Blog
Unleashing Online Training Potential with IaaS
17 August 2023
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, technological innovation is not just a trend, but a crucial business strategy for staying ahead. As corporations increasingly prioritize remote work and require online upskilling solutions, the role of cloud-based solutions is becoming pivotal in ensuring seamless operation and engagement. One such transformative technology is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), a cloud computing model that is transforming how we perceive and engage with e-learning.
IaaS provides a high-powered, flexible, and cost-effective solution for businesses, particularly for their training and HR departments. A study by International Data Group indicates well over 69% of businesses already use cloud technology. Another 18% say they plan to implement cloud-computing solutions at some point.
IaaS simplifies the management and deployment of IT resources, reducing the need for businesses to invest in and maintain their own physical infrastructure. Instead, these resources are outsourced to a service provider, freeing up time and capital for businesses to focus on what truly matters – growth and innovation.
For emerging enterprise corporations, IaaS holds the key to unlocking a plethora of benefits, such as enhanced learner outcomes, efficient data analytics, robust data security, and more.
Understanding the Different Cloud Service Models
Three primary cloud service models have become pivotal in digital transformation, and each model offers unique features that cater to various business needs. They include:
- Software as a Service
- Platform as a Service, and
- Infrastructure as a Service.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is typically designed for end-users and provides access to software applications via the internet, eliminating the need for installing and maintaining on-device software. It’s an ideal solution for businesses that require web-based applications for tasks such as email, CRM, and collaboration tools.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a platform for developers to build, test, and deploy applications. It eliminates the hassle of managing the underlying infrastructure (servers, storage, and networking), allowing developers to focus on the creative side of app development. PaaS provides an environment where businesses can design, develop, test, and deploy software applications more quickly and efficiently.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
On the more foundational end of the spectrum is IaaS. This model offers the hardware itself as a service. That includes servers, storage, processing power, networking, and data center operations to support software applications.
IaaS Solutions for Online Training: A Perfect Pairing
So what? Well, IaaS is exactly how digital transformation is playing a crucial role in enabling e-learning developers to transform sterile, boring corporate models into high-capability online learning environments. This is critical for organisations pursuing remote-friendly operations.
With IaaS, your online training can take advantage of:
- Enhanced Learning & Training Outcomes
- Secure Data Hosting
- Infrastructure savings
IaaS opens up the world for e-learning. With training solutions hosted in the cloud, organizations can offer boundary-free opportunities, promoting a global workforce. Regardless of geographical location, employees can access their training materials, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning culture. This advantage is particularly crucial for multinational corporations that operate across different time zones and regions.
The flexibility of IaaS means you can adjust the scale of your business according to your resources and without incurring the hidden costs associated with hardware or infrastructure maintenance.
Optimize Learner Outcomes
Let’s start with the sexiest dynamic of any training program: learner outcomes.
With IaaS, e-learning platforms can offer dynamic, highly engaging, and interactive learning experiences that drive more effective outcomes.
Leveraging IaaS expands the accessibility of training content and profiles for an infinite number of circumstances, breaking learners free from centralized and siloed platforms.
Cross-Device Accessibility
One significant way IaaS can improve results is by making training content and modules available to learners for every device they are using (mobile, tablet, desktop, laptop kiosk, etc.). Ideally, this means learners can pause a task from one device, and pick up right where they left off on another because their status or progress is not native to either, but supported by IaaS.
It is pretty straightforward — when learners have expanded access to consume and engage with information, they will have better training results.
The challenge to this kind of accessibility is making sure your platform and tools have a responsive design and are usable across targeted devices. E-learning developers specialize in making online environments that are dynamic and can be optimized for where ever they appear.
Micro-Learning
When data and information are cloud-based, this means training managers can begin to take advantage of micro-learning. This benefit is closely associated with the advantages of cross-platform accessibility because it means users are prompted to bite-sized training modules at optimum times. When the learner can convert to a push notification on whatever device they are nearest to, training can become something woven effortlessly into someone’s daily work schedule.
Data Analytics
Cloud-based infrastructure offers extensive resources for data collection, processing, and analytics. IaaS can handle the computing power needed for big data analytics, allowing organizations to gain insights from their data more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, many IaaS providers offer integrated analytics tools and services, making it easier for organizations to extract valuable insights from their data.
Data from different sources can be consolidated into one platform, making it easier to analyze, understand, and derive actionable insights. This advantage is crucial in e-learning where the ability to track learners’ progress and provide personalized feedback can dramatically improve outcomes.
Case Study — IaaS-Empowered Micro-Learning for the Canadian Department of National Defense
To fully appreciate the transformative potential of IaaS in e-learning, let’s look at a real-world application.
