Side by side
Forma LMS vs Sakai
Both stand on learning management systems. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Forma LMS if you need an open-source platform for organizational training with course management, reporting, and certificates. The public 4.1.44 release is free for registered users; organizations seeking 4.2.1 need association-member or contributor access.
Visit Forma LMS
Pick Sakai if you want an open-source platform with course, assessment and collaboration tools, and can manage its deployment or use the sample account. Look elsewhere if you need current official community support for Sakai 22; the project encourages older-version users to upgrade for current security patches.
Visit SakaiThe facts
| Forma LMS | Sakai | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | Forma LMS | Not published |
| Website | formalms.org | sakailms.org |
| On learning management systems | #16 of 111 | #12 of 111 |
Forma LMS: what it does well
- Supports SCORM, HTML, and embedded-video course materials.
- Includes assessments, scores, and course prerequisites.
- Provides custom reports and scheduled report delivery.
- Generates PDF certificates from customizable templates.
- One installation can serve multiple clients with separate URLs.
What to know first
- LDAP user synchronization is not natively supported.
- Version 4.2.1 is restricted to association members and contributors.
- Hosting version 4.2.x requires PHP 8.2.
Sakai: what it does well
- Supports course lessons, modules and conditional material release.
- Includes grading, tests, assignments and rubric-based scoring.
- Provides synchronous and asynchronous communication tools.
- Implements IMS LTI and offers an API.
- Free self-hosted download and sample account are listed.
What to know first
- The self-hosted plan requires users to configure and host it.
- The Java application is typically deployed with Apache Tomcat.
- Official community support for Sakai 22 ceased with the Sakai 25 series.
Alternatives to Forma LMS Alternatives to Sakai The whole list