Business Networking site LinkedIn announced today the launch of their mobile optimized website at m.linkedin.com (press release after the jump). I've actually had good success running the full-blown LinkedIn.com using the OperaMini web browser, but the new wap version of the site streamlines the process of using LinkedIn's core functions while sucking up less bandwidth.
It seems to me like LinkedIn is kind of playing catch-up in the mobile social networking game. I would have already expected them to have a good mobile site and for them to now be announcing a BlackBerry specific app (a la Facebook). LinkedIn tends to target business professionals, and it also seems to me that the BlackBerry is the dominate phone in that area (90% of my LinkedIn contacts are BlackBerry users anyway). Are you a hardcore LinkedIn user? Tell us what you think of the new site!
Press Release
LinkedIn Debuts Web Application for Mobile Users at m.linkedin.com
Mountain View, CA — February 25, 2008 — LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, today announced over 19 million members can now access a LinkedIn web application via mobile devices with Internet browsers like iPhone and iPod touch, Blackberry, and other web-enabled wireless phones.
"Let's face it, every professional today is carrying a wireless device," said Dan Nye, LinkedIn CEO. "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."
There were more than 405 million mobile Internet users worldwide in 2007, with that number projected to grow to 489 million this year, according to eMarketer.com, a market research resource for Internet and emerging technologies. And industry analysts including Standard and Poor's conclude that the phenomenon of online social networking has gone mobile and is one of the key applications driving mobile Internet usage.
LinkedIn members can utilize the LinkedIn network on their mobile devices by logging into the web app at m.linkedin.com. This release is a beta product with the final version expected later this spring. The beta is available immediately in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese with additional languages to follow LinkedIn members will be able to immediately take advantage of the following LinkedIn features on their mobile devices:
- Search LinkedIn profiles including photos and bio information to help recall and connect with business acquaintances at events and conferences
- Research the mutual contacts they have with other professionals to help make real world introductions easier
- Invitation capability to connect on LinkedIn anywhere
- Network update capabilities to receive important updates about your connections while on the go.
About LinkedIn
LinkedIn takes your professional network online, giving you access to people, knowledge, jobs and opportunities like never before. Built upon trusted connections and relationships, LinkedIn has established the world’s largest and most powerful professional network. Currently, more than 19 million professionals are on LinkedIn, including executives from all five hundred of the Fortune 500 companies, as well as a wide range of household names in technology, financial services, media, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, and numerous other industries. LinkedIn is backed by world-class investors including Sequoia Capital, Greylock, the European Founders Fund, and Bessemer Venture Partners.
