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Facebook is growing again, and hoping to corner the market for business professionals who want to network with their colleagues. Facebook’s new “Facebook for Work” offering aims to take a piece of the digital pie that’s traditionally been owned by sites like LinkedIn. Here’s what we know so far about Facebook for Work.
1. Facebook at Work Is a Secret Project
Learn more about one of Facebook’s other “secret” projects in the audio report above.
While the cat may be out of the bag thanks to a report in the Financial Times, Facebook’s new Facebook for Work plan was originally a closely-guarded secret. FT reports that the new Facebook for Work will give people a way to separate their personal lives from their work lives. Facebook for Work would let people “hide” their private, personal pictures or comments and present a more professional front to colleagues, bosses, and potential employers.
FT notes that Facebook at Work is likely to have collaborative business tools built right in, with offerings that are somewhat like Google Drive and Microsoft Office.
2. Facebook at Work Has Been Rumored for Months
Get more info about Facebook’s most recent quarterly report in the audio clip above.
Back in June, TechCrunch posted rumors about the upcoming Facebook for Work initiative. According to TechCrunch’s sources, the “FB@Work” program was based out of Facebook’s London offices.
3. Facebook for Work Poses a Threat to LinkedIn
CNET notes that Facebook has a much bigger user base than competing networking sites, so Facebook for Work has the potential to outpace the growth of sites like LinkedIn:
“The best-known business network is LinkedIn, which allows individuals to post their employment history, connect with colleagues and industry contacts, and look for jobs.
Facebook currently has more than 1 billion users. LinkedIn has over 300 million users, of which more than 90m are active monthly users.”
Then again, not every new Facebook offering finds an audience. Facebook has had some notable failures in recent years. Facebook for Work could be a juggernaut, but it also has the potential to become another sad, forgotten Facebook spinoffs like the infamous Facebook phone, or some of their recent app offerings.
4. Facebook Is Keeping Mum About Facebook for Work
A third of FT readers say they would use Facebook for work: http://t.co/5njJ0Crl1j http://t.co/8ephGGWpmm
As of this writing, Facebook has not responded to press requests for comment about Facebook for Work. Multiple press outlets have asked Facebook for comment and received none. It is not yet clear when, or even if, Facebook plans to go live with Facebook for Work.
5. Facebook at Work Will Likely Be Free
The Telegraph reports that Facebook for Work will be free, at least at first. No word yet on what kind of fee structure Facebook for Work might offer in the future.