User:Garca1588/My sandbox
Overview
LinkedIn is a social business website that is used to facilitate interactions between individuals, companies, employers, and large corporations. Linked in was started in the house of Founder Reid Hoffman in 2002, and is now publicly owned as of May 5, 2003[1]. LinkedIn is free to use with their basic model but they also serve as a subscription model if you decide to upgrade to the premium version. LinkedIn business model also includes making revenue from hiring solutions and marketing solutions.
Technological Infrastructure
Functional Tiers
Introduction
The infrastructure of all information systems can be broken down into tiers. Linkedin has three tiers; the data tier which stores all of the information in the system, the processing tier which manipulates all of the information, and the presentation tier which delivers the information to the users of the system.
Diagram
Discussion
- Presentation - Presentation tier is directly related to users or browsers. In LinkedIn, users can communicate with server on the website by searching and clicking what they want. In short, what users see on the website is presentation tier.
- Processing - On processing tier, it turns into HTML. With algorithm of LinkedIn, server displays the results from the database.
- Data - Data tier plays an important role in keeping the information. In LinkedIn, data tier stores not only all of information about people, groups, companies, jobs and contacts, but also all of comments and reviews from users.
Major Functions
Definition of a Function: A function of a web service is a specific task that the system can do for the user. The user can harness the provided functions to complete the larger tasks they have set out to do. Most functions deal with the user giving information to the system, sending information to users on the network, or receiving information from info providers on the network.
Important Functions: Linkedin's most important functions allow the user to expand their network by making and keeping connections. Messaging is a vital part of keeping connections with user and other pages as well as inquiring about new networking opportunities. Groups allow the user to expand their network based on shared attribute values shared on their profile. A profile gives and user an identity on the network for other users to view and connect with. Linkedin's search function gives the user access to the vast amount of information nodes that they might want to connect with or view.
Feature 1: Messaging
Description
Messaging serves an important function in LinkedIn because it allows you to communicate with employers, groups, and the connections that you make while using LinkedIn.Messaging is used by people to communicate. In LinkedIn you can message a group by either blogging or actually writing them an email. You can also leave comments behind critiquing their blog posts. Blogging in a group allows the comment to become readable to the public where as messaging a connection allows only that person to see what you have wrote.
User Interface
The User Interface for messaging in Linked in involves a series of tabs and a hyper linked text. It is similar to many other User Interfaces that many email providers have. When you click on Sent it opens up the outbox that displays the messages that you sent out. Same for trash which shows the files that you deem unworthy for future viewing and it even has an archive feature that you can use to store email.
Algorithm
Information is stored so that users can track their communication with their connections. In LinkedIn once a message is sent to the connection it alerts them and when you receive a message it alerts you as well.
Info Types and Organizational Structures
Linked in uses a standard email display that overlaps the regular display of a Linked in profile account. It has a page area for the body of your email, a To: From: and Subject: area and hyper linked text on the right with the words Sent, Inbox,Trash and Archive. Also included are tabs labeled Messages and Invitations. The messages tab sends you to your inbox and such while the Invitation Tab sends you to a page where you can upload your contacts from another email and sent them an invitation to become a connection on LinkedIn. The info types that are used in LinkedIn messaging include Messages and User.
Feature 2: Join Groups
Description
LinkedIn users build new relationship quickly by joining and sharing interest groups. Groups connect members who share interests. They also participate in many conversations happening in areas of interest. There are open group and members-only groups. Open group is for everyone so that they can search and share the conversation. On the other hand, members-only groups are for accepted members so that others are not able to see group’s discussion
User Interface
On the navigation bar, “Group directory” section allows users search specific or related to career group. When they find groups that they are interested in, they click the “join group” and wait for acceptance. Once they are accepted as group member, they can share relevant content by starting discussion or posting a link in a share box. In addition, “create a group” tab leads users make new group by adding logo, summary, website, and group types. Group members find the most popular discussions and follow the most influential people by checking members’ profile and reviewing the most influencers each week. Under discussion, users will see the members’ comments and keep their eyes on members’ activities.
