With a search facility, multimedia authoring tools, mobile access, and a powerful answer engine, Bloomfire is a learning platform that allows users to sign in under two categories: as "teachers", who can upload learning materials, and as "learners", with access to appropriate learning materials. Of course, users can be both teachers and learners.

Matthew Lloyd, managing director of Omniplex, explains, "Up to now, Omniplex provided eLearning authoring, delivery, tracking, and reinforcement products and services, but we hadn't specifically addressed the social-media space. We came across Bloomfire recently at Learning Solutions, in Orlando, Florida, and we were impressed that it is a social-media tool specifically developed for the eLearning community."

"It's based on the idea that everyone is a learner and a teacher", he continues. "Indeed, Bloomfire's ethos is that both learning and teaching are how we all become "better human beings". Importantly, Bloomfire is about recognising, embracing, and celebrating what perhaps we once knew but have forgotten: that learning is a shared mystery. We learn from other people - and our joint futures, potential, and promise are inevitably and perpetually intertwined."

Principally intended for subject-matter experts in the manner of a rapid authoring tool, Bloomfire allows users who log on to the system as a teacher to create simple learning materials.

Those who log on to the system as a learner can search for appropriate learning content and then follow it. Learners can also elect to "follow" certain teachers - in a similar way to following someone on Twitter - and so be alerted to any learning materials that that teacher uploads to the system.

Bloomfire's CEO Josh Little comments, "We're pleased that Omniplex will be the first certified Bloomfire partner. It's clear that Omniplex is bringing together the best of the industry products and services for their global client base."

"Omniplex will manage Bloomfire subscriptions for our clients", says Lloyd. "And we add further value through our 'Bloomfire Ignition' professional services program, which ensures that Bloomfire communities are launched effectively and generate the greatest uptake and impact within an organization."