Although the use of Web 2.0 technologies for learning is on the up (see Learning 2.0 - an update from the eLearning Guild), it's also true to say that most employers don't know which way to start (see How are employers responding to Gen Y and Web 2.0?). It's therefore not surprising to see new tools enter the market that employers can more easily relate to.

Two examples appeared today. The first is from one of the major corporate LMS providers, Saba. According to the announcement, Saba Social will incorporate "comprehensive social networking tools - blogs, communities of practice, wikis, discussion boards and social connection capabilities will enable people to conduct informal knowledge exchange, build connected communities and extend blended learning." The new system integrates with other tools in the Saba suites, including web conferencing, performance management and other HR processes.

Saba's new offering is a leaning towards Web 2.0 from what is very much a Web 1.0 starting point. The second new offering started with very much of a Web 2.0 flavour but is now positioning itself as a corporate tool. Neulio 2.0 allows you to "tap the power of social media for your organisation." Essentially, Neulio provides a low-cost hosted platform for sharing content in a structured manner, whether that's for training, customer information or performance support. The content may be textual, video, audio or PowerPoint. You can also create 'gates' between chapters using quizzes and the suchlike.

The Web 2.0 features of Neulio seem familiar enough, but will be a radical step forward for most corporates: tagging and rating content, leaving comments, media sharing, the ability for users to add content, etc.

The bronze package costs only $49/month. The silver plan, at $149/month and gold at $249/month add extra functionality that many employers will want, including compliance reporting.

These offerings, and no doubt many more to come (and others I simply don't know about), will provide a gateway to Learning 2.0 for employers who like the idea but are lost for a starting point. Let's hope that, with bigger problems on their minds, a fair number still decide to take the plunge.