CloudShare
CloudShare provides a specialized platform for creating complex software environments to power hands-on sales demos, customer training, and sandboxes for development and testing teams.
TestOut
TestOut provides an end-to-end learning platform that uses high-fidelity simulations to help you gain hands-on IT and office proficiency skills for career certification and success.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CloudShare | TestOut |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cloudshare.com | testout.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 1991 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Pleasant Grove, USA |
Overview
CloudShare
CloudShare helps you deliver high-impact software experiences by creating exact replicas of complex IT environments in the cloud. Whether you need to showcase a product to a prospect or train a global team, you can spin up multi-VM environments in seconds. This eliminates the technical hurdles of setting up local hardware or managing complicated cloud configurations manually.
You can track how users interact with your environments through built-in analytics, giving you visibility into engagement during sales cycles or training sessions. The platform handles the heavy lifting of infrastructure scaling and cost control, so you can focus on delivering great content. It is primarily used by software companies, cybersecurity firms, and enterprise IT departments to accelerate sales and improve learning outcomes.
TestOut
TestOut, now part of CompTIA, offers a specialized simulation-based learning platform designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. You can master complex IT concepts and Microsoft Office applications through LabSim, which recreates expensive hardware and software environments directly in your browser. This approach allows you to practice critical troubleshooting and configuration tasks without the risk of breaking physical equipment or the cost of maintaining a dedicated lab.
The platform serves academic institutions, corporate training departments, and individual learners looking to earn industry-recognized certifications. You get access to comprehensive courseware that includes instructional videos, text lessons, and practice exams that mirror real-world certification environments. By focusing on performance-based training, you develop the actual skills employers look for in IT and administrative roles.
Overview
CloudShare Features
- Hands-on Virtual Labs Create interactive, real-world environments where your students or prospects can practice using your software safely.
- Automated Environment Provisioning Spin up complex, multi-VM environments instantly with a single click to save time on manual setups.
- Over-the-Shoulder Monitoring Watch your users' screens in real-time during training sessions to provide immediate guidance and support.
- Usage Analytics Track how long users spend in your labs and which features they use to measure engagement.
- Auto-Suspension Policies Set automatic timers to shut down inactive environments so you never pay for resources you aren't using.
- Global Data Centers Deploy your environments close to your users worldwide to ensure low latency and a smooth experience.
TestOut Features
- LabSim Simulations. Practice IT tasks in a risk-free virtual environment that mimics real-world hardware and software configurations perfectly.
- Certification Practice Exams. Build your confidence with practice tests that replicate the format and difficulty of official industry certification exams.
- Instructional Videos. Learn complex technical concepts through bite-sized video lessons led by expert instructors who explain every step clearly.
- Performance Reporting. Track your progress with detailed reports that show exactly which skills you have mastered and where you need more practice.
- Custom Exam Creator. Build your own assessments to focus on specific topics or skill gaps, allowing for a more personalized study experience.
- LMS Integration. Sync your grades and course progress automatically with popular platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle for easy management.
Pricing Comparison
CloudShare Pricing
TestOut Pricing
- Full access to one course
- Unlimited LabSim simulations
- Practice certification exams
- Video and text lessons
- 12 months of access
- Everything in Individual, plus:
- LMS integration tools
- Class management dashboard
- Automated grading and reporting
- Instructor teaching resources
Pros & Cons
CloudShare
Pros
- Reliable performance for complex multi-VM setups
- Intuitive interface for both admins and end-users
- Excellent responsive technical support team
- Granular control over environment snapshots and states
Cons
- Pricing is not transparent for small teams
- Initial setup of complex networking requires time
- Occasional latency in specific geographic regions
TestOut
Pros
- Highly realistic simulations eliminate the need for physical labs
- Comprehensive coverage of certification exam objectives
- Easy to use within standard web browsers
- Excellent preparation for performance-based exam questions
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern apps
- Requires a stable high-speed internet connection
- Videos can be long for some learners