Microsoft officially launched its MSN China portal at
msn.com.cn. The new portal follows a recent joint venture agreement and acquisition by Microsoft in China.
MSN China is officially operated by Shanghai MSN Network Communications Technology Company Ltd and is further supported by local partners. As part of its launch ceremony, MSN China rolled out nine local partners
(CCIDnet.com, Didibaba.com, Englishtown.com, Mop.com, Ourgame.com,
Sensky.com, SMGBB.com, Taobao.com and Ynet.com). All will help in the
creation of local content for users.
MSN Messenger in China is also getting an overhaul with the addition of five new tabs that will provide users with additional local information and
services that will be driven by its integration with the new MSN China
portal. According to an MSN spokesperson, there are over 7.1 million
high-end MSN Messenger users in China.
Hotmail users in China are also going to get a boost, up to 250 MB of storage,
though they’ll have to wait until later this year for the feature to launch. Hotmail users in the US
already have already been granted 250 MB.
“China has the world’s most dynamic Internet and mobile communications market and, as part of our long-term strategy, we are committed to delivering useful information and communication services to this market. This launch marks an important step in fulfilling that commitment,” said
Michael Rawding, corporate vice president of MSN Global Sales and Marketing,
in an e-mail statement. “By introducing advanced Internet technologies,
working closely with our local partners and leveraging exceptional local
talent to build a strong management team, MSN China is positioning itself to
meet the needs of local consumers and create opportunities for advertiser to
reach the fastest growing Internet market in the world.”
Barely two weeks ago, Microsoft inked an agreement with the Chinese investment firm Shanghai Alliance Investment Ltd in order to help strengthen Microsoft’s content offerings in the country. At the same time Microsoft also purchased parts of TSSX, a Chinese mobile software
and services company.