LinkedIn is the latest social networking site to to offer third-party applications to its users. As befitting a site for professionals, the first batch of nine apps released are all about business,
not throwing sheep.
They include a "reading list" app from Amazon, a file-management tool from Box.net and a travel-tracking app from Tripit. Not just anyone can put up applications
on LinkedIn. Developers and companies have to go through a careful screening process before their apps are approved. External ads aren't allowed either.
But app providers such as Amazon can make
money through retail sales and subscriptions offered to LinkedIn's 30 million members. More apps are expected to follow on the social networking site.--Mark Walsh