LinkedIn's platform debut: Late but important

LinkedIn has opened its platform so developers can integrate the site into business apps and Web sites. Think Facebook Connect for professionals.

A little late? You bet. Important. You bet.

In the end, there's a lot of me-too in LinkedIn's announcement. LinkedIn APIs and widgets are now available to connect folks. For the business-to-business world, this LinkedIn integration could be notable.

So why does all this networking matter? LinkedIn has never been more important as the unemployment rate rises. Facebook keeps you up to date, but LinkedIn can help you get a job.

As comScore noted back in September, LinkedIn "has become more important than ever for those looking for job opportunities and it has the growth to show for it."

Simply put, LinkedIn may be late, but for the site's popularity the timing may be just right.