- Sponsored by:
April 23, 2008
Forget Google's 20% Jump, Baidu UP 78% In MonthThe strength of Chinese search engine Baidu in the Asian market - beating Google in the valued China market - has been reflected in investor confidence it seems. While Google made back some of their recent drop in value, it is the 78% rise in Baidu over the past month that is truly impressive.
The Motley Fool asks "Do You Believe in Baidu?" And seem to present a good argument to do so.
"Baidu has been on the move in many ways, expanding outside its search engine stronghold with recent forays into instant messaging, consumer auctions, online games, and even a bold leap into the mature yet lucrative Japanese search engine market," they report.
Nice to see another engine growing in a Google like manner, both financially and corporately.
Posted by Frank Watson at 1:03 AM | Permalink
February 29, 2008
Baidu Search Engine Launches IM in Beta - Baidu HiSearch engine Baidu has launched instant messaging (IM) in beta, the first formal foray into the Chinese IM market. The "Baidu Hi" service won't be expected to generate revenue in the short term. But the Chinese search titan must find a way to diversify its revenue base.
The Chinese language search engine recently launched a Japanese portal.
Baidu, China's most popular search engine, has more than 60 percent of the search engine industry revenues, according to Analysys International, a Beijing-based research firm.
Google China holds second place with about 26 percent share.
Yahoo China site remains in third with a little less than 10 percent share.
Baidu considers the service a strategic product, according to the Chinese search engine's press release issued tonight.
As with Google, search drives revenue for the fast-growing Baidu. For the past three years Baidu has doubled in size every year. The growth rate may drop to 30 percent in the next five years as Baidu's revenue base grows.
The beta is restricted to Baidu employees only. No word on how long the beta will last or when the product will officially launch.
One company, Tencent, based in Shenzhen has about 80 percent of the IM market share in China with its QQ service. How large is Tencent's customer base? QQ has 580 million users. The company earned 1 billion yuan in the Q3 last year through Internet services.
In second place, Microsoft's MSN Instant Messaging runs far behind Tencent's QQ platform.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:06 PM | Permalink
June 5, 2007
Chinese Engine Baidu Enters European MarketBaidu, China's leading search engine, is spreading out into Europe according to IDG News..
The successful challenger to Google - okay just in China - may find this market a little more difficult to conquer. Meanwhile domain squatters like Baidu-europe.eu are already riding in on the Baidu cache.
"Baidu CFO Shawn Wang is expected to outline the group's expansion plans in London later this month, when the company attends its first Nasdaq investor day since listing on the exchange in 2005" the UK Telegraph web site stated.
UPDATE: Baidu.com on Friday told Infoworld that it is not planning to expand into Europe, and that those rumors are groundless.
Posted by Frank Watson at 3:24 PM | Permalink
March 27, 2007
Baidu Launches Japanese Search EngineBaidu, the Chinese search engine partially owned by Google, has launched Baidu.jp - a Japanese search engine. Their intentions to expand into the Japanese market were made know last year and the Japanese language search engine was not expected until later in the year. Baidu intends to eventual expand into other Asian markets as well as Europe and the United States. The engine holds the largest market share in China.
Posted by Frank Watson at 11:19 AM | Permalink
December 10, 2006
Baidu Starts Chinese Blog Search EngineChinese search engine giant Baidu has launched a blog search engine - the first in the China. Nearly 20 million people blog in Chinese.
The new blog engine launched on Thursday, according to the People's Daily Online. China has 1,460 blog services. Qzone has the most bloggers followed by Sina.com, MSN Spaces and Sohu.com.
Posted by Frank Watson at 8:21 AM | Permalink
November 22, 2006
Baidu Wins Copyright Case Against Music CompaniesMelanie Colburn writes that Music Labels Lose Copyright Suit Against Baidu, which started back when Five Music Companies Sue Baidu in September of 2005. Baidu was previously ordered to stop these music downloads but it appears the ruling was overturned because all Baidu is providing are links to 3rd party sites that facilitate the music downloads, whereas Baidu does not participate in the downloads themselves. More details at the BBC News.
Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:37 AM | Permalink
September 18, 2006
Baidu Holds 62% Share In ChinaLinuxWorld reports that Baidu, the Chinese search engine, has 62.1 percent share based on a China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC) report. That is up 10 points from 52 percent in 2005. In terms of brand recognition in China, 86.5 percent identifying with the name "Baidu," where only 64 percent identifying with the name "Google" in China. The study does state that 76.3 percent use more than one search engine regularly. The article everyone is buzzing about is a NY Times article named The Rise of Baidu (That’s Chinese for Google), it really does make for a good read.
