QuickTake Q&A: Microsoft and LinkedIn Want More of Your Workday

Nobody takes a five-minute break to check their Microsoft. Despite its pioneering role in the PC revolution, Microsoft doesn’t command the daily -- even hourly -- attention that computer users pay to Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. That may change. With its $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn, Microsoft seeks to crash the online networking social scene. After all, LinkedIn is often called "Facebook for professionals," despite Facebook’s own best efforts to be just that.

Microsoft is paying $26.2 billion for the professional social network LinkedIn, one of the largest technology-industry deals ever. Microsoft says LinkedIn will retain its brand, culture, independence and leader, Jeff Weiner.