There have been apps on FaceBook for a while that let you do all kind of VoIP tricks, but most of them have been basic “call me” apps. Om Malik reported that 8×8 has launched one too, but took them to task for their impersonal understanding of social media writing:
“I hate the random photo (see graphic) that’s now being displayed on my page, especially when it could easily customize it by picking one of my Facebook profile photos instead. Another bonus would be if one could place the Call Me button on fanpages as well.”
While FaceBook is becoming more and more a staple in many people’s online diets, given how 8×8 is focusing on the business market it likely would have made more sense to figure out how to build this kind of functionality into LinkedIn. Now that would have made them, very “me different.”
Andy,
I agree with you on LinkedIn being the killer app particularly in the business to business world. Small businesses are getting into Facebook to link to their customers on the consumer side which makes the 8×8 offering just another feature those businesses can take advantage of. Sure, not earth shattering but a feature that will probably one day be considered part of the standard features of a SMB-targeted UC package. -Mike
I agree, LinkedIn would be a better choice to start with given 8×8 focus on businesses.
The bigger question is, how does the Facbook app work? Also, other than some marketing benefit, what does this really add for 8×8?