Research
Behavior
link2 was created to promote efficiency and accountability in the workplace.
Using link2 will allow professionals to find each other with just the click of a button. Imagine making every meeting, receiving every memo, and meeting every deadline.
Everything is possible with link2.
So link2 each other, link2 opportunities, and link2 success.
Need
With the internet becoming more easily accessible each day, it's simple to jump online and find any physical location that you want. link2 makes it easy to find the location of colleagues just as easily. Over 80% of business executives say they are connected to work through mobile devices at all times, and Regina Lewis, an AOL online consumer advisor, stated "As the survey data shows, portable [cellular] devices are becoming more prevalent and easier to use." What better way to connect people than through a medium that is growing as rapidly as the cell phone? link2 allows people to connect using one of the most popular forms of media today, and link2 capitalizes on the importance of cellular use within the workplace, presenting an application allowing users to connect to and find the location of their colleagues using GPS.
Can link2 really save time and help efficiency? According to a CareerBuilder.com survey, 15% of workers admit to arriving late at least once a week. 32 % of workers attribute their late arrivals to traffic, while 17% state that a lack of sleep is the reason. With obstacles like these, people may not have time to check if a meeting location has been changed, or if a business lunch is now at a new location. With link2, users will have the ability to check with colleagues on the go and help save time en route to work.
In a day and age where time equals money, staying connected with your employees and colleagues through link2 creates a valuable network based on efficiency, accountability, and organization.
Competition
link2 faces competition in a small market of similar applications, yet is a pioneer of mobile location applications developed with business efficiency and connectedness in mind. link2 sets itself apart from the competition by its lack of social networking and focus on the direct-connecting of colleagues. Victor Lund, an employee at Zhiing, a social-networking mobile location application, agreed with link2: It "needs to work without a cumbersome social network" in order to effectively reach those within your link2 network. In addition, link2 will be solely based on GPS location, as opposed to others using cell tower triangulation.
A social networking site that allows users to connect and share locations, photos, and comments, and features alerts on the whereabouts of others in your network
This service is not available to all phones over all service providers
Interface is complicated, crowded, and not user-friendly
"zhiing connects people-to-people, people-to-places and people-to-services" using maps and providing directions
Account can be accessed via computer for more of a social network
Application is not available over all service providers and not all phones are supported
Victor Lund, a zhiing employee, sought help and provided feedback for link2 saying, "You (creators of link2) seem to totally understand what makes for a great app...it would be great if you provided us some feedback."
A social networking application that publishes locations, updates, and photos to the web site
Account can be accessed via computer
Brightkite settings allow users to meet people around them, but can only "guess" your location when you are connected to WiFi, otherwise the user must provide his own location using a separate Google interface.