Category Value Maps define positioning and differentiation
Steven Forth is CEO of Ibbaka. Connect on LinkedIn
Today Ibbaka is publishing its first Category Value Map.
Our first map is focused on Learning Solutions. We picked this category as learning is an important priority for companies as they adapt to the changes brought by generative AI. Learning solutions are also one of the categories that will be most changed by generative AI. There are many uses of generative AI in the creation of learning content and the generation of personalized learning that is coming to market over the next two years.
You can download the Ibbaka Category Value Report: Learning Solutions here
What is a Category Value Map?
A category value map is built up from the value models for leading solutions in the market. It combines and compares the value models from multiple vendors to provide a holistic view of how value is created by the different solutions and how they are positioned in the market.
Ibbaka category value maps bring together three lenses:
Structure of a Category Value Map
Vendor Solutions with Value Drivers
Value Drivers with Key Business Metrics and Key Performance Indicators
Vendor Solutions with Buyer (and User) Roles with Key Business Metrics and Key Performance Indicators
How is a Category Value Map Generated?
Category value maps are generated from a set of Generic GVMs (Generated Value Maps). These GVMs are generic in that they are generated from information available on the open web (websites, reviews, analyst reports). It is important to do this with generic information as that is what buyers and their AIs access early in the buying process.
(Ibbaka also generates Proprietary GVMs that incorporate internal information such as usage and financial data, marketing studies, case studies, sales insights, and product roadmaps. These are much more accurate than the generic models, but are generally not shared publicly and are used in value based pricing, value based sales, and value based customer support.)
The generative AI based Category Value Map generation process.
Ibbaka Category Value Report: Learning Solutions
Our first Category Value Map is for Learning Solutions. We began by asking several different foundation models (Perplexity Pro, Anthropic Claude 3.5 Sonnet, OpenAI GPT 4o) to identify the top LMS (Learning Management Systems), LCMS (Learning Content Management Systems), LXP (Learning Experience Platforms) and then combined the results to start the process sketched above.
The six solution vendors identified and covered in the report are
Here is the Value Driver to Solution mapping for these six vendors.
Category Value Map for Learning Solutions: Solution to Value Driver Mapping
To see the Value Drivers with Key Business Metrics and Key Performance Indicators Mapping and the Vendor Solutions with Buyer (and User) Roles with Key Business Metrics and Key Performance Indicators Mapping along with a detailed analysis of the category please download the full report.
The Table of Contents of the Report
TL:DR
Introduction
Insights
Companies Covered
Absorb LMS
Cornerstone OnDemand
Degreed
Docebo
SAP SuccessFactors Learning Management System
Talent LMS
Process
Definition of the Learning Solutions Category
Expanded Problem Description
Solution Components
Adjacent Solutions
Category Hierarchy
Key Value Drivers for Learning Solutions
Variables in the Value Drivers and How They Interact
Key Insights from Variable Interactions
Common Variables
Design Structure Matrix (DSM)
Buyer Roles and Key Metrics
User Roles and Key Metrics
Learning Solutions Category Value Map (CVM)
What is a Category Value Map?
How to Use a Category Value Map: Buyers
How to Use a Category Value Map: Vendors
The Learning Solutions Category Value Map
Table 1: Solutions Mapped to Value Drivers
Table 2: Solutions Mapped to Roles and Key Business Metrics/KPIs
Table 3: Value Drivers Mapped to Key Business Metrics/KPIs
About Ibbaka
Additional Resources
What other categories should Ibbaka cover? Share your suggestions at info@ibbaka.com.
