Web services allow organizations to seamlessly exchange data between Learning Gateway and human resource management systems (HRMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and other business applications. Edvantage group has led the way in linking clients' data through web services, the widely accepted standard method of communication between systems over a network, and is now highlighting this offering and making it easier to implement.

"The value of a learning management system is directly related to its ability to share data with other business systems and to connect learners so they can share knowledge and information", comments Jon Øivind Stenerud, Chief Technology Officer, Edvantage group. "Our goal is to provide not only the most powerful 'stand-alone' learning management system in the market, but also one that includes exceptional value for organizations looking to integrate with other systems."

At Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS), web services are used to synchronise user data in Learning Gateway and integrate learning and development with their talent-management HRMS inside their firewall. "It's expensive and challenging to keep employee data structured and updated in disparate systems", says Mark Jack Smith, Vice President of Global Human Resources. "Edvantage group has helped us to cost effectively leverage our HRMS data and provide employees with faster access to eLearning that is useful for their development."

Examples of web services include

User synchronisation - Rather than duplicating employee names, email, and other information in Learning Gateway, the system updates user data from a remote system or application such as the HRMS or Active Directory. This saves administrative time and increases data accuracy.

Content retrieval - Learning Gateway can send a catalogue of learning assets to another system, making it easier for employees to access courses as part of their natural work flow.

Single-sign on and single-sign on SAML - Users already logged into an application such as the corporate intranet can seamlessly and securely access Learning Gateway without having to re-enter user names and passwords.

Performance management - Learning Gateway can deliver learner performance data and report learning activities across platforms, providing managers with the ability to better monitor and measure employee performance.