A version of business network LinkedIn is set to be released on mobile phones, it has been revealed.Currently being tested in beta, the service will become available in the next few weeks and will include third-party applications developed through LinkedIn's Open Social platform.
Funded by investors including Greylock, the European Founders Fund and Sequoia Capital, LinkedIn is an online network of professionals from around the world.
Its new mobile offering will be available to users with an internet enabled mobile device, with initial features allowing people to search and view profiles, as well as to invite new connections into their networks without having to know their email addresses.
Brandon Duncan, LinkedIn's director of engineering, stated that eliminating the need for mobile users to know email addresses will help people to expand their networks more quickly, Computerworld reports.
He went on to say that the mobile version will also enable users to get updates from people in their network, including information on job postings.
The beta will be available in a number of languages, including English, French, German, Japanese and Chinese, with more set to follow.
According to LinkedIn chief executive Dan Nye, the move onto mobile devices is a response to the realities of business people being on the move and will help them to access network updates and relevant information concerning the people they meet professionally.
