What I see as the cool things linkedin can do is..
1) groups -- There are multiple oracle groups where oracle professionals, and employees will answer your posts.
2) Contacts -- I keep in touch with people I've worked with without finding out that their newborn had their first temperature, etc. etc.
3) Check out individuals. Going on an interview? Well many people are on linkedin and you can get a good idea of their background.. Giving you a leg up on questions to ask.
4) Searches -- yes I've googled myself.. If you are interviewing, expect to be googled by prospective employers (I always google before I interview someone).. Linkedin will probably come up first and show prospective employers that you are a professional, that takes your career seriously. It will also push down those college photos with you chugging beer from that funnel

So when you are are out on linkedin, remember to make me a contact of yours.