Sohu.com Launches Nation-wide Short Messaging ServiceChina's Internet portal SOHU.com has launched Short Messaging Services (SMS) in partnership with China Mobile Communications Corporation to offer mobile phone users real-time access to information and communication services."SOHU.com's wireless strategy is clearly defined and well under way. Short messaging is another step towards our goal of convergence of the Internet, telecommunications and devices. SOHU.com leverages its massive base of 11.5 million registered users from PC-based Internet access by making its content available on a subscription basis across a variety of other platforms," said Charles Zhang, CEO and President of SOHU.com. Mobile phone users can subscribe to SOHU.com's application based services, which include email alerts, greeting cards, weather forecast, financial information and stock quotes. In the second phase of the SMS launch, due in mid-January 2001, other features such as news, sports, and downloads for picture and ringtone will be added. All content supplied by SOHU.com has been uniquely adapted for small screen use in short messaging format. During a special two-week short messaging service during the Olympic Games in September, SOHU.com's provided half of all paid short messaging to mobile phone users across the country. It was the first time SOHU.com leveraged its brand and huge user base to successfully offer subscription bases added-value services in cooperation with China Mobile. |
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