Last week, the news hit the airwaves that Microsoft bought LinkedIn for a whopping $26.2 billion. That is $196 per share. It was definitely a big industry shakeup. WithIt is being called the largest marketing technology acquisition ever. Google and Facebook dominating the digital and social scenes, Microsoft’s area seemed to remain in the software world and cloud computing; but they definitely just flexed their muscle with the cash deal. This acquisition will bring the two together although LinkedIn is to remain a distinct brand, maintaining its culture and independence from Microsoft. At the same time, the two companies have much in common since Microsoft specialises in software and cloud computing for business and LinkedIn is where people go to advertise their professional skills and work history.
Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella gives us a peek at the company’s intention with the purchase in his email announcement to employees, “This deal brings together the world’s leading professional cloud with the world’s leading professional network. I have been learning about LinkedIn for some time while also reflecting on how networks can truly differentiate cloud services. It’s clear to me that the LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business and an impressive network of more than 433 million professionals.” Probably the big news is the mention of the possible future combination of Microsoft’s Office software suite with LinkedIn’s network. Ideas include the ability for Microsoft to serve up suggestions for a specialised expert through the LinkedIn network when the software recognises you are trying to complete a certain task. Similarly, the possibility will be there for LinkedIn to serve up articles in your newsfeed that are related to projects you are working on in Office.
It will be very interesting to see the future of this new blending of business technology. The two companies will likely benefit and grow from this partnership and so will the network of users and members. What do you think will happen with the Microsoft and LinkedIn and the possibilities of the future?
