LinkedIn unveiled a Web-based mobile application that allows mobile members to search user profiles, research mutual contacts and receive updates about connections. LinkedIn is an online networking site designed for businesspeople.
The beta site, m.linkedin.com, is available to LinkedIn’s 19 million users in English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. The offering essentially is a stripped-down version of LinkedIn.com, requiring users to log in to access a basic menu featuring eight options including search, contacts, invite, settings and feedback.
LinkedIn’s mobile effort follows similar initiatives from Facebook and MySpace, which have moved aggressively to target consumers on mobile phones. But while both Facebook and MySpace feature multimedia content and desktop applications, LinkedIn offers a simple, more professional experience – potentially making it a better fit for mobile.
“Let’s face it, every professional today is carrying a wireless device,” said LinkedIn CEO Dan Nye. “Many of these professionals are on the move, attending conferences, sales meetings and client events. Making LinkedIn available on mobile devices responds to both these business realities and will be great for our users.”
A final version of the site is expected this spring.
LinkedIn goes mobile
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