Posted by Barry Schwartz at 8:53 AM | Permalink
July 27, 2006
Baidu To Be Default Engine On All HP Computers Ship To ChinaPhilipp Lenssen reports that Baidu, the popular Chinese search engine, will be the default search engine on all new HP's shipped to China after October 2006. As Philipp notes, this is bad for Google who has been pushing hard into the Chinese market. Today the Wall Street Journal reports that Baidu's second-quarter earnings were very high, "but didn't meet some investors' higher expectations."
Posted by Barry Schwartz at 11:44 AM | Permalink
June 22, 2006
Google Disposes Of Stake In BaiduReuters reports that Google has sold its "modest investment in Baidu." Google owned about two-percent of Baidu.com, worth about $63 million, and "disposed" of that investment on May 25th. Google spokesperson, Debbie Frost said, "It has always been our goal to grow our own successful business in China and we are very focused on that."
Posted by Barry Schwartz at 3:13 PM | Permalink
Google Disposes Of Stake In BaiduReuters reports that Google has sold its "modest investment in Baidu." Google owned about two-percent of Baidu.com, worth about $63 million, and "disposed" of that investment on May 25th. Google spokesperson, Debbie Frost said, "It has always been our goal to grow our own successful business in China and we are very focused on that."
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:13 PM | Permalink
Google Disposes Of Stake In BaiduReuters reports that Google has sold its "modest investment in Baidu." Google owned about two-percent of Baidu.com, worth about $63 million, and "disposed" of that investment on May 25th. Google spokesperson, Debbie Frost said, "It has always been our goal to grow our own successful business in China and we are very focused on that."
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:13 PM | Permalink
Google Disposes Of Stake In BaiduReuters reports that Google has sold its "modest investment in Baidu." Google owned about two-percent of Baidu.com, worth about $63 million, and "disposed" of that investment on May 25th. Google spokesperson, Debbie Frost said, "It has always been our goal to grow our own successful business in China and we are very focused on that."
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 3:13 PM | Permalink
June 6, 2006
Baidu, Chinese Search Engine TV AdBaidu, the Chinese based search engine, launched a crazy new TV commercial. The commercial was translated and posted over at Valleywag and can also be watched at YouTube or use the window below:
The commercial has an ending tag line that reads something like; "with Baidu, you can 'find' whoever you want to search for."
Posted by Barry Schwartz at 9:26 AM | Permalink
Baidu, Chinese Search Engine TV AdBaidu, the Chinese based search engine, launched a crazy new TV commercial. The commercial was translated and posted over at Valleywag and can also be watched at YouTube or use the window below:
The commercial has an ending tag line that reads something like; "with Baidu, you can 'find' whoever you want to search for."
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:26 AM | Permalink
Baidu, Chinese Search Engine TV AdBaidu, the Chinese based search engine, launched a crazy new TV commercial. The commercial was translated and posted over at Valleywag and can also be watched at YouTube or use the window below:
The commercial has an ending tag line that reads something like; "with Baidu, you can 'find' whoever you want to search for."
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:26 AM | Permalink
Baidu, Chinese Search Engine TV AdBaidu, the Chinese based search engine, launched a crazy new TV commercial. The commercial was translated and posted over at Valleywag and can also be watched at YouTube or use the window below:
The commercial has an ending tag line that reads something like; "with Baidu, you can 'find' whoever you want to search for."
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 9:26 AM | Permalink
January 18, 2006
Report: Chinese Searchers Prefer Google Over Homegrown BaiduKeynote Systems, a research firm that does annual studies of North American searchers and their satisfaction with search engines, has released its first report on the preferences of Chinese searchers. Looking at a number of different criteria the study ranked user satisfaction with four major search players in China: Alibaba/Yahoo!, Baidu, Google China and Sohu/Sogou, and concluded that Google was the favorite, despite trailing Baidu in market share. Today's SearchDay article, Study: Google #1 in China, has the details.
