The phrase denotes software applications intended to facilitate the creation and maintenance of social and professional connections in the physical world, offered at no cost to the user for initial access. An example would be a mobile application that assists individuals in finding local networking events or connecting with professionals in their vicinity, without requiring an upfront payment to download and install the application.
The significance of such platforms lies in their ability to democratize access to networking opportunities. They can lower the barrier to entry for individuals seeking to expand their professional circles, find mentors, or discover new career paths. Historically, networking has often been limited by geographic location or social status; these applications aim to overcome such limitations by leveraging mobile technology and readily available internet access. The benefit extends to enabling individuals to build diverse connections that might not have been possible through traditional methods.
