The list was published by eLearning 24/7, which not only publishes a regularly updated list of the top LMSs but also a list of the top rapid-content authoring tools (comprising some 168 vendors) and the work of the internationally known corporate online-learning industry analyst, Craig Weiss.

The current top ten LMSs in the world are

1. ExpertusOne
2. Growth Engineering
3. Blackboard
4. Instructure
5. eLogic Learning
6. IMC-Clix
7. Docebo
8. Biz Library
9. Meridian Global
10. CM Group LTD

In addition, this latest report on the state of the LMS industry includes perceptive comments on LMS market trends and forces, as well as developing trends in LMS features. Craig Weiss also presents a continent-by-continent analysis of the LMS market.

According to Craig, the LMS industry is stronger than it has been in the past, with new systems appearing and, in many cases, with modern interfaces, beneficial features, and useful components. Key issues over the next year will include the likely degree of influence of business intelligence, built-in customer-relationship management (CRM), and big data on LMSs.

His market analysis concludes that eLearning is "on the rise in Africa"; "moving towards adoptability" in some countries in Asia while in others it is already there; and "strong" in Australasia and Europe. The LMS market in South America is still driven by governments, followed by those in education rather than the corporate world. Speaking about the North American market, Craig commented, "If you can make it in the United States, you are well on your way – it’s all about the 'verticals'."

Craig, who earlier this month was named the world’s second-most-influential person in corporate eLearning, envisages the LMS market growing to include some 630 systems by the end of the year. He also foresees growth potential for the market this year, particularly in the Asian-Pacific and South American regions.

"The non-availability of high-quality support is still the main reason why clients abandon their LMS," said Craig. "On the other side of the equation, vendors are increasingly tempting buyers by bundling courses with the LMS at no extra charge."

Craig believes that coping with video and gamification will be the two key LMS issues of 2014. He added, "In terms of its lifecycle, the LMS market is on the border of 'growth' and 'maturity'."

The LMS State of Industry 2014 report explains the criteria against which the 582 LMSs were judged. Of these, the top 100 LMSs were reduced to 50, each of which receive a brief synopsis including, where applicable, their "pluses" and "minuses".

"This process is made more complex by the fact any two LMSs differ only by some ten per cent, on average, in terms of their features," commented Craig.

"ExpertusOne has now achieved the number-one ranking two years in a row. This is because it has everything, from 'on/off synch' and gamification to a modern and crisp user interface to strong support."