Posted by Chris Sherman at 11:02 AM | Permalink
Report: Chinese Searchers Prefer Google Over Homegrown BaiduKeynote Systems, a research firm that does annual studies of North American searchers and their satisfaction with search engines, has released its first report on the preferences of Chinese searchers. Looking at a number of different criteria the study ranked user satisfaction with four major search players in China: Alibaba/Yahoo!, Baidu, Google China and Sohu/Sogou, and concluded that Google was the favorite, despite trailing Baidu in market share. Today's SearchDay article, Study: Google #1 in China, has the details.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:02 AM | Permalink
Report: Chinese Searchers Prefer Google Over Homegrown BaiduKeynote Systems, a research firm that does annual studies of North American searchers and their satisfaction with search engines, has released its first report on the preferences of Chinese searchers. Looking at a number of different criteria the study ranked user satisfaction with four major search players in China: Alibaba/Yahoo!, Baidu, Google China and Sohu/Sogou, and concluded that Google was the favorite, despite trailing Baidu in market share. Today's SearchDay article, Study: Google #1 in China, has the details.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:02 AM | Permalink
Report: Chinese Searchers Prefer Google Over Homegrown BaiduKeynote Systems, a research firm that does annual studies of North American searchers and their satisfaction with search engines, has released its first report on the preferences of Chinese searchers. Looking at a number of different criteria the study ranked user satisfaction with four major search players in China: Alibaba/Yahoo!, Baidu, Google China and Sohu/Sogou, and concluded that Google was the favorite, despite trailing Baidu in market share. Today's SearchDay article, Study: Google #1 in China, has the details.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:02 AM | Permalink
September 20, 2005
Baidu Ordered To Stop Music DownloadsBaidu ordered to halt music downloading service from Reuters covers Chinese search engine Baidu being ordered by a Chinese court to stop providing music downloads. Baidu plans to appeal, saying it doesn't provide downloading services but rather search services. Music search is a chief driver of Baidu's popularity, as I've written recently. If it's not even allowed to offer music searching, that's likely to put a major crimp in its growth. Five Music Companies Sue Baidu covers other companies that have suits filed against Baidu.
Posted by Danny Sullivan at 7:34 AM | Permalink
Baidu Ordered To Stop Music DownloadsBaidu ordered to halt music downloading service from Reuters covers Chinese search engine Baidu being ordered by a Chinese court to stop providing music downloads. Baidu plans to appeal, saying it doesn't provide downloading services but rather search services. Music search is a chief driver of Baidu's popularity, as I've written recently. If it's not even allowed to offer music searching, that's likely to put a major crimp in its growth. Five Music Companies Sue Baidu covers other companies that have suits filed against Baidu.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 7:34 AM | Permalink
Baidu Ordered To Stop Music DownloadsBaidu ordered to halt music downloading service from Reuters covers Chinese search engine Baidu being ordered by a Chinese court to stop providing music downloads. Baidu plans to appeal, saying it doesn't provide downloading services but rather search services. Music search is a chief driver of Baidu's popularity, as I've written recently. If it's not even allowed to offer music searching, that's likely to put a major crimp in its growth. Five Music Companies Sue Baidu covers other companies that have suits filed against Baidu.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 7:34 AM | Permalink
Baidu Ordered To Stop Music DownloadsBaidu ordered to halt music downloading service from Reuters covers Chinese search engine Baidu being ordered by a Chinese court to stop providing music downloads. Baidu plans to appeal, saying it doesn't provide downloading services but rather search services. Music search is a chief driver of Baidu's popularity, as I've written recently. If it's not even allowed to offer music searching, that's likely to put a major crimp in its growth. Five Music Companies Sue Baidu covers other companies that have suits filed against Baidu.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 7:34 AM | Permalink
September 16, 2005
Five Music Companies Sue BaiduBaidu sued over music downloads from the Hong, from the Hong Kong Standard, reports that several large music companies are suing Chinese search engine Baidu for allegedly making hundreds of songs easily accessible via their MP3 search tool. The companies filing the lawsuit are Universal, EMI, Warner, Sony BMG and their local subsidiaries, Cinepoly, Go East and Gold Label.
What has drawn the industry's ire is the ease with which Internet users can use Baidu's search engine to locate copies of music stored on the Web, even to the point of organizing songs into Top 10 lists by category. When a user clicks on a particular song, the engine provides a direct link to the URL where the file is stored.Since the search process is automatic, Baidu argues that it is simply providing the basic service offered by all search engines, and is not itself involved in any copyright infringement. In addition, it promises to remove the link if a company can prove it owns the right to a song. "This practice is consistent with legal requirements of PRC law," Baidu said last night.
The industry, however, argues that a Chinese court, in an earlier case, ruled MP3 searches were illegal.
Prior to Baidu's IPO, some speculated that copyright issues might be a concern for the company. We also blogged a report about Baidu removing links to thousands of pirated files from their database.
