In what follows, the IT and technological background of LMSs (Learning Management System) is described.

Technological background

LMSs are almost exclusively client server applications operated in an Internet/Intranet environment, although in the case of certain LMSs it is possible to start a reduced functionality copy of the learning environment, by linking it to concrete content, on a single computer, from a CD.
Users can reach the system in all cases with the help of a standard web-browser (e.g . Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc.).
Similarly to web-based integrated applications, the basic functions are carried out by the server, the web-browser simply displays the information transferred. The running of contents at the same time often uses almost entirely the resources of the client machine, and the server is notified of only a fraction of the information through a standard interface after the transfer of the content (when the running of the teaching material began, how long it lasted, where the student stopped, did the student pass the exam, with what result etc.).

Server-architecture

The basis of LMS is the web server, which runs the application proper. As with all serious, dynamic applications, in the case of e-Learning environment as well we need a database server, which manages all the data of the server. This is usually complemented by other applications meant to increase the security of the system, that is hardware elements such as firewalls.

It is quite common in the case of contents requiring plenty of resources to use separate media servers, which take over control after the start of the teaching material and checking the appropriate authorizations, and their only task is the optimized service of large quantities of downloads. This is normally required in the case of teaching materials that contain audio and video elements needing a large storage and band width capacity.

Integrity

It is a general expectation towards e-Learning environments that they should be connected to the existing IT systems of the institution or company at the highest level possible, and that they should receive record data from there, and provide data for them about the processes of the LMS. In most cases the required and effected connection secures the connection towards the personnel records system for the transfer of student/personnel data and the results of the learning process.
At the same time, however, it is no tan unusual solution at all for a company to make its clients, partner or other external players for the services that it provides for them. In this case the LMS must be able to command the whole business process, starting from the online orders to payment information checked with the financial system to feedback to controlling applications.
In order to put the above applications into practice LMS often need serious upgrading, but the result is always a lower level of costs than the lack of integration would entail.

Authorizations, security

Most internet systems, such as the LMS as well, have user and administration functions. While the most frequently used elements are naturally the user functions, the operation and framework of the system can only be done through the administration surface. Administration functions are usually reachable online after authentication.
Most learning environments identify user groups and roles, to which the system administrators attach the individual users, by giving them authorizations for the function groups identified by the role.

The security requirements of the LMS are the same as the expectations regarding generic web-based systems. Servers are protected externally by firewalls, but restrictions and filtering can also be applied internally as far as internal communication is concerned.
Systems keep tack of the most important events of their operation (such as login, starting the teaching material etc.) and keep a logbook of them.