Enterprise learning software has expanded from systems to administer courses for compliance to platforms that support organizations' broader needs for skills development and workforce readiness, according to new research from global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG).
The 2026 ISG Buyers Guides for Learning and Development report that traditional learning management systems have merged with learning experience platforms to form a new category that combines administration, skills awareness and engaging user experiences. Integrated with human capital management systems, human resources data, collaboration applications and content providers, these platforms allow organizations to carry out successful skills strategies without additional administrative burdens.
"As skill requirements grow more complex, enterprises want fewer systems that do more," said Stacey Cadigan, ISG partner, Human Capital Management. "They need unified platforms that preserve governance and compliance while making training more relevant for both employees and the organization."
The ISG Buyers Guide research provides the rankings and ratings of 31 software providers and their products for determining and delivering the skills employees need. The series includes guides to learning platforms, learning content platforms and learning and development suites.
Employees increasingly expect learning experiences similar to consumer applications, with easier discovery and self-directed exploration, including on mobile devices. Learning platforms are moving from static training catalogs to ontologies, which map the relationships between concepts, skills and jobs, to create better learning plans for employees. This allows for personalized learning paths that reflect an individual's job requirements and proficiencies. By 2029, half of all enterprises will use ontology-based platforms to improve employee engagement and retention, ISG says.
Organizations evaluating learning platforms seek visibility that goes beyond training completion to include compliance risk, workforce readiness and recommended actions. Enterprises need the ability to assign training based on role, location or risk, with reliable reporting that can withstand audits. Analytics features are advancing to support these capabilities, while AI reduces repetitive effort through tasks such as content tagging. Many organizations also need to manage and deliver external education for partners, contractors or customers. For global enterprises, localization, accessibility and distributed administrative support are key requirements.
Enterprise expectations for learning content platforms have shifted from library size to relevance and usefulness, ISG finds. Organizations are seeking platforms that help them rationalize investments in content and produce clear evidence of value. Demand for learning and development suites is also growing as companies seek more unified environments that connect learning requirements with role-based growth, coaching and measurable workforce readiness. Oracle, Schoox and Cornerstone were named top Overall Leaders for Learning Platforms and L&D Suites, while Udemy led Learning Content Platforms.
About ISG
ISG is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world's top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data and research, in-depth knowledge and governance of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,500 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
