What can you use the application for?
Linkedin is a social networking site aimed a professionals and business individuals. It allows you to keep in contact with your colleagues and former workmates, while also enabling you to build a network of professionals who work in a similar field as yourself.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
Linkedin is one of the older social networking sites on the internet, having launched in 2003. As such, it has had time to build up a large user base, numbering some 20 million in 2008. Over time, the site has evolved beyond social networking and into an online CV database, where employers can seek out potential employees and vice-versa.
What are the differences to other applications?
Unlike other social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook, Linkedin is aimed almost exclusively at the professional and business market. As such, Linkedin isn't a site where one would expect to find party-pics or holiday snaps, this is pure business. A unique feature of Linkedin is that it enables you to seek out suitable professionals within the contact sphere of your own personal contacts. For example, you might not know somebody who is an expert in both Microsoft Windows and diesel motors, but maybe one of your colleagues will, and will be able to recommend somebody.
How does the application look and feel to use?
Users already familiar with a business environment will immediately feel at home within the layout of Linkedin, with a look and feel resembling Microsoft Outlook and a contact list built to be as intuitive as an old-fashioned rolodex, but updated with modern searching features. One negative feature about the look and feel is that the site can appear cluttered with features, a case of too much of a good thing perhaps.
How does the registration process work?
Registering for linkedin is similar to registering for other social networking sites, requiring you to enter minimal information such as your name, country of residence and e-mail (which must then be confirmed). To make it easier for colleagues to find you, you can also enter your company and alumni information. After registering, you can import contacts from your webmail service, your Microsoft Outlook address book or simply browse for people by name, company and/or college.
What does it cost to use the application?
Linkedin is a free service funded by advertising aimed at you and your professional field. You can also upgrade your account to the premium subscription service that enables the searching of the CVs of potential employees. The latter is especially useful for companies.
Who would you recommend the application to?
If you're looking for professional contacts and don't want to dive into the deep end by using a business directory or don't feel like browsing thousands of ads, Linkedin can help you find a suitable professional within your social and business sphere.
