Further Competitor Analysis

To gain an insight to the target market, I have decided to conduct some research into several competing companies. I will be specifically looking at what services they offer and how they compare to SmartByte. It is important to acquire this information to ensure that SmartByte differs in functionality (Unique Selling Point) and that it is able to challenge the market.

Udemy

Udemy is an online platform that allows 'experts' to create and upload courses for the public to buy or in some cases, acquire for free. Currently, there are over 65,000 courses available in which users can learn a new language, learn to build a website or learn how to run a business. Users would simply purchase the the course and follow the set tutorials. Udemy is available on both computer and mobile and therefore is easily accessible.

With Udemy's highly rated reputation and with them utilising the app market, this makes them a strong competitor. The aspect that differentiates Udemy from SmartByte is the portability. With Udemy being a video-based learning environment, it would require constant wi-fi connection to stream the video's efficiently, or a fairly large amount of data usage. There is also the possibility that the course are available to download to watch offline, but this again would require a lot of storage and leaves no room for spontaneity. Whereas SmartByte will also require internet connection but will have the same efficiency as the likes of Twitter and Facebook to run. There is also the time constraints to take into consideration with many courses likely to last 45minutes + on Udemy. SmartByte on the other hand will be designed to be used instantly in which the bitesize content will ensure that the learning if quick but efficient.

Skill Pill

Skill Pill started out by delivering concise video-based learning on a mobile application that users can watch on the go. This is a client based application and requires a log in to access the features. They have recently developed in a digital agency offering a range of multi-media products and focus heavily on portable learning (learning on the go). Skill Pill are renowned for keeping up to date with the latest technology by using the latest techniques such as gamification and  augmented reality to enhance their learning services.

I would regard Skill Pill as SmartByte's main competitor due to their passion for portable learning and producing products that allow colleague to interact. They also offer the latest and in trend techniques which will only assist in making the products more successful. But again, Skill Pill focus heavily on video-based learning which has its implications when learning on the go. Being video orientated can be seen as more interactive but can restrict users in terms of attention span, resources and environment needed to participate in the learning (headphones etc.) Whereas user will learn the pre-existing content in which colleague can discuss, SmartByte allows colleagues to share their knowledge to assist other. Having the user create and distribute the content allows for an endless amount of content to be posted, whereas Skill Pill only offer set courses with additional features and I believe it is this that sets the two companies/products apart. Also, when reviewing Skill Pill's latest app, the app interface is very conventional. With this being one of the main faces for the company, I believe this is a weakness.


eLearning For You LMS (eLFY)

eLearning For You LMS is a company that specialises in care and health & safety learning. eLFY conduct their learning using face-to-face learning, blended learning and eLearning. Similar to Udemy, online courses are available to purchase starting at £10.00. They also have an app that offers training, bookshelf resources, social learning, messages and news.

Being a LMS doesn't make eLFY a direct competitor as there market is slightly different from what is intended from SmartByte; however, as they offer a learning based app, it is important to see them as some sort of competitor. eLFY have a very specific market as they only specialise in care and health & safety. This has its advantages of knowing who they very specific target audience is, but it is a restricted market. As SmartByte is open to any category of learning, more like Udemy with its vast variety, this creates a larger target demographic. eLFY charge an individual fee for their courses which can become expensive for the user and also does create a steady/consistent income. If Smartbyte was to go into production, I would introduce a set subscription fee (monthly or annually).

BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize is a free online study support platform that provides learning content for primary and secondary education. Each course includes a mixture of video, graphics and text to help support the learners development. Bitesize can only be accessed from web browsers. They offer a 'revision' app for 14-16 years olds which has key information broken down into 'bite-sized chunks' that the students will need to know for there exams.

Even though BBC Bitesize has a much younger target audience than what SmartByte is intended for, I consider BBC Bitesize a competitor due to their ‘bitesize’ functionality and the revision app that has also been introduced. The app is age restricted and is specifically for students 13 and older. 













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