Posted by Gary Price at 10:36 AM | Permalink
Five Music Companies Sue BaiduBaidu sued over music downloads from the Hong, from the Hong Kong Standard, reports that several large music companies are suing Chinese search engine Baidu for allegedly making hundreds of songs easily accessible via their MP3 search tool. The companies filing the lawsuit are Universal, EMI, Warner, Sony BMG and their local subsidiaries, Cinepoly, Go East and Gold Label.
What has drawn the industry's ire is the ease with which Internet users can use Baidu's search engine to locate copies of music stored on the Web, even to the point of organizing songs into Top 10 lists by category. When a user clicks on a particular song, the engine provides a direct link to the URL where the file is stored.Since the search process is automatic, Baidu argues that it is simply providing the basic service offered by all search engines, and is not itself involved in any copyright infringement. In addition, it promises to remove the link if a company can prove it owns the right to a song. "This practice is consistent with legal requirements of PRC law," Baidu said last night.
The industry, however, argues that a Chinese court, in an earlier case, ruled MP3 searches were illegal.
Prior to Baidu's IPO, some speculated that copyright issues might be a concern for the company. We also blogged a report about Baidu removing links to thousands of pirated files from their database.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:36 AM | Permalink
Five Music Companies Sue BaiduBaidu sued over music downloads from the Hong, from the Hong Kong Standard, reports that several large music companies are suing Chinese search engine Baidu for allegedly making hundreds of songs easily accessible via their MP3 search tool. The companies filing the lawsuit are Universal, EMI, Warner, Sony BMG and their local subsidiaries, Cinepoly, Go East and Gold Label.
What has drawn the industry's ire is the ease with which Internet users can use Baidu's search engine to locate copies of music stored on the Web, even to the point of organizing songs into Top 10 lists by category. When a user clicks on a particular song, the engine provides a direct link to the URL where the file is stored.Since the search process is automatic, Baidu argues that it is simply providing the basic service offered by all search engines, and is not itself involved in any copyright infringement. In addition, it promises to remove the link if a company can prove it owns the right to a song. "This practice is consistent with legal requirements of PRC law," Baidu said last night.
The industry, however, argues that a Chinese court, in an earlier case, ruled MP3 searches were illegal.
Prior to Baidu's IPO, some speculated that copyright issues might be a concern for the company. We also blogged a report about Baidu removing links to thousands of pirated files from their database.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:36 AM | Permalink
Five Music Companies Sue BaiduBaidu sued over music downloads from the Hong, from the Hong Kong Standard, reports that several large music companies are suing Chinese search engine Baidu for allegedly making hundreds of songs easily accessible via their MP3 search tool. The companies filing the lawsuit are Universal, EMI, Warner, Sony BMG and their local subsidiaries, Cinepoly, Go East and Gold Label.
What has drawn the industry's ire is the ease with which Internet users can use Baidu's search engine to locate copies of music stored on the Web, even to the point of organizing songs into Top 10 lists by category. When a user clicks on a particular song, the engine provides a direct link to the URL where the file is stored.Since the search process is automatic, Baidu argues that it is simply providing the basic service offered by all search engines, and is not itself involved in any copyright infringement. In addition, it promises to remove the link if a company can prove it owns the right to a song. "This practice is consistent with legal requirements of PRC law," Baidu said last night.
The industry, however, argues that a Chinese court, in an earlier case, ruled MP3 searches were illegal.
Prior to Baidu's IPO, some speculated that copyright issues might be a concern for the company. We also blogged a report about Baidu removing links to thousands of pirated files from their database.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:36 AM | Permalink
September 6, 2005
Google's China Situation Better Than You Might Think -- And Other China Search NewsThe China Internet Network Information Center has released a new China Online Search Market Survey Report (PDF file) outlining the search market in China that's well worth a read. And despite headlines you may have seen from this report that painted a gloomy picture for Google, actually reading the report makes me think Google's much better off than you might think.
Let's do some headlines first:
The conventional wisdom from limited research released previously on search in China has put home grown search engine Baidu as the category leader. However, when you drill down into this recent report, you find that in specific types of searches, Google probably has the healthier outlook. IE, Baidu may lead with those interested in downloading music, but for those seeking things like shopping and business information, Google is very strong.
