Orkut is Google’s social networking site that was launched in 2004 and named after Orkut Büyükkökten, who developed the site as an independent project while working for Google.

Anyone with a Google account can simply sign in and begin creating their Orkut profile.  Profile information can include a wide range of topics (most sections are optional or can be kept private) including:

♦ General: Name, gender, location, languages spoken, education, Orkut interests (business networking, etc.)

♦ Professional: Education, occupation, industry, company, company website URL, job description, career skills, career interests

♦ Personal: Headline, personal characteristics, likes, dislikes

♦ Social: Children, ethnicity, religion, political view, humor, fashion, pets, living, passions, books, music, TX shows, smoking, drinking, cuisines, sports, activities and an about me section and website URL

♦ Contact: Two emails, IM addresses, phones, address

In addition to the profile information, Orkut users can add photos, scrapbooks, videos, testimonials, lists and applications/widgets to their accounts and profiles.

Communities:  Orkut users can search other users, communities or topics to find other users with similar interests.

Business use:  For those with products or services that are marketed by demographic, specific interests or by location, Orkut may be a good media to network with users to understand their wants and needs or to create a product buzz.   Examine the location and demographic information and see if it is a fit – if you are trying to reach Brazil, this may be the community for you.

	Source: Orkut/About Orkut/Demographics