Algorithm
LinkedIn algorithm saves groups that users have joined and discussed. Moreover, It alerts members by text or email when others start new conversation or put comment on followed discussion.
Info Types and Organizational Structures
Types of groups are various. There are alumni, conference, networking, professional, nonprofit, corporate, and other groups.
Feature 3: Making a profile
Description
As Linkedin users make their accounts, they need to fill out their LinkedIn Profile; Linkedin Profile is the first step in controlling your online ID. This profile helps the right people find their approach to the users. As the users join in certain communities, the people in the communities can see Linkedin users on their pages. Being discoverable will let search engines find Linkedin users, which allows the users to have better opportunities to find their jobs and groups.
User Interface
The interface is very typical: as the users create a complete profile, which includes a lot of information boxes, the users automatically become searchable. After creating an account, the user still allows to make her profile better by clicking through 'Improve Your Profile' button. Not only that, by clicking through 'View Profile,' users are allowed to go over their profiles whenever they want.
Algorithm
Linkedin’s algorithm lets users to look for all the profiles that have been published. As users minimize their results by using the tools on Profile page, users can easily find the information they want.
Info Types and Organizational Structures
Linkedin will store, and organize your profile; after that, the users will be likely to be shown on the top of the list when people use Google search and type the users’ names
Feature 4: Search for info type
Description
The search function on the Linkedin site is located in the top right of the page and is part of the navigation bar. It allows the user to search the Linkedin data tier for info-items by entering text into the search field. Once the user initiates a search in the navigation bar they are brought to a dedicated search page which displays the results of their query and provides tools for refining search results.
User Interface
The search function initially allows the user to pick an info-type to search through by choosing one in the drop down menu located to the left of the input field. The user can then enter the key word(s) they wish to query into the input field (location 3 in red) and then submit their entry to be delivered the search results page. The results of the query are listed in a sequence in the middle (location 1 in red) of the screen based on the refinements the user makes to the search algorithm. Refinements may be made on the left side of the screen (location 2 in red) by expanding each subject and checking or unchecking the given options.
Algorithm
Linkedin’s search algorithm allows users to search through all profiles or other info-items on the within their network. The relevancy of the results is ordered by keyword similarity and network connections to the user. Different methods of sorting the results are also provided such as by relationship, reference and keyword only. Refinements to the search algorithm can also be done by specifying keywords and info-types before making a query, allowing the user to narrow their search results. The Linkedin search algorithm also allows for the use of modifiers in the search field such as quotes, NOT, OR, AND, and parenthesis.
Info Types and Organizational Structures
The drop down menu in the navigation bar allows for search through the info-types such as, people, updates, jobs, companies, answers, messages and groups. The Search results are given to the user in a sequence structure based on relevance. The refinement options are in a hierarchical structure, expanding to more options for the user when clicked on. Links to ads are displayed on the right side of the screen.
Information Infrastructure
Info Model
Introduction
An info model describes info types. It is a representation of relationships between the info types in a system.
Info Types and their Relationships
Introduction
Info types are connected and related to each other in a system. The info model shows how they are related normally in a visual representation.
Diagram
Profile Infotype
Introduction
The profile acts as the identity and resume of the user on the Linkedin network. The user can add information to the various aspects of their profile for other users to see. The specific attributes a user can add to their profile are organized in the table below.