Let's dive in with the report's breakdown of the Beijing market share:
- Baidu: 51.5%
- Google: 32.9%
- Sohu: 4.6%
- Sina: 4.0%
- Yahoo: 3.7%
- Others: 3.3%
Market shares for Shanghai and Guangzhou are also listed, but the figures aren't super radically different, so I didn't make a chart up showing all of them side-by-side. Mainly, Baidu slips below the 50 percent mark for these other cities but is still the leader. Google always holds at a healthy second. Yahoo (which can mean 3721, Yisou, Yahoo China or Yahoo anywhere) comes up into third place.
Some important caveats on the figures, however. The report says:
- A search engine's market share is determined by the number of users who use that particular search engine as their only or primary one, divided by the number of total users.
- "Baidu users" refers to those who use Baidu as their only or primary search engine, and so on.
In other words (as I read it), if someone said that "Baidu" was their primary search engine, then that person counts entirely toward Baidu regardless of whether they also use Google, Sohu or another service. That produces a skew to the data. You obviously want to be the first choice of users, but it could be that for particular types of searches, another search engine might rank better than for the overall totals.
To me, a better way of looking at search market share is to look at actual volume of searches. Our pages for stats from NetRatings, Hitwise and comScore all have figures using this type of basis along with explanations of why it is important.
In fact, the report notes later that Baidu/Google or Google/Baidu are the most popular combinations for searchers, making up 55 percent of those who use two or more search engines.
The report also has a chart showing popularity of search engine by those brand new to searching in the last 6 months. Baidu leads at 48.2 percent, followed by Sohu at 19.6 percent and then Google at 12.5 percent.
There's also a breakdown of what people search for, which is incredibly revealing. More people at Google search for web sites, shopping and business information and reference material than corresponding searchers at Baidu. What's big -- what's powering searches at Baidu? Apparently downloadable music.
In other words, perhaps Baidu is so popular in China because it has served as a type of Napster for the nation. If so, then Google has far less to worry about in the "race" for China, since if these are illegal downloads, it's not a business it wants or can be in. Indeed, just before Baidu went public, it had to act to remove links to pirated music to help sooth copyright concerns.
A chart showing those who use Baidu as their "primary" search engine and Google as "secondary" search engine is fascinating. Baidu "primary" users turn massively to Google for if they can't find their search need (outside of music search) or for undefined "alternative" uses. In contrast, what do those who use Google as their primary search engine depend on at Baidu for their secondary needs? Music search.
A later chart breaks down market share in across a particular vertical segments. In other words, what percentage of all music searchers go to Baidu? A big 74.6 percent. Baidu keeps the majority of searchers also for images and photos (67.8%) and online games (61.0%). After that, it still has more searchers in all but two categories, but the margin over Google is less.
Google wins in the share of those seeking maps, city guides and travel info -- 41.8 percent of searchers to Baidu's 38.8 percent. Google also ties with Baidu for those seeking shopping and business information, 42.5 percent.
There are other Google wins I think are significant. The more money you have, the more likely you are to search with Google. At the highest income level surveyed, those with 5,000 yuan per month (about US $600) or higher, Google has 58.1 percent of the searchers to Baidu's 25.7 percent.
The report summary says that Google's lost market share to Baidu and suggest the worry for Google is that a rising generation might not consider it "cool." But if that's "cool" in terms of downloading free music, Napster's coolness didn't help it thrive. It's not the type a cool that a business may want to be.
My other problem with this is the report showed no historic trends that I can see. Outside of the survey of those brand new to the web, there's no tracking of Google's "lost" share, though I have no reason to doubt Baidu growth in popularity. However, the aforementioned AP article does have some market share increases for Beijing (Baidu up 10 percent) and says Gogole was the largest in all three cities just six months ago, although it too says the report doesn't share figures on this.
Elsewhere in the report are nice overview demographics of searchers in China:
- 86 percent of Beijing's internet users have used online search
- On any day, 38 percent are using search engines, along with frequency of searching
- 40 percent of searchers are students, nearly half of which are in secondary school
- Non student searchers are mostly (62 percent) aged 25-40
- 66 percent of searchers use two or more brand name search engines
- Male/female breakdown of searchers
- Breakdown by education (Google has a whopping 75 percent of users with a doctorate and 50 percent of those with postgraduate degrees. Baidu is the industry leader in all other education categories starting from middle school and including those with 4 year degrees)
For more, the LA Times had an excellent article three weeks ago, "Baidu.com Went From Unknown to No. 1 Search Engine in China" from the LA Times. It was here and is still listed on Google News as if it is there, but now you have to buy here.
