WHAT WE DO

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

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

How does Expertus improve the business impact of enterprise learning?

We provide a full spectrum of innovative software and services that empower corporate learners to improve their business performance. Examples include next-generation social learning environments; special-purpose unified learning solutions; learning strategy consulting, training administration outsourcing; learning content development; measurement, and other services. Find out more about our next-generation learning management software. Or read about our learning consulting and managed services.

How large is the Expertus staff?

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

I thought Expertus was a learning services firm. But you develop software, too?

In the late 1990s, Expertus started gaining a reputation as a world-class learning services provider - focused on helping corporations implement and optimize learning technologies and processes. Because we have deep expertise with all leading learning management systems (LMSs), we understand how they work. Plus, we understand the business logic that makes learning software valuable to the enterprise. Leveraging these insights, we've created a groundbreaking social learning platform called ExpertusONE_^TM. Based on cloud technology, the ExpertusONE platform integrates real-time information retrieval, formal training, and informal knowledge sharing into one dynamic, unified social learning ecosystem. Learn more about ExpertusONE.

Does your software work with other LMS platforms?

Yes, our solutions fit-in seamlessly with whatever learning systems and enterprise infrastructure you may have in place. Learn about features in the ExpertusONE unified learning platform.

Is Expertus allied with any LMS software vendors?

Although we maintain relationships with Saba, SumTotal Systems, Plateau, Oracle and other leading LMS vendors, our strength comes from our vendor-neutral philosophy. Our goal is to fit-in - no matter what legacy systems may be in place.

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

Legacy LMS vendors like Saba are taking note of our web-based "unified learning platform" concept. However, LMS software is inherently monolithic and rigid in its design - because it's built to support one thing - formal training. In contrast, unified learning helps corporations accomplish much more. And it's inherently flexible and scalable in a way that no LMS is able to replicate. (Learn more about what differentiates unified learning.)

How do Expertus services differ from the professional services arm of an LMS vendor?

Our services model differs dramatically from legacy LMS companies like Saba, SumTotal Systems and Plateau. We don't simply configure a product and step away. Instead, we focus on identifying key business problems - and resolving them 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 create and manage the systems, content and operational processes that drive corporate learning and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, we help organizations create a competitive edge - by helping them develop more a more competent workforce, salesforce or customer base. Our services naturally extend to e-learning content strategy and development, 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. Customers include market leaders from various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, aerospace and more. (Learn more about our customers.)

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 services specialists in best-practice methods for learning operations management, content development and learning measurement. In addition, it's the home of a division that offers HR and training-related solutions to organizations with an India presence - such as Mitsubishi, Schwarzkopf and Vodafone India.

ABOUT EXPERTUS MANAGED SERVICES

When do corporations need learning management services?

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 operations. We'll also help you prioritize and plan improvements for maximum business benefit. (Learn more about our services.)

Which learning functions should we outsource?

If you're uncertain about how managed services can fit with your organization, we can help. Our business consultants can quickly assess your situation and develop action plans that lead to lasting, measurable results. And our learning operations 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 managed services?

Cost reduction is only one of the benefits - but it can be significant. Our learning operations 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 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 managed services, without compromising quality or responsiveness. (Learn more about our learning 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 like our ExpertusONE unified learning platform.

How do we get started with learning outsourcing?

The best first step is a contact us. 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. (Take a free training efficiency assessment.)

LEARNING MANAGEMENT DEFINITIONS - SOFTWARE

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 legacy LMS platforms, based on monolithic models that don't extend into new forms of learning. Expertus has developed a next-generation learning platform - ExpertusONE - which integrates formal training, informal learning, enterprise search and knowledge-sharing within a dynamic, real-time social environment.

Unified Learning Platform

It's widely understood that next-generation learning platforms must reach beyond their rigid structure and singular focus on formal training activities. That's why Expertus invented ExpertusONE - a browser-based learning platform that integrates formal, informal and collaborative learning with enterprise information retrieval in a dynamic, social environment. (Learn more about the benefits of a unified learning platform.)

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 with traditional classroom training, e-learning relies on digital channels for delivery of informal and formal training. e-Learning is an essential part of the content mix in  ExpertusONE unified learning platform implementations. (Read about our e-learning creation and conversion services.)

Blended Learning

This approach to corporate training content combines various learning modes and 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 ExpertusONE unified learning solutions.

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. Expertus implements learning portals through the ExpertusONE unified learning platform. (Read more about ExpertusONE 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." We enable Learning 2.0 through the ExpertusONE unified learning platform.

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 is skilled at developing strategies and content that make the most of legacy LCMS software.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT DEFINITIONS - SERVICES

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.

Training Outsourcing (or Learning Outsourcing)

Training outsourcing is the practice of delegating corporate learning operations and technology functions to specialized "managed services" 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 learning outsourcing - the Expertus way. It's much more than hiring a "body shop" to coordinate training technology and administration tasks. It's 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 - also known as Training Administration.)

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 corporate learning field, this document 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 managed services 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 and support.