Microsoft has launched a social networking community aimed at businesses, which facilities communication with other companies.

The software giant hopes that the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) will enable businesses to share skills, expertise and resources.

Microsoft developed the technology as a response to increased demand for networking opportunities and it claimed that it will provide an innovative way for people to connect with each other.

"Research has indicated that partners who network are five per cent more successful that those that don't," commented Simon Gautrey, group manager from audience marketing and strategy from Microsoft UK.

He added that it has become commonplace for partners to network with one another and often be able to pitch for bigger contracts.

So far over 1,400 users have signed up to MPN.

The proposed advertising deal between Microsoft and Yahoo! has come under scrutiny recently as it has been reported that the US Department of Justice is to investigate the deal.