The article looked at how the Chinese governments blocking of Google has helped boost Baidu presence in China, suggesting even that Baidu employees might report things the Chinese government might want to block -- an accusation Baidu's CFO said he wasn't aware of. I'd been wondering if blocking like this, however it happened, could have helped with Baidu's rise. Apparently so.
Internet Search Giants Hurry Into Chinese Market from Dow Jones is another nice recent read looking at the growth of the Chinese search marketing and interest in it. A nice refresher, for those wanting to catch up on recent moves.
Meanwhile, Autonomy readies for content wars looks at how enterprise search company Autonomy has partnered with one of China's biggest internet companies to create a news and video search service for the country.
Finally, I mentioned last week the new Chinawhite blog where Shakil Khan -- known as Shak on to those of various search forums -- will be covering news of search out of China. Check it out. And if you want to learn more about Shak, China White from Matt Marshall over at SiliconBeat out today has a great profile of him.
Postscript: You'll find that LA Times article now available free to registered members at the San Jose Mecury News here.Posted by Danny Sullivan at 1:44 PM | Permalink
Google's China Situation Better Than You Might Think -- And Other China Search NewsThe China Internet Network Information Center has released a new China Online Search Market Survey Report (PDF file) outlining the search market in China that's well worth a read. And despite headlines you may have seen from this report that painted a gloomy picture for Google, actually reading the report makes me think Google's much better off than you might think.
Let's do some headlines first:
The conventional wisdom from limited research released previously on search in China has put home grown search engine Baidu as the category leader. However, when you drill down into this recent report, you find that in specific types of searches, Google probably has the healthier outlook. IE, Baidu may lead with those interested in downloading music, but for those seeking things like shopping and business information, Google is very strong.
Let's dive in with the report's breakdown of the Beijing market share:
- Baidu: 51.5%
- Google: 32.9%
- Sohu: 4.6%
- Sina: 4.0%
- Yahoo: 3.7%
- Others: 3.3%
Market shares for Shanghai and Guangzhou are also listed, but the figures aren't super radically different, so I didn't make a chart up showing all of them side-by-side. Mainly, Baidu slips below the 50 percent mark for these other cities but is still the leader. Google always holds at a healthy second. Yahoo (which can mean 3721, Yisou, Yahoo China or Yahoo anywhere) comes up into third place.
Some important caveats on the figures, however. The report says:
- A search engine's market share is determined by the number of users who use that particular search engine as their only or primary one, divided by the number of total users.
- "Baidu users" refers to those who use Baidu as their only or primary search engine, and so on.
In other words (as I read it), if someone said that "Baidu" was their primary search engine, then that person counts entirely toward Baidu regardless of whether they also use Google, Sohu or another service. That produces a skew to the data. You obviously want to be the first choice of users, but it could be that for particular types of searches, another search engine might rank better than for the overall totals.
To me, a better way of looking at search market share is to look at actual volume of searches. Our pages for stats from NetRatings, Hitwise and comScore all have figures using this type of basis along with explanations of why it is important.
In fact, the report notes later that Baidu/Google or Google/Baidu are the most popular combinations for searchers, making up 55 percent of those who use two or more search engines.
The report also has a chart showing popularity of search engine by those brand new to searching in the last 6 months. Baidu leads at 48.2 percent, followed by Sohu at 19.6 percent and then Google at 12.5 percent.
There's also a breakdown of what people search for, which is incredibly revealing. More people at Google search for web sites, shopping and business information and reference material than corresponding searchers at Baidu. What's big -- what's powering searches at Baidu? Apparently downloadable music.
In other words, perhaps Baidu is so popular in China because it has served as a type of Napster for the nation. If so, then Google has far less to worry about in the "race" for China, since if these are illegal downloads, it's not a business it wants or can be in. Indeed, just before Baidu went public, it had to act to remove links to pirated music to help sooth copyright concerns.
A chart showing those who use Baidu as their "primary" search engine and Google as "secondary" search engine is fascinating. Baidu "primary" users turn massively to Google for if they can't find their search need (outside of music search) or for undefined "alternative" uses. In contrast, what do those who use Google as their primary search engine depend on at Baidu for their secondary needs? Music search.
A later chart breaks down market share in across a particular vertical segments. In other words, what percentage of all music searchers go to Baidu? A big 74.6 percent. Baidu keeps the majority of searchers also for images and photos (67.8%) and online games (61.0%). After that, it still has more searchers in all but two categories, but the margin over Google is less.
