technology management. Developed with over a decade of first-hand knowledge from our work in the training outsourcing field, the encyclopedia details the parameters for a broad cross-section of learning management tasks - from course scheduling and registration, to materials fulfillment and payment processing. These standards are continuously refined and refreshed with intelligence gathered from Expertus engagements. Therefore, it serves as a reliable foundation for "transaction-based" pricing.

Transaction-Based Pricing

A cornerstone of our training outsourcing offerings, transaction-based pricing (or per-instance pricing) ensures that you pay only for value delivered - not just for time served. Leveraging our detailed understanding of learning operations, we assign a standard cost-per-action for every task completed on your behalf. It's a clearer, more accurate cost basis that decreases risk and increases accountability. Because learning organizations are shifting to service-driven models, this methodology is rapidly becoming recognized as an industry best practice.

Expertus Global Learning Excellence Center

The technical hub of our global learning management services is located in India. This facility features state-of-the-art technologies that form a robust, reliable infrastructure for our specialists who support learning outsourcing clients worldwide. This is also where we train our specialists in best-practice methods for learning business process management, measurement, content development and systems integration.

Learning Enterprise Architecture Planning (LEAP)

Recognizing the need to fast-forward the complex and time-consuming process of enterprise-wide learning technology integration, our learning management consultants developed this collaborative planning process. It combines snapshot audit activities with stakeholder interaction, so you gain a holistic view of your business and IT realities, and understand how learning technologies can better fit that environment. Ultimately, this immersive process leads to tighter integration between your learning technology and the various enterprise systems, applications and resources it touches.

Learning Management System (LMS)

Essentially, an LMS is software that helps automate learning administration functions. For example, LMSs help training organizations build and maintain a digital course catalog; register learners for classes; track learner progress, and generate management reports. Many vendors offer LMS platforms. Expertus specializes in implementing and optimizing these systems for global learning organizations.

Learning Content Management System (LCMS)

Distinct from LMSs, LCMSs are digital environments where training developers can create, store, reuse, manage and deliver training content from a central repository. In other words, LCMSs help learning organizations manage all types of content associated with the learning process. Among other learning technologies, Expertus implements, customizes and manages LCMSs. In addition, we develop content and install it in these systems.

e-Learning (or eLearning)

This term covers many applications - from web-based learning and virtual classrooms, to computer-based training and digital collaboration. In contrast to traditional classroom training, e-learning relies on digital channels for delivery of informal and formal training. Read about our e-learning creation and conversion services.

Blended Learning

This approach to corporate training combines various content and communication channels into a multi-faceted learning experience. For example, a blended learning solution might mix video or audio conferencing with web-based on-demand e-learning content, and onsite facilitated training sessions. As a learning technology innovator, Expertus is uniquely prepared to enable blended learning through Web 2.0-based Learning Portal Solutions.

Learning 2.0

This relatively new concept involves use of leading-edge "Web 2.0" technologies to enhance the formal learning experience with real-time, on-demand access to courseware. Typically embodied in learning portal environments, Learning 2.0 also facilitates informal learning with new functional capabilities such as wikis, blogs, RSS feeds and interactive "widgets." Learn more about how we enable Learning 2.0.

Learning Portal

Available through a corporate intranet or public internet site, learning portals are websites that act as central entry points for communities of like-minded learners. These destinations typically incorporate a collection of resources - all geared to the interests and needs of a particular learner segment. For example, corporations often develop separate learning portals for customers in different countries. Read about our approach to learning portals.