LinkedIn Adds Social ApplicationsLinkedIn Adds Social Applications

LinkedIn has added business applications for users.

The new LinkedIn applications went live Tuesday night, and a company blog announced the initial rollout. The new applications allow users to collaborate through file sharing, project management, and business trip planners.

Members can share reading lists from Amazon, monitor friends' travels with Tripit, and publish presentations through Google Presentations and SlideShare. Users can also create secure online group workstations through Huddle or LinkedIn's own applications. That allows them to share work with colleagues and other contacts. New software allows users to receive Twitter chatter about their companies and add their blog posts to their LinkedIn pages, regardless of what type of software they use for blogging.

"This initial roll out features productivity applications that range from gathering information that professionals around you are generating to enhancing your abilities to collaborate and communicate more effectively," Reid Hoffman, chairman and president of products at LinkedIn wrote in a blog. "You'll be able to work much more closely with your contacts on LinkedIn with tools such as file sharing, project management, business trips and many more."

Hoffman said all of the applications are designed to allow professionals to stay current and competitive in a rapidly changing business world.

Users can control who sees most of their information and they will be informed when information is automatically shared, LinkedIn said.

LinkedIn counts 30 million members. Unlike other social networking sites, its main focus is on professional networking. The site helps people stay in touch with current and former colleagues, get leads on jobs, and connect with experts for advice.