Google wins in the share of those seeking maps, city guides and travel info -- 41.8 percent of searchers to Baidu's 38.8 percent. Google also ties with Baidu for those seeking shopping and business information, 42.5 percent.
There are other Google wins I think are significant. The more money you have, the more likely you are to search with Google. At the highest income level surveyed, those with 5,000 yuan per month (about US $600) or higher, Google has 58.1 percent of the searchers to Baidu's 25.7 percent.
The report summary says that Google's lost market share to Baidu and suggest the worry for Google is that a rising generation might not consider it "cool." But if that's "cool" in terms of downloading free music, Napster's coolness didn't help it thrive. It's not the type a cool that a business may want to be.
My other problem with this is the report showed no historic trends that I can see. Outside of the survey of those brand new to the web, there's no tracking of Google's "lost" share, though I have no reason to doubt Baidu growth in popularity. However, the aforementioned AP article does have some market share increases for Beijing (Baidu up 10 percent) and says Gogole was the largest in all three cities just six months ago, although it too says the report doesn't share figures on this.
Elsewhere in the report are nice overview demographics of searchers in China:
- 86 percent of Beijing's internet users have used online search
- On any day, 38 percent are using search engines, along with frequency of searching
- 40 percent of searchers are students, nearly half of which are in secondary school
- Non student searchers are mostly (62 percent) aged 25-40
- 66 percent of searchers use two or more brand name search engines
- Male/female breakdown of searchers
- Breakdown by education (Google has a whopping 75 percent of users with a doctorate and 50 percent of those with postgraduate degrees. Baidu is the industry leader in all other education categories starting from middle school and including those with 4 year degrees)
For more, the LA Times had an excellent article three weeks ago, "Baidu.com Went From Unknown to No. 1 Search Engine in China" from the LA Times. It was here and is still listed on Google News as if it is there, but now you have to buy here.
The article looked at how the Chinese governments blocking of Google has helped boost Baidu presence in China, suggesting even that Baidu employees might report things the Chinese government might want to block -- an accusation Baidu's CFO said he wasn't aware of. I'd been wondering if blocking like this, however it happened, could have helped with Baidu's rise. Apparently so.
Internet Search Giants Hurry Into Chinese Market from Dow Jones is another nice recent read looking at the growth of the Chinese search marketing and interest in it. A nice refresher, for those wanting to catch up on recent moves.
Meanwhile, Autonomy readies for content wars looks at how enterprise search company Autonomy has partnered with one of China's biggest internet companies to create a news and video search service for the country.
Finally, I mentioned last week the new Chinawhite blog where Shakil Khan -- known as Shak on to those of various search forums -- will be covering news of search out of China. Check it out. And if you want to learn more about Shak, China White from Matt Marshall over at SiliconBeat out today has a great profile of him.
Postscript: You'll find that LA Times article now available free to registered members at the San Jose Mecury News here.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:44 PM | Permalink
Google's China Situation Better Than You Might Think -- And Other China Search NewsThe China Internet Network Information Center has released a new China Online Search Market Survey Report (PDF file) outlining the search market in China that's well worth a read. And despite headlines you may have seen from this report that painted a gloomy picture for Google, actually reading the report makes me think Google's much better off than you might think.
Let's do some headlines first:
The conventional wisdom from limited research released previously on search in China has put home grown search engine Baidu as the category leader. However, when you drill down into this recent report, you find that in specific types of searches, Google probably has the healthier outlook. IE, Baidu may lead with those interested in downloading music, but for those seeking things like shopping and business information, Google is very strong.
Let's dive in with the report's breakdown of the Beijing market share:
- Baidu: 51.5%
- Google: 32.9%
- Sohu: 4.6%
- Sina: 4.0%
- Yahoo: 3.7%
- Others: 3.3%
Market shares for Shanghai and Guangzhou are also listed, but the figures aren't super radically different, so I didn't make a chart up showing all of them side-by-side. Mainly, Baidu slips below the 50 percent mark for these other cities but is still the leader. Google always holds at a healthy second. Yahoo (which can mean 3721, Yisou, Yahoo China or Yahoo anywhere) comes up into third place.
Some important caveats on the figures, however. The report says:
- A search engine's market share is determined by the number of users who use that particular search engine as their only or primary one, divided by the number of total users.
- "Baidu users" refers to those who use Baidu as their only or primary search engine, and so on.
In other words (as I read it), if someone said that "Baidu" was their primary search engine, then that person counts entirely toward Baidu regardless of whether they also use Google, Sohu or another service. That produces a skew to the data. You obviously want to be the first choice of users, but it could be that for particular types of searches, another search engine might rank better than for the overall totals.
