LinkedIn could get UC functions after being acquired by Microsoft – TechTarget ES

The acquisition of $ 26.2 million of LinkedIn by Microsoft could bring features like sharing documents, video calls, text messages in real time and other features of Office 365 and Skype for Business to professional social network.

it is expected that the purchase agreement Microsoft-LinkedIn close by the end of the calendar year. The agreement placed Microsoft in the center of the world of social networking for business professionals. Following the acquisition, Microsoft could add more features unified communications (UC) and collaboration LinkedIn through integration with Office 365 and Skype for Business, analysts said.

Today, people communicate with each other on LinkedIn, they publish content and interact in search of jobs, but if Microsoft adds more features of UC, could make LinkedIn more useful as a site for collaboration among business professionals, according to Ira . Weinstein, an analyst at Wainhouse Research LLC, based in Duxbury, Massachusetts

the characteristics of UC LinkedIn could open the borders between organizations

“This could be the springboard of Microsoft into a social network multiempresa, which does not have today,” Weinstein said, adding that a lot of products Microsoft historically they have focused internally. “Much of the business world are companies that work with other companies.”

The addition of collaboration features and Microsoft UC LinkedIn make it easier for professionals working to separate communicate and seek information companies staff could benefit sales and marketing efforts. Skype for Business and Office 365 will offer users of LinkedIn more contextual information, as Rob Arnold, an analyst at Frost & amp; Sullivan.

Potentially, a user of LinkedIn may be able to initiate a call while viewing the information about the person, such as employment history, activities and where they attended college.

“There are a lot of facets about this, and could take many different directions,” Arnold said. “Microsoft can add much value to LinkedIn, while adding value to their bottom line.”

For Microsoft, it means getting access to 433 million LinkedIn members worldwide, who usually they are business professionals. This will make it easier for Microsoft to advertise their products directly to customers. In comparison, there are more than 7 million subscribers to Office 365, according to Microsoft.

“Microsoft bought a directory of global business in which almost every professional in the world has an account on LinkedIn” said Irwin Lazar, an analyst at Nemertes Research, based in Mokena, Illinois. “The expected integration between Office 365 and Microsoft Skype for Business on LinkedIn potentially provides the framework for communication and seamless collaboration across organizational boundaries.”