LCMS, LMS, CMS… What’s the difference?

A next-gen LCMS can manage the entire content lifecycle
A learning content management system (LCMS) — also known as a component content management system (CCMS) — is a platform that integrates authoring, delivery, publishing, and analysis of content in a multi-user environment.
In our LCMS definition, it provides content professionals with a way to manage their content and collaborate in one centralized location.
While the primary function of a learning management system (LMS) is to administer, assign, track, and access formal learning content, it is not designed to create or manage content assets. Content lives solely inside of an LMS and any content updates or changes are managed outside of the system. The primary focus of an LMS is delivering training and managing courses.
Although a content management system (CMS) has similar features, only the ‘L’ in LCMS provides the learning mechanism possible for content professionals and subject-matter experts to create learning activities, collaborate, and reuse learning assets more efficiently. A CMS does not handle SCORM-compliant courses, reusability, or accommodate learning interactions.
Only an LCMS can manage the full content lifecycle, from authoring and publishing to delivery and analysis.