By Matthew Rubin
Futuresource Consulting

In a world of rapid technological acceleration, education reform and hybrid learning, student progression tracking and performance analytics are becoming increasingly important. A new report from Futuresource Consulting explores the competitive landscape and provides insights into the future opportunities for Lesson Delivery Software (LDS).

“Schools and districts are driving towards higher literacy and numeracy standards,” says Matthew Rubin, Senior Market Analyst, Futuresource Consulting. “At the same time, they are striving to shape the skills and attitudes required for success, confidence and compassion. Progression tracking pulls these goals together, providing teachers and parents with the tools they need to personalize learning and maximize every student’s potential.

“As a result, data sharing between digital solutions has become a priority feature. Whether it’s student information systems, learning management systems, behavior management tools, adaptive learning platforms, or any of the complementary digital packages, they all need to integrate to produce an exhaustive student profile. And that’s where the new battleground can be found.”

Google, Microsoft and Apple Intensify the Education Play

As competition in both the educational device hardware and software markets has intensified, Google, Microsoft and Apple are going for the landgrab. They’ve all focused on software expansion as a way to fortify their education platforms and maintain competitive edge. This is either through integrating LMS features into their platforms or repurposing existing collaboration and sharing features and functionality for use in education-specific applications.

Interactive Display Vendors Focus on LDS Opportunities

Interactive display vendors are also making their play, with Lesson Delivery Software (LDS) suites already available from some leading brands, and many more in development. Elements of these suites are usually delivered free with the hardware purchase, though this has resulted in some confusion and fragmentation of the competitive landscape.

“LDS capabilities vary significantly between vendors,” says Rubin. “Some platforms only offer basic functionality, while others are all-encompassing solutions for creating and delivering lessons. Many vendors are aiming to create an additional recurring revenue stream from these software solutions, by offering premium access and subscription services. However, in an education environment with limited budgets, this has struggled to gain traction.”

Education Market Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

According to Futuresource, one of the biggest competitive disruptions to the LDS landscape is Microsoft, Google and Apple activity. Already, most LDS platforms have had to ensure compatibility with at least one cloud communications platform, to support remote learning. Yet the big three tech players are set to continue pushing further into the education sector, which will offer compelling solutions for schools with brands they know and trust.

The opportunities are still available for a wide range of vendors to develop market share, but it’s a strategic play that requires a deep understanding of the shifting market nuances.

For further information or to purchase the IFPD Lesson Delivery Software Ecosystem Market report from Futuresource Consulting.