Diagram and Discussion
| Attribute | Value Pattern |
|---|---|
| Picture | Image |
| First Name | Text |
| Last Name | Text |
| Professional Headline | Text |
| Current Position | Text |
| Past Positions | Text |
| Education | Text |
| Recommendations | Text |
| Connections | Text |
| Websites | Link |
| Link | |
| Interests | Text |
| Groups and Associations | Text |
| Honors and Awards | Text |
| Phone | Number |
| Address | Number, Text |
| IM | Text |
| Birthday | Number, Text |
| Marital Status | Text |
| Public Profile | Link |
In the first column the table displays the different attributes of the profile info-type and in the second column the table displays the value types corresponding to the particular attributes. The profile of each user is a profile info-item and is also an individual node on the processing tier of the Linkedin infrastructure. The attributes of the profile info-item can only be changed by the user who created the profile. Linkedin users must log on to use most features and the profile acts an identifier for the users interacting with the site. [2]
Example and Discussion
An unconnected profile to the user viewing the profile is displayed in the screen capture. The profile shows some but not all of its attribute values. Attributes listed in the diagram are shown on the profile. A picture is displayed next to the name attributes and even more attributes such as positions and education are displayed below. Number of connections are also displayed but the actual profiles of those connections are not available to the user.
Company Infotype
Introduction
Company profiles are important tool to help customers, clients, and employees to learn about company and people who work. However, only current employees can create a company profile, ensuring company name and email address. When email has been verified, users add basic information about their company. On “create company” page, they can choose company industry, type, and location.
Diagram and Discussion
| Attributes | Value | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Educational Institution | text |
| Company Size | 10,001+ employees | Number |
| Websites | http://www.washington.edu | link |
| Industry | Higher Education | text |
| Founded | 1861 | Number |
Example and Discussion
For example, when searching “University of Washington” as a Company, it shows its specific type, company size, website, industry and founded which are attributes.
Group Infotype
Introduction
In Linkedin Groups are used by its users to add values to its members. You can either join or create a group. Since Linkedin is a buisness info systems the groups vary from alumni, professional, company, and other types of groups. If you are a new user to Linkedin, joining a group allows you to become part of a network of people in similar fields as yourself which can help when it comes to finding employment. Many professionals used these groups to contract the people that they need. Groups also serve the purpose of creating new relationships and trust within the professional world.
Diagram and Discussion
| Attributes | Value | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Consulting Firm | text |
| Name | .NET People | text |
| Members | 83848+ | Number |
| Websites | www.netpeople.fr/ | link |
| Industry | Management, Business and Information Technologies | text |
| Founded | 1998 | Number |
Example and Discussion
An example of a Group in LinkedIn is the .NETPeople group. When you click through their link you will find information regarding the owner, the total amount of members, and a description of the Group and the company that it represents.
Jobs Infotype
Introduction
Linkedin allows the users to search for their dream jobs. Linkedin Jobs has many job listings. The users start from typing a keyword. After that, the users minimize the result by searching more attributes: job title, company, country, location, and postal code. As the users type the name of a company in the search box, data about the company are performed. These contain the ratio of female to male employees, the most common ranks/positions by the company, and the location and country of the company. As the users use more tools, they are likely to get a better result.
Diagram and Discussion
| Attributes | Value | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Keywords | Doctor, Canada | Text |
| Job Title | Dentist | Text |
| Company | Samsung | Text |
| Country | Canada | Text |
| Location | British Columbia | Text |
| Postal Code | 98105 | number |
Example and Discussion
Here is the example how Job info type works in Linkedin. If a person wants to be a doctor as his job in China, he will start from his job title; so he will start from "doctor," and then he will search for the company or the name of a workplace. After that, he will pick his country China and one of the cities in China. After this process, he will get the list of jobs that satisfies all his filters.
Organizational Structure
Introduction
Linkedin organizes information by using these four info structure: sequences, links, hierarchies, and indexes.
Groups - Sequence
Example of User Interface
The Interface for Groups consists of a web page with hyper linked text that directs you to the information you want to view from the Groups. For example by clicking through "Jobs" you will find a listing of jobs that are listed within that group.
