WebProNews

Social networking site for professionals, LinkedIN has launched a new homepage, which includes a "Status" feature that allows users to share their activities with those in their network.

Bill Gates, Microsoft
(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

LinkedIN users will be able to control who in their network is able to see their status. They can make it available to just their first degree connections, their broader network of second and third degree connections, or to all LinkenIN users. They will also be able to see statuses in their network updates feed.

"The status feature will provide another effective way to engage and tap into the knowledge of your network," said Adam Nash, Senior Director of Product, LinkedIn.

"For example, you might let your network know when you're looking for advice or needing to hire someone, or when you're planning a business trip or attending a conference."

In addition LinkedIn will feature an "Answers" module that displays questions asked by other users in your network along with a "People" module that will allow users to make new contacts by using the connections of their connections. There is also a "Jobs" module that will show employment vacancies in your network.

Along with the new homepage, new LinkedIN member and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will be asking a question of the community. "How can we do more to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology?" Responses will be open to all of LinkedIN's 19 million members.