Extended Enterprise Learning 101
There are over 1000 business-oriented learning systems in the world, and every one of them is unique. Some vendors try to support all learning uses cases, some only one. But no single LMS is “best” or offers all the best features.
Frankly, “best” LMS for enterprise learning depends on your organization’s unique requirements. Corporate LMS platforms focus exclusively on delivering learning to internal employee audiences. But that’s just a small slice of the learning systems market. Many more opportunities involve extended enterprise learning.
Use cases for extended enterprise learning systems primarily include:
- Customer Education – Boost adoption and ongoing use of products or services purchased by consumers or businesses
- Channel Partner Education – Primarily focused on value-added resellers, distributors, wholesalers, developers or franchisees who are part of an organization’s extended ecosystem
- Employee Education – Developing employees, maintaining compliance and improving organizational and individual performance
- Association Education – Focuses on nonprofit continuing education, certification and accreditation of individual and organizational members
- Training Companies – Involves for-profit training providers who sell content to individuals and organizations as a primary line of business
If any of these descriptions fit your situation, you’re involved in extended enterprise learning. More likely than not, you’ll benefit from investing in a specialized learning system that meets your unique needs.
That’s why Talented Learning is here. We research the extended enterprise market in depth, learn about LMS vendor capabilities, and build ongoing relationships with them, so we can help buyers find the best LMS platform for their needs.
Learning Systems Are Moving Fast. We’ll Help You Keep Up!
Succeeding in extended enterprise learning translates into a competitive edge for your organization. Learning technology innovation is moving too fast to ignore. Follow Talented Learning and we get you up to speed fast and keep you there!
Since 2014, our Founder and CEO, John Leh, has been a trusted voice in the learning technology space, sharing thought leadership insights and research. His work reaches over 100,000 engaged followers through high-impact content, including:
- Learning Tech Insights Blog – Stay on the leading edge of learning system technology with thoughtful analysis and commentary
- The Talented Learning Show Podcast – Interviews with learning technology experts from the vendor and practitioner perspectives
- Customer Ed Nuggets Podcast – All things customer education tech and business in short microlearning sessions
- Talented Learning on YouTube – 400+ educational micro and full-length videos on all extended enterprise learning tech use cases and how to buy
Keep in touch! Sign up for our weekly newsletter and stay informed on the latest cool content. Or follow Talented Learning on LinkedIn, YouTube, X or Facebook.
Independent Resources for LMS Buyers of All Types
Not sure what kind of extended enterprise learning platform is best for your organization? Wondering how to find the best technology solution for your unique needs with over 1000 options in the market? If so, you’re in the right place!
We help extended enterprise buyers, sellers and practitioners navigate a huge and diverse marketplace
Learning systems market insights are available here in multiple forms:
- Research vendor profiles and reviews in our Learning Systems Directory
- Discover top-notch systems with our LMS Awards
- Learn in-depth about how to select the right system for you from our comprehensive collection of resources at our membership site, the Talented Learning Center
- Or consult directly with our CEO and Lead Analyst, John Leh
Extended Enterprise Learning Systems
Recommended Resources
To familiarize yourself with extended enterprise learning strategies and systems, start with these free articles and events:
- Types of Extended Enterprise Learning blog post
- Why External Learners are Different Than Employee Learners blog post
- Top 11 Buckets of Functionality for Extended Enterprise LMS blog post
Business Case for Extended Enterprise Learning
- The Business Case for Customer Learning blog post
- Channel Learning: For the Love of Learning and Money blog post
- Association Learning Systems: Why and How to Invest in a Specialized LMS blog post
- How Does Channel Sales Training Drive Revenues? Talented Learning Show podcast interview
- Extended Enterprise LMS Case Studies list of customer stories from top LMS vendors
How to Buy an LMS
- The 3 Licensing Models of an LMS blog post
- How to Define your LMS Requirements Like a Pro blog post
- Can I Use My Employee LMS as My External LMS? blog post
- The #1 Stupid Decision When Buying an LMS blog post
- Are You Getting Fleeced by your LMS Vendor? blog post
- A Cloud LMS by Any Other Name blog post
- How Social is Your LMS? blog post
- The Hidden Cost of Qualifying LMS Vendors blog post
Channel Training 101
- The Top 10 Features of a Channel LMS blog post
- Partner Training: What’s the Best Advice I’ve Heard? blog post
- Engaging Channel Partners in Training podcast
- It’s Time to Change Your Channel blog post
Customer Education 101
- Customer Training: 5 Reasons Why It’s Smart Business blog post
- What is the Value of Customer Training? Prove it! blog post
- How to Measure the ROI of Customer Learning blog post
- How Can You Link Customer Training & Business Success? podcast
Learning in Associations
- Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Association Learning Technology blog post
- Modern Certification Programs with Arleen Thomas of AICPA podcast
- Associations: Should You Move to a New LMS for Continuing Education? blog post
- How Do Associations Drive Lifelong Learning? It Depends blog post
RSVP NOW
NEW FOR 2026:
OFFICE HOURS FOR LMS BUYERS
If you’re buying a learning platform, why not choose with confidence? Join independent consultant John Leh for this free 6-part webinar series, just for LMS buyers…
Want to Leverage AI for Corporate Training? Let’s Talk
To find the right system for your needs, get personalized guidance you can trust. Schedule a free 30-minute consult with Talented Learning Founder & Lead Analyst, John Leh…
*NOTE TO SALESPEOPLE: Want to sell us something? Please contact us via standard channels. Thanks!
CASE STUDY DIRECTORY
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL