For Skillsoft's Percipio platform, should we emphasize adding more third-party content integrations or improving the native course creation tools for clients?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining for Skillsoft's Percipio platform is whether to prioritize adding more third-party content integrations or improving the native course creation tools for clients. This decision is crucial for Percipio's growth strategy and user satisfaction. I'll analyze this trade-off by considering user needs, business objectives, and technical implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Business Context: I'm thinking revenue diversification might be a key driver here. Could you share how our current revenue split looks between third-party content and client-created courses?

Why it matters: Helps understand the financial implications of each option. Expected answer: 70% third-party, 30% client-created. Impact on approach: A more balanced split might favor improving creation tools.

• User Impact: Based on user feedback, I'm assuming there's a demand for both options. Can you provide insights on user preferences between third-party content and creating their own?

Why it matters: Aligns our decision with user needs and behaviors. Expected answer: Mixed preference, with larger clients favoring creation tools. Impact on approach: Would influence which user segments we prioritize.

• Technical Feasibility: I'm considering the technical complexity of both options. How does our current architecture support scaling third-party integrations versus enhancing creation tools?

Why it matters: Determines the effort and timeline for implementation. Expected answer: Third-party integrations are easier to scale. Impact on approach: Might lean towards integrations if creation tools require significant refactoring.

• Resource Allocation: Thinking about our team structure, how are our engineering resources currently split between integration work and tool development?

Why it matters: Helps understand our capacity to execute on either option. Expected answer: 60% integrations, 40% tool development. Impact on approach: Might influence which option we can realistically pursue.

• Strategic Alignment: Considering our long-term vision, how does each option align with Percipio's 5-year growth strategy?

Why it matters: Ensures our decision supports broader company goals. Expected answer: Both align, but creation tools offer more differentiation. Impact on approach: Would prioritize the option that best supports long-term strategy.