Baidu's CTO Li Yinan announced two weeks ago that the Chinese search engine was planning to launch a wireless search tool for the 3G network in an effort to take their business "mobile".
At the same time, Google and Microsoft, the two overseas giants announced cooperation deals with local Chinese companies; Google with Emay Softcom and Microsoft with 3G Portal (3g.net.cn).
In the deal with Emay, Google will implant its search technology into m.cn, the Chinese company's technical platform. Google expects to boost its presence in the mobile search market while Emay is counting Google's brand bringing it increased revenue.
Shortly after Google signed an Internet search deal with China Mobile, Microsoft and 3G Portal announced a cooperation deal to deliver mobile services. The two will jointly launch "Easy Travel", to provide travel information about 40 Chinese cities, including weather, restaurants, tickets, bus routes.
Microsoft had already signed a strategic partnership with 3G Portal. In the new deal, the American software leader will supply the map service on the mobile network while the 3G portal will retain its search engine, an official with 3G Portal said.
Other reports suggest Baidu has just completed a technological upgrade to its wireless search service and that Google has renewed its deal with China Mobile. All the signs are that the giants are staking their claims for the 3G era, hoping to secure a share of the Chinese mobile market's 660 million subscribers.
For more information, please consult the Chinese coverage at:
http://www.eeo.com.cn/industry/it_telecomm/2009/05/04/136760.shtml
(China.org.cn by Maverick Chen, May 5, 2009)
