Denis’ Blog

Linkedin is quite a fascinating company. They outperformed in the last years Spoke.com or Xing. They did that thanks to a very neat User Interface, very simple, and the right mix of privacy settings.

Now that they have a very good position on the professional networking business, they have to leverage this position to increase revenues and secure new markets. And that will not be easy, since Facebook can in a few months take the Linkedin position.

Since Linkedin is full of top talents, we will have probably a strong reaction, with great new features. Let’s see what they probably will launch in the coming weeks:

• A netvibes like User Interface: I know for sure some top engineers at Linkedin has looked at POSH, a open source software to build a Netvibes like portal (and developped by some frenchies !). It’s a sign
• An API: that’s no secret, Linkedin has announced such an API. That’s a huge part of the success of Facebook, and it will be a big success in the Linkedin world: integration with Salesforces.com, with Google Maps to view the recommanded people in your area, etc…
• Extended Resume: Linkedin is THE place where you want to manage your online resume. So Linkedin will probably extend its services, with extended resume, ability to post to job boards, etc…
• more Semantic: Linkedin is already using Microformats. It will probably go HRXML to be the reference of online resume…in the world

According to Venturebeat, Microsoft has signed a deal to invest $240 million in Facebook. $240 million for.. .less than 2% of Facebook shares.

So, if you take your preferred calculator, you reach a… $15 Billion valuation for Facebook.

MS will leverage Facebook to increase its Web 2.0 awareness, and maybe push Silverlight, boost its Ads business or whatever… But $240 millions for less than 2%, I take the bet. It is overpaid :-).

BTW, let’s take the opportunity to catch up with the Web 2.0 madness. Let’s bet: Who will invest/acquire in hi5.com ?

What do you think?

I’ve just received an invitation from Christophe to join a Facebook group dedicated to the beta of the new mobile service of voyages-sncf.com , a major travel site of the French market. Christophe is leveraging Facebook to identify early adopters, foster feedbacks and capitalize on their own networks. Very nice marketing move.

This approach could also be used in corporate situation: 2000+ people of Capgemini are on Facebook. Mark, Yves, do you like the idea of promoting our new Knowledge Platform on Facebook ?