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Microsoft finalizes $26 billion LinkedIn acquisition, reveals what’s next

Microsoft finalizes $26 billion LinkedIn acquisition, reveals what’s next

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LinkedIn notifications directly within Windows 10

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Microsoft secured regulatory approval for its $26 billion acquisition of LinkedIn earlier this week, and the software giant is finalizing the deal today. In a LinkedIn note, of course, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says he’s “enthusiastic about the common mission” of both Microsoft and LinkedIn. “As our two companies’ leadership teams have spent time together these last few months, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of and appreciation for LinkedIn’s relentless focus on its members.”

Microsoft has a set of goals for its LinkedIn integration plan, including some specific areas where the company will leverage the social network. Nadella reveals a list of what’s planned:

  • LinkedIn identity and network in Microsoft Outlook and the Office suite
  • LinkedIn notifications within the Windows action center
  • Enabling members drafting résumés in Word to update their profiles, and discover and apply to jobs on LinkedIn
  • Extending the reach of Sponsored Content across Microsoft properties
  • Enterprise LinkedIn Lookup powered by Active Directory and Office 365
  • LinkedIn Learning available across the Office 365 and Windows ecosystem
  • Developing a business news desk across our content ecosystem and MSN.com
  • Redefining social selling through the combination of Sales Navigator and Dynamics 365

LinkedIn notifications directly within Windows 10

Most of the initial integrations are what you’d expect, but Windows 10 users will be surprised to see the addition of LinkedIn notifications in the Windows notification center. LinkedIn is well known for its bombarding emails and notifications, and Microsoft will have to manage these very carefully if it plans to highlight them directly within Windows 10.

“As we articulated six months ago, our top priority is to accelerate LinkedIn’s growth, by adding value for every LinkedIn member,” says Nadella. “I am energized and optimistic for what we can achieve together and the journey ahead.”