Freelancer today launched the first category dedicated to the building and development of Apple iPad applications.

Yesterday, Apple Computer launched the long awaited iPad tablet computer, which had the technology industry and consumers waiting with huge interest. The new format device is expected to spur a large and diverse industry of applications development with its cousin, the iPhone, now boasting over 140,000 applications in the AppStore.

oDesk today announced the general availability of the award-winning oDesk Team application. This update brings oDesk's online office management capabilities fully to the desktop - giving users a centralized virtual office where remote, distributed team members can work together online.

oDesk, the leading marketplace for online work, today announced the availability of oDesk Staffing , a new option for freelance workers and small businesses that brings together the benefits of full-time employment with the flexibility of freelance work. oDesk Staffing gives U.S.-based freelancers access to a wide range of group health coverage options, retirement plans and education savings accounts, in addition to the automatic billing and guaranteed payment of oDesk. Through the new service, businesses can take advantage of oDesk's guaranteed accurate billing and overall savings on contractor hiring costs, while maintaining compliance with IRS regulations involving a broad range of contract work scenarios.

oDesk today announced the availability of the oDesk iPhone Application which allows users to manage their online workteams in real-time, with greater control and flexibility, from anywhere in the world.

oDesk today announced the formation of the Facebook Group on oDesk. The Facebook Group on oDesk is a specialty marketplace dedicated to connecting verified Facebook Platform developers with companies interested in developing applications on Facebook or implementing Facebook Connect on their Website or device. Developers who pass the Facebook-approved qualification test on oDesk are eligible to join the Facebook Group, enhancing their online reputation and giving them access to exclusive job opportunities.

LimeExchange, the first socially-networked, online services marketplace for global talent on demand, today announced its collaboration with Expert Rating, a trusted name in pre-employment testing as well as training services and a leader in online assessment and Certification, offering over 200 widely accepted online certifications.

Elance announced today that its customers have completed more than $100 million in billings since 2006 and that its professional network has grown to more than 100,000 service providers. In addition, to accelerate this dramatic growth, the company is introducing today the Elance Remote Work System (TM), a complete solution for remote work that integrates communication, collaboration, reporting, payment and feedback between Elance employers and service providers.

Elance today added the iPhone Developer Skills Test to its Skills Certification Program to connect businesses with tested iPhone application developers. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can now harness the power of the iPhone platform to develop innovative applications for this large consumer market.