In the past week Google+ launched a feature called Google+ Pages, which allowed businesses and brands build a profile. People have been critical of Google+’s Pages because they have banned promotions and competitions on brand pages directly, but they are allowed to do it from their own external websites. To allow social media management companies manage their presence on multiple social networks, Google+ is allowing Buddy Media, Context Optional, Hearsay Social, Hootsuite, Involver, and Vitrue test out their management tools on their service. These companies will be allowed to manage circle, publish to Google+, and monitor usage. [Google Inside Adwords]

Involver is a social media management platform company that offers Facebook Page applications. Involver has raised $8 million in funding led by Bessemer. Existing investors Western Technology Investment and Cervin Ventures also participated in this round. Involver started in 2007 and has about 100,000 clients including The White House, Facebook, and Alicia Keys. Some of the applications companies can use for their Facebook Pages include audio players and sign-up forms. [VentureBeat]