Tuesday October 28th 2008 saw the offical launch of LinkedIn applications, possibly the most awaited update from LinkedIn users all over the world. The last update which had a very significant impact on the way users can do business on Linkedin was Linkedin Answers. While LinkedIn has over 30 million registered users and has already been tremendously useful for a lot of us, I believe this the launch of LinkedIn API’s for developers to integrate LinkedIn with their applications and the actual launch of LinkedIn applications will unleash the real potential in the 30 million strong business network. 

So far among the first featured applications familiar players like Wordpress, SlideShare, Google and Amazon have early bird apps for users to add on, it will be interesting to watch and see what applications will hit the list of LinkedIn application platform and leverage the B2B marketing and sales potential for users. Company buzz for example brings the Twitter element by showing you what people are saying about your company, a useful social marketing app. However the question is ‘how could the LinkedIn applications be used to create serious tools for sales and marketing?’. Perhaps connectivity to your CRM could help you read up bios on decision makers within your network and act as a source for contact intelligence while selling into accounts. Perhaps an application that lets you communicate updates on your company blog within your own network or one that lets you share sales intelligence or known requirements to providers. The possibilities are many and its going to be great to see how it all plays out.

Any suggestions or ideas on what you would love to see on Linkedin applications?