Xing is one of the top business social networks in the market today, especially in Europe. But the new features they’re touting for the paid Premium users are grossly underwhelming.
In general terms, the platform is solid. The free functionality is more than adequate for the kind of networking you’d do on LinkedIn or any other professional site. But we have a hard time imagining anyone eagerly laying down cash for the ability to upload their resume and get birthday reminders.
Xing is a serious contender among business social networks. This international public company, based in Germany, has more than 7 million users in 16 languages. 600,000 of those are already paying for Premium membership.
But even at the relatively cheap price of €6 a month, we can’t imagine many new customers being interested in a paid service whose most-recently advertised feature enhancements are file uploading (limited to three) and Facebook-style birthday reminders. While it’s certainly nice to be able to add your resume or CV to a business networking account or not forget the bosses’ birthday, it’s far from cutting edge.
If Xing wants to move in to more international markets outside Europe or make a play against LinkedIn, they’re going to have to do better.
