Analyst Perspectives

Here are some insights on Cornerstone OnDemand drawn from our latest Value Index research, which provides a balanced perspective of Learning Management Systems (LMS) vendors and products that’s rooted in an understanding of business drivers and needs. Our continuous research and analysis of the market for business applications and technologies guide our comprehensive approach to this Value Index on Learning Management Systems 2020. Organizations can use it to evaluate existing suppliers and potential new technology partners; applying it can shorten the cycle time for an RFP. This approach not only reduces cost and time but also minimizes the risk of making a decision that is bad for the business. Using the Value Index will enable your organization to achieve the levels of efficiency and effectiveness needed to optimize learning management. 

We evaluated Cornerstone and 11 other vendors in seven categories, five product-related (adaptability, capability, manageability, reliability and usability) and two concerning the vendor (TCO/ROI and vendor validation). To arrive at the Value Index rating for a given vendor, we weighted each of the seven categories to reflect its relative importance in an RFP process, with the weightings based on data derived from our benchmark research on LMS. 

Cornerstone OnDemand leads this LMS Value Index. The vendor is also a Value Index Leader (top three) in six of seven evaluation categories, among them Capability, Reliability and Adaptability. It is important to note that Cornerstone OnDemand acquired Saba Software in April 2020. Due to our Value Index publication process and schedule, these vendors were evaluated separately.

Cornerstone’s highest scores are in the Capability category due to an impressive set of features. The product includes an expertly curated Content Anytime subscription service, a Conversations product to track check-ins and target personalized development, a Career Mobility Insight Dashboard that helps managers gain a better understanding of both traditional and non-traditional career path movements, and a platform based on adaptive learning that adjusts and modifies content based on learning history, job, role and other factors. The product uses AI and machine learning to suggest learning paths and includes a robust certifications management tool.

Cornerstone OnDemand also scores well in the Validation category due to market momentum, ongoing investments and a robust product roadmap in addition to the quality and quantity of customer references. The vendor’s lowest scores are in the TCO/ROI category and would improve with more impressive ROI and business case tools, and better support for customers’ and prospects’ product evaluation processes.

This research-based index is the most comprehensive assessment of the value of learning management systems (LMS) software in the industry. You can learn more about our Value Index as an effective vendor selection and RFI/RFP tool here and participating vendors can learn more about how to use the Value Index here.