Kind of Organization
Groups are organized in a sequence in LinkedIn unless you change the default setting for viewing groups.They are organized top to bottom with the top being the most relevant to the one on the bottom being the least. Depending on the input of information in your profile, LinkedIn will try to match these groups as best they can when you search for them and personalize the groups results according to your profile and exclude the groups that are not from appearing on your search fee.
Description
Groups are shown on the right under "Groups You May Like" page area. They are shown with the title of the group and are accompanied by and image on the left. Once again they are organized sequentially and are personalized according to the information that you input into your profile.
Info Type Organization
The Info Type included in the sequence are groups. They are personalized to fit your profile and are organized from top to bottom. The sequence of the groups is similar to that of search engines and the news feed in yahoo.
Usability and Design
Groups are labeled with a title followed with and image to the left with the logo of the group. Below the Name of the group is a description of the group and underneath that are the names of the group owner(the person that manages that group) and the number of members. Groups are easy to use but in order to become a part of a group one must send a request to the group first. Once you are accepted by the group there are a variety of things that you can do. Once you are a part of a group you can blog, message individuals in the group, and look up job listing that are posted as well.
Advertisements - Links
Example of the User Interface
Users will find ads by LinkedIn Members not only on the right side of website, but also at the top of website under the navigation bar. The difference between two ads is pattern of ads. The ads at the top are text while ads on the side are picture and text.
Kind of Organization
Ads are not organized by alphabetical or numerical order. The popular ads or personalized ads are usually shown by order.
Description
Links are connected to each page that makes users crawl on websites and search engines. By clicking on links, users can move around other sites that have new information.
Usability and Design
On main page of LinkedIn, Links are advertisements on the right side and at the top. LinkedIn members and business companies create ads on LinkedIn. Ads contain short descriptions, images and titles. When users click on one of the ads, it will directly take them to another webpage that are related to ads.
Example of the User Interface
Kind of Organization
The navigation bar in Linkedin's user interface is a prime example of a hierarchical organization structure. The navigation bar is at the top of a hierarchy of links to other organized links which will eventually lead the user to a specific node they might be looking for.
Description
The navigation bar at the top of the Linkedin user interface allows users to quickly access most of the functions and info type pages. The hierarchy of drop down lists in the bar are organized by the different info types on the Linkedin network such as profile, contacts, groups, jobs, index, companies, news. The navigation bar is intuitively organized in this fashion in order for the user to be able to be able to browse functions and info-item aggregations efficiently.
Info Type Organization
The navigation bar organizes the info-types groups, profiles, jobs, messages and companies for the user to get quick access to the related items or functions on the items in drop down menus.
Usability and Design
The hierarchy organization structure in the case of the navigation bar is used for most navigation by the user and is very usable. It intuitively organizes the related pages, functions and items for efficient use and locomotion through the networks information.
Contacts - Index
Example of the User Interface
The interface of Contacts is very simple; a webpage on the left has some suggestions for the users' connection. As the users click through these, Linkedin will automatically organize your contacts.
Kind of Organization
Linkedin has organized Contacts in an index. Indexes are ways to organize data in numerical or alphabetical orders. Since Contacts are based on people's names, the way how Linkedin organized is really smart.
Description
Both Connections and Imported Contacts are nice tools to organize and create the user's contact list. Connections organize the user's friends' information; by alphabetical order, the contacts are saved and lets the users find the right person. Imported Contacts suggest friends the user might know. This is also in alphabetical order, which is an index; since the names in this tool are in an index, it is really arranged well.
Info Type Organization
The info type that has used an index is people. People who are suggested by Linkedin on contacts are alphabetically ordered. However, other than contacts, other tools will show data in sequence because Linkedin wisely decides to put someone who has a strong possibility to know the user on the top of the list.
Usability and Design
The whole point of Linkedin is to join in certain communities. As the people and contacts are in an alphabetical order, it is really convenient to organize and store the data. In this process, you also become searchable, and the people who know you will add you on their contacts that are also arranged by an index.