LinkedIn 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.
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
“Let’s face it, every professional today is carrying a wireless device,” said Dan Nye, LinkedIn CEO. “Many of these professionals are onthe 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.