Techinnov, an emerging online training development solution, recently secured a contract with the Department of National Defense (DND). As part of this contract, Techinnov was tasked with developing a gamified role-playing language learning solution for Defense personnel, aimed at enhancing their proficiency in various languages.
The unique feature of this solution was its use of machine learning to prompt learners to engage in 10 to 20-minute micro-learning sessions, optimized for peak learning efficiency. However, the challenge was to ensure universal access and track progress across numerous learners simultaneously, while also offering a seamless and enjoyable learning experience.
By utilizing IaaS, Techinnov was able to achieve this goal. The cloud infrastructure’s scalability allowed the application to accommodate a significant number of users simultaneously, with no compromise on the application’s speed or functionality. Moreover, the IaaS model made it possible to deploy frequent updates or adjustments based on machine learning insights, without causing disruption to the users.
The storage capabilities of IaaS also facilitated efficient data management. Learning progress data was consistently collected and analyzed to create personalized learning pathways. This high-impact microlearning approach, facilitated by IaaS, led to impressive learning outcomes. In a recent market study, Techinnov observed more than half of the participants achieving 100% more efficiency in second-language learning retention when engaging in these simple, 10-minute gamified e-learning sessions.
Secure Data Hosting
By leveraging the capabilities of IaaS, organizations can enjoy increased flexibility and robust data security hedges, all of which can contribute to improved business performance and growth.
By outsourcing infrastructure maintenance and data centers to IaaS providers, organizations can use robust data protection measures, including automated backups, disaster recovery, and advanced encryption techniques. Such measures ensure sensitive learner data is protected and can be quickly restored in case of any data loss.
According to RapidScale, an impressive 94% of companies experienced enhanced security following their transition to cloud-based solutions. Moreover, 91% of these businesses reported that adhering to governmental compliance requirements became simpler thanks to their adoption of cloud technologies.
Infrastructure savings
The amount an organization can save by opting for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) rather than investing in its own infrastructure can vary greatly, depending on numerous factors. These include the size and type of the organization, the existing infrastructure, the organization’s specific needs and requirements, and the IaaS provider’s pricing model.
Here are some ways IaaS can lead to cost savings:
Lower Capital Expenditure — With IaaS, the significant upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing hardware and software are shifted to the IaaS provider. Instead of investing large amounts of capital in infrastructure that may become obsolete, organizations can use those funds for other business initiatives.
Reduced Operational Costs — IaaS providers handle the maintenance, updates, and repairs of the infrastructure, which can reduce operational costs. Energy costs can also be lower because less hardware means less energy consumption.
Scalability and Flexibility — IaaS allows organizations to quickly scale up or down based on demand, meaning they only pay for what they use. This can result in significant cost savings, particularly for businesses with fluctuating demands. According to a study by Dell, companies who invest in IaaS experience up to 53%higher revenue rates.
Techinnov
IaaS is your solution for efficient, secure, and transformative data solutions and offers potential for enterprises looking to enhance their e-learning solutions and streamline their training and HR operations. Techinnov, with its innovative approach and proven expertise, stands ready to help organizations harness this potential.
Techinnov empowers emerging enterprise corporations not just to keep pace with the digital transformation, but to lead it in the realm of e-learning and remote workforce training.`
Contact our sales team today to learn how Techinnov can help you launch your next training project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)?
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that supplies virtualized computing resources over the internet. IaaS eliminates the need for businesses to manage physical infrastructure like servers, storage, and networking, as these are provided by a service provider in a scalable and flexible manner.
What are the primary cloud service models?
There are three primary cloud service models pivotal in digital transformation: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
How does IaaS benefit e-learning in an enterprise setting?
IaaS unlocks a multitude of benefits for e-learning. It provides enhanced learning outcomes through dynamic and interactive experiences, secure data hosting through robust data protection and redundancy, and significant infrastructure savings by outsourcing the maintenance to IaaS providers. By offering cross-device accessibility and facilitating micro-learning, IaaS can transform traditional learning models into high-capability online learning environments.
Does IaaS contribute to cost savings for an organization?
Yes, IaaS can lead to significant cost savings in several ways. It reduces capital expenditure by shifting the upfront costs of purchasing and installing hardware and software to the IaaS provider. Operational costs are reduced as the IaaS providers handle the maintenance, updates, and repairs of the infrastructure. Also, IaaS offers scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to quickly scale their infrastructure based on demand, which means they only pay for what they use.
Share
Creative Techinnov Software Solutions Inc.
Phone
+ 1-866-233-7154
info@techinnov.ca
Office
1407 Saint-Alexander St, Suite 300, Montréal, QC H3A 2G3