Facebook has confirmed rumours that it is planning to launch a new service suitable for the workplace, Digital Spy reports.

Facebook at Work emerged on the App Store on Wednesday (January 14) but is only limited to certain pilot partners initially.

The platform will be available as an app and a website in an attempt to replace email and intranet systems.

It uses familiar features from the social network such as News Feed, messaging and events but for use within individual companies. Employee profiles will be "secure, confidential and completely separate" from personal profiles on the social network.

"Facebook at Work is a separate experience that gives employees the ability to connect and collaborate efficiently using Facebook tools - many that they're likely already using such as News Feed, Groups, messages and events," Facebook said in a statement.

"Internally at Facebook we've been using our product for years, and we're now looking forward to the feedback from our pilot partners to create the best possible experience."

The move could threaten similar services including Microsoft's Yammer, LinkedIn and Flickr co-founder Stewart Butterfield's project management tool Slack.