Enterprises are increasingly prioritizing learning management systems (LMS) that combine compliance with modern, engaging learning experiences, according to fresh research from global AI-focused advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG). Companies are no longer satisfied with multiple fragmented platforms; instead, they want a single system capable of delivering dynamic learning to diverse audiences while keeping compliance at its core.
The ISG Buyers Guides for Learning and Development, compiled by ISG Software Research, assess over 30 software providers and their solutions. The research highlights a significant trend: LMS platforms are merging with learning experience platforms (LXP). Organizations now demand systems that enforce learning policies and prepare them for audits, while simultaneously providing features such as personalized recommendations and mobile-first experiences. Integration with human capital management and other enterprise systems has also become a critical requirement.
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“Companies want fewer systems to do more work,” said Matthew Brown, director of research, Human Capital Management, ISG Software Research. “They want to deliver engaging learning experiences to multiple audiences while keeping the compliance features at the heart of an LMS.”
The research finds that evolving user expectations are reshaping LMS platforms. Employees now expect personalized, consumer-grade interfaces and learning options suited to their skill levels. Meanwhile, employers seek comprehensive views of organizational learning, highlighting skill coverage, risk hotspots, and actionable insights for managers. Ultimately, the goal is to accelerate skill development, reduce organizational risk, and shorten time-to-readiness for critical roles.
Additionally, companies increasingly prefer a single platform for both internal employees and external users, including partners, contractors, and customers. Extended-enterprise capabilities reduce the overhead of managing multiple software stacks while maintaining governance and data integrity.
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ISG predicts that by 2027, one-third of enterprises will adopt LMS and LXP platforms with skill and job ontologies, enabling optimized learning paths, improved engagement, and higher retention. Enterprises are moving toward comprehensive learning and development suites that integrate LMS functions, experience features, skill intelligence, and access to content. AI capabilities now personalize recommendations, summarize content, and generate learning plans. By 2028, ISG expects two-thirds of enterprises to use generative AI for skill development guidance.
For the 2025 Buyers Guides, ISG evaluated 31 providers across Learning Management Systems, Learning and Development Suites, and Learning Content Platforms. Oracle, Cornerstone, and Schoox emerged as top Overall Leaders for LMS and suites, while Cornerstone, Udemy, and Skillsoft led content platforms.
“Learning is part of everyday work and should no longer be separate,” said Mark Smith, partner and chief software analyst, ISG Software Research. “It needs to constantly inform and guide employee potential for the needs of the organization and the individual.”
The ISG Buyers Guides synthesize over a year of research, offering unbiased insights to help enterprises select the best platforms to enhance workforce learning and skills development.
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