Compare
The AWS-native stack, already built and run.
Both run Moodle on AWS. The difference is whether your team designs, builds, hardens and operates that architecture — or uses one that already exists.
ScaleMoodleLMS compared with Self-managed on AWS
Running Moodle in your own AWS account gives you full ownership of every resource. It also means designing the network, containers, database, cache, storage, CDN, WAF, autoscaling, backups and CI/CD — then operating them. ScaleMoodleLMS is that AWS-native architecture, pre-built and managed, so you reach production faster. Here is the honest trade-off.
Side by side
What differs, honestly
| ScaleMoodleLMS | Self-managed on AWS | |
|---|---|---|
| Moodle core | Open-source Moodle | Open-source Moodle |
| AWS architecture | Pre-built & tuned (ECS, Aurora, Valkey, EFS, CloudFront, WAF) | You design and build it |
| Time to production | Faster — the platform already exists | Longer — design, build and harden first |
| Scaling & runtime tuning | Managed autoscaling + tuned runtime | Your engineers |
| Upgrades & patching | Managed, staging-first | Your team |
| Backups & restore drills | Daily backups, weekly restore drills | You build and test |
| Governed AI suite | Included | You build governance yourself |
| Cost model | Subscription incl. operations | AWS bill + engineering time |
| Control of the AWS account | Managed, with dedicated options | Full control of your own account |
Be honest
When Self-managed on AWS is the better choice
We would rather you pick the right fit than oversell. Self-managed on AWS can be the stronger option when:
- You have a strong in-house AWS platform team.
- Everything must live in your own AWS account under your direct control.
- Running LMS infrastructure is a core competency you want to own.
- You have the engineering time to build and operate it well.
And when we fit
When ScaleMoodleLMS fits better
- You want the AWS-native architecture without building or operating it.
- You need to reach production in weeks, not months.
- You want scaling, upgrades, backups and monitoring included.
- You would rather your engineers focus elsewhere.
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell us about your current setup and goals — we will give you a straight answer, even if that answer is not us.
Request a Migration Assessment