EscolaLMS LRS vs SQL LRS

EscolaLMS LRS is a free, MIT-licensed learning record store for xAPI with cmi5 support. It is designed for API and self-hosted deployment inside a Laravel application. Installation uses PHP Composer, followed by a Laravel Artisan seeding command. The documented `/api/cmi5/courses/{id}` endpoint generates course fetch parameters, and responses under `/api/cmi5/**` should include the `x-experience-api-version: 1.0.3` header. The project describes testing this flow with a locally served cmi5 demo and links to Swagger API documentation. Escola LMS describes the backend as a Laravel headless LMS REST API. Deployment documentation covers a default Docker environment or installation as a standard Laravel application. PostgreSQL is the default database, with a MySQL initialization option. Most endpoints require authorization, which Laravel Passport can provide, and access from other domains requires suitable CORS headers. GitHub issues provide a discussion and troubleshooting channel. The project page does not state a software price beyond its open-source, free classification.

SQL LRS is a self-hosted Learning Record Store for xAPI statements, attachments, and documents. It supports SQLite, Postgres, MariaDB, and MySQL. Built-in conditional logic can evaluate incoming activity and create internal xAPI statements for validated outcomes. Its SQL data can connect to tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Looker, Apache Superset, and AI stacks that work with structured databases. Authentication options include OpenID and API credentials with keys, secrets, and scopes. The software is available through GitHub, DockerHub, and Platform One’s Iron Bank, but customers host it themselves. It is free under the Apache 2.0 license and may be used in commercial projects; implementation and support services are quoted separately. The maker says it conforms to IEEE 9274.1.1 and that Iron Bank containers have Certification to Field for Platform One IL2 and IL4 environments. SQL LRS is an LRS, not an LMS or content store: it does not produce learning data or host learning content. Described uses include collecting activity from LMS, AR/VR/XR, and simulation systems and exchanging learning data with business and AI systems.