Five Questions ISVs Should Ask Lab Providers Before Investing

Five Questions ISVs Should Ask Lab Providers Before Investing

If you’re an Independent Software Vendor (ISV), you know the importance of great training. Your users need to learn how to use your software—quickly, effectively, and with confidence. But with so many training providers offering flashy demos and simulations, how can you be sure you’re getting a solution that actually works?

Not all labs are created equal. Before you invest in a lab provider, ask these five essential questions to ensure the solution supports your goals: better training outcomes, lower support costs, and scalable delivery.

1. Is this real software or just a simulation?

This is the big one. Many lab providers offer simulated environments or simplified demos that don’t reflect how users actually interact with your product. Simulations may look like your software, but they lack the depth, flexibility, and complexity of the real thing.

What to look for: A provider that virtualizes your actual software—not a facsimile. Real environments drive real results by letting users explore and complete tasks in a setting that mirrors the real world.

2. How do you ensure users are learning the right skills?

A flashy environment means nothing if it doesn’t build the right skills. Skill-based training must go beyond exploration—it should be rooted in proven instructional design that guides users to mastery.

What to look for: A provider that offers structured learning paths, skill-based objectives, and assessments built around real workflows in your software. Bonus points if they have a background in education and a track record of instructional rigor.

3. Can you adapt training to software updates and custom features?

Software evolves. A lab that worked last quarter may be outdated today. Your training needs to keep pace with your product roadmap, especially if you’re regularly releasing updates or offering white-labeled solutions.

What to look for: A provider that can rapidly customize labs and update them as your software changes. Ask how quickly they can turn around new versions, and whether they offer tailored experiences for different user groups or use cases.

4. How do you support training at scale?

Training isn’t just for the early adopters. You need to reach hundreds—or thousands—of users across regions, departments, and roles. That means your lab solution needs to be cost-effective, easy to access, and ready to scale fast.

What to look for: Virtual labs that are cloud-based, platform-agnostic, and optimized for global delivery. Ask about pricing models, support options, and how the provider helps you scale without blowing your budget.

5. What proof do you have that this approach works?

Anyone can claim to deliver outcomes—but can they back it up? Your lab provider should be able to show results, whether that’s learner efficacy, reduced support requests, or improved adoption rates.

What to look for: Case studies, outcome metrics, or partnerships that demonstrate success. Providers that work with learning-focused partners or have a strong educational foundation will likely bring more value to your users—and your business.

Final Thoughts

As an ISV, your training experience reflects your brand. Choosing a lab provider isn’t just a tech decision—it’s a strategic one. By asking the right questions, you can avoid shallow simulations and invest in a platform that delivers real skills, in real software, with real results.

At ACI Learning, we virtualize your software—not just mimic it—so your users gain practical, job-ready skills in the environments they’ll actually use. Our instructional team designs for outcomes, and we’re built to scale.