Online job boards losing out to LinkedIn

Professional social networking sites, such as LinkedIn and Plaxo, are becoming an increasingly popular tool for senior executives wanting to progress their careers and find out about job opportunities.

A little over three months ago and with a launch date that was perfectly timed with the billion dollar launch of BCCI's IPL 2008, Cricket Media Corporation launched its latest online portal, TheCricFanClub.com. The cricket portal was initially operated under its previous brand name, theiplfanclub.com during the IPL season and is now officially known as TheCricFanClub.com. Competition is fierce for visitors in an online market dominated by official cricket portals such as BCCI's iplt20.com and major players such as ESPN's cricinfo.com. 

Battered by the cratering home mortgage market and seeking ways to attract younger consumers, financial institutions are exploring online social networking as a way to acquire and retain customers. 

A deal giving Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) a prominent role in powering Web searches on social networking site Facebook is part of a tapestry of smaller alliances, investments and tactics the software giant is pursuing to expand its online advertising businesses.

New Service Helps Entrepreneurs Raise Money Through Social Networks of Friends and Family.

40billion.com ( http://www.40billion.com) officially launched today as the first friends-and-family funding network for small-business entrepreneurs. The service enables entrepreneurs to raise capital through friends, family and others interested in helping the entrepreneur to succeed. 

Get yourself a Bebo account right away if you want to send a message to outer space.

An interstellar radio telescope normally used to detect asteroids that could hit Earth is being taken off duty October 9 to transmit messages from Bebo users into space.