September 21, 2006

Microsoft' MSN is to provide China Telecom's 25 million high-speed customers with an Internet search feature called 'Live Search' similar to what Microsoft is offering in the US and abroad.

With Google's increasing influence on the Internet and the IT industry, Microsoft has become aware of the great importance of a comprehensive Internet search platform.

Microsoft said it would establish Windows Live soon after Bill Gates' retirement, a sign of the shift in Microsoft's strategy.

Dubbed Windows Live, the new Internet platform will integrate MSN, blog server MySpace, search and various Internet services and some additional software.

Microsoft has been looking for an opportunity to get into the search market since Baidu.com, Yahoo and Google joined the club in China.

The launch of Live Search is undoubtedly strategic for Microsoft.

China Telecom is China's largest mobile network operator and Internet service provider, supplying over 210 million customers with voice services and 25 million more users with Internet broadband service.

China has more than 80 million Internet users and over 400 city portals.

Source: People's Daily Online