Hoover's Upgrades Business Database, User InterfaceHoover's Upgrades Business Database, User Interface

Hoover's has enhanced its interface and added millions of new business professionals to its social networking site and business intelligence site for professionals.

The company announced the developments Thursday, saying its database now includes more than 34 million professionals at more than 26 million companies.

The site's interface changes allow users to find more contacts at a particular company and obtain more mid- and lower-level contacts at corporate headquarters, branches, and subsidiaries. Users can also filter the contacts according to job functions.

A new "People Self-Listing" tool will allow customers to create a profile detailing work history, affiliations, and biographical information, and add themselves to the companies they are affiliated with. They can opt in to e-mail exchanges between other users in particular business communities. The tool is available to subscribers now and will be available to all new users within a few months.

"These enhancements and new features essentially create more interaction and community with our customers and give them quicker access to additional company contacts who might be better positioned to help them grow their business," David Mather, president of Hoover's, said in a statement. "By adding themselves to a Hoover's company record, subscribers not only gain more exposure within a business community of high-powered professionals, but also associate themselves with a trusted source of information."

In addition to facilitating professional networks, Hoover's provides business intelligence about particular companies, industries, and business leaders. The site's user control features allow high-profile and privacy-minded people to limit the availability of personal contact information to individuals they already know. They also allow people to request introductions through common friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.