(openPR) - From today, thanks to the integration of the leading web-based social brainstorming tool MindMeister into the new XING Partner Ecosystem, 7.5 million XING users can create, share, and collaboratively edit mind maps directly within the platform. Along with MindMeister, XING is introducing a further 15 3rd party applications today.

Hamburg, July 22, 2009 – A total of 16 applications from XING and 13 new partners from seven countries will be launched step by step on the XING platform from today onwards. Utilizing the new application platform of the XING Partner Ecosystem, Europe’s leading business network will now provide its members with a wealth of business-related apps developed by partner companies. In the coming days, new tools by MindMeister, Huddle.net, Doodle, Dopplr, Deutsche Welle, SlideShare, spreed, travelload, Tungle, sueddeutsche.de, Wallstreet:Online, WELT ONLINE and ZCOPE will be introduced to the platform via the new OpenSocial interface. From news and project management through to travel planning and data sharing – the new apps can be installed free-of-charge at www.xing.com/opensocial and will be available to all XING members, in addition to the existing features on the XING platform.

Stefan Gross-Selbeck, CEO of XING AG, said: “Working together with our partners, our overriding aim is to make XING even more valuable for our business community. With this goal in mind, the requests and requirements of our members will form the key focus of our efforts as we develop the XING Partner Ecosystem further and select new apps on an ongoing basis.”

The first apps to be introduced are targeted primarily at business professionals who collaborate remotely with colleagues and business partners, who travel extensively on business and wish to stay informed about news and current affairs.

Brainstorm online with friends and colleagues
The award-winning online mind mapping service MindMeister is one of the innovative applications being presented today for all XING members. Users can create and import mind maps straight from the XING home screen or select them from a list of predefined templates – for varied topics as personal task management, meeting preparation, creation of business plans, or SWOT analyses. A special “Curriculum Vitae” mind map can easily be embedded within a user’s public XING profile to showcase education and skills in a novel way.

“We’re truly excited to be among the launch partners of this new platform. What makes the integration especially appealing in our view is the ability to share mind maps directly with your existing XING contacts and then jointly work on them online. This opens up many new possibilities for social brainstorming, allowing you to collaborate with others on business proposals, deals and any other kind of project across all geographical boundaries,” says Till Vollmer, Managing Director of MeisterLabs GmbH.

MindMeister is available as a 3rd party application within the XING Partner Ecosystem starting today. Furthermore, all XING members will receive attractive discounts when purchasing a full membership at www.MindMeister.com - 20% for XING premium users, 10% for free account holders.

About MindMeister:
MindMeister is the market-leading collaborative online mind mapping and ideation tool. Launched in May 2007, the site quickly gained traction among businesses, educational organizations and consumers. MindMeister's benefits comprise ease of use, online and offline availability, real-time collaboration, and sharing. It innovates the way you take notes, brainstorm, or plan your projects.
MindMeister - a solely browser-based software service - takes out the hassle of maintaining software installs for usage in organizations like schools or enterprises.

About XING:
XING is the leading European online business network. Over 7.5 million members use XING in 16 languages to do business, find jobs, and pursue a career. XING helps members get connected and stay in touch with their contacts with customized networking solutions and services. Members are active on XING because of the real value generated, with XING Jobs, over 26 thousand specialized groups, and over 90 thousand live networking events a year, organized by members for members.
XING AG went public in December 2006 as the first Web 2.0 company to do so. A continual increase in membership figures leads to increasing revenues and profits. XING AG is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, and has local offices in Barcelona, Istanbul and Milan.

MeisterLabs GmbH

Verena Betten
Marketing Manager
Phone: +49 (89) 12135359
Fax: +49 (89) 18921347
Email: verena@mindmeister.com