Facebook takes on LinkedIn by testing workplace version of social network

Facebook has revealed it is taking on LinkedIn and testing a version of its leading social network tailored for getting jobs done in workplaces instead of tuning into the lives of friends. “Facebook at Work” smartphone applications appear in Apple’s online app store and the Google Play shop for Android-powered mobile devices, but can only be accessed by a few companies collaborating with the social network. The pilot program is intended to gain feedback to refine the offering, according to Facebook spokeswoman Elisabeth Diana.

We have internally used Facebook at Work for many years now, it works pretty effectively and efficiently for collaboration. We think we can bring this insight to other companies.

Facebook spokeswoman Elisabeth Diana

Facebook at Work has news feeds, chats, groups and other features that can be found on the widely-used social network, but sharing can only be done with people inside a particular company. Page backgrounds are a different colour from the well-known Facebook blue, ostensibly so bosses will know at a glance when social networking is work-oriented. The customised work social networks are hosted on Facebook servers in the Internet cloud, but each respective firm controls any data shared by its employees.

Technology Facebook at work