To me, a better way of looking at search market share is to look at actual volume of searches. Our pages for stats from NetRatings, Hitwise and comScore all have figures using this type of basis along with explanations of why it is important.
In fact, the report notes later that Baidu/Google or Google/Baidu are the most popular combinations for searchers, making up 55 percent of those who use two or more search engines.
The report also has a chart showing popularity of search engine by those brand new to searching in the last 6 months. Baidu leads at 48.2 percent, followed by Sohu at 19.6 percent and then Google at 12.5 percent.
There's also a breakdown of what people search for, which is incredibly revealing. More people at Google search for web sites, shopping and business information and reference material than corresponding searchers at Baidu. What's big -- what's powering searches at Baidu? Apparently downloadable music.
In other words, perhaps Baidu is so popular in China because it has served as a type of Napster for the nation. If so, then Google has far less to worry about in the "race" for China, since if these are illegal downloads, it's not a business it wants or can be in. Indeed, just before Baidu went public, it had to act to remove links to pirated music to help sooth copyright concerns.
A chart showing those who use Baidu as their "primary" search engine and Google as "secondary" search engine is fascinating. Baidu "primary" users turn massively to Google for if they can't find their search need (outside of music search) or for undefined "alternative" uses. In contrast, what do those who use Google as their primary search engine depend on at Baidu for their secondary needs? Music search.
A later chart breaks down market share in across a particular vertical segments. In other words, what percentage of all music searchers go to Baidu? A big 74.6 percent. Baidu keeps the majority of searchers also for images and photos (67.8%) and online games (61.0%). After that, it still has more searchers in all but two categories, but the margin over Google is less.
Google wins in the share of those seeking maps, city guides and travel info -- 41.8 percent of searchers to Baidu's 38.8 percent. Google also ties with Baidu for those seeking shopping and business information, 42.5 percent.
There are other Google wins I think are significant. The more money you have, the more likely you are to search with Google. At the highest income level surveyed, those with 5,000 yuan per month (about US $600) or higher, Google has 58.1 percent of the searchers to Baidu's 25.7 percent.
The report summary says that Google's lost market share to Baidu and suggest the worry for Google is that a rising generation might not consider it "cool." But if that's "cool" in terms of downloading free music, Napster's coolness didn't help it thrive. It's not the type a cool that a business may want to be.
My other problem with this is the report showed no historic trends that I can see. Outside of the survey of those brand new to the web, there's no tracking of Google's "lost" share, though I have no reason to doubt Baidu growth in popularity. However, the aforementioned AP article does have some market share increases for Beijing (Baidu up 10 percent) and says Gogole was the largest in all three cities just six months ago, although it too says the report doesn't share figures on this.
Elsewhere in the report are nice overview demographics of searchers in China:
- 86 percent of Beijing's internet users have used online search
- On any day, 38 percent are using search engines, along with frequency of searching
- 40 percent of searchers are students, nearly half of which are in secondary school
- Non student searchers are mostly (62 percent) aged 25-40
- 66 percent of searchers use two or more brand name search engines
- Male/female breakdown of searchers
- Breakdown by education (Google has a whopping 75 percent of users with a doctorate and 50 percent of those with postgraduate degrees. Baidu is the industry leader in all other education categories starting from middle school and including those with 4 year degrees)
For more, the LA Times had an excellent article three weeks ago, "Baidu.com Went From Unknown to No. 1 Search Engine in China" from the LA Times. It was here and is still listed on Google News as if it is there, but now you have to buy here.
The article looked at how the Chinese governments blocking of Google has helped boost Baidu presence in China, suggesting even that Baidu employees might report things the Chinese government might want to block -- an accusation Baidu's CFO said he wasn't aware of. I'd been wondering if blocking like this, however it happened, could have helped with Baidu's rise. Apparently so.
Internet Search Giants Hurry Into Chinese Market from Dow Jones is another nice recent read looking at the growth of the Chinese search marketing and interest in it. A nice refresher, for those wanting to catch up on recent moves.
Meanwhile, Autonomy readies for content wars looks at how enterprise search company Autonomy has partnered with one of China's biggest internet companies to create a news and video search service for the country.
Finally, I mentioned last week the new Chinawhite blog where Shakil Khan -- known as Shak on to those of various search forums -- will be covering news of search out of China. Check it out. And if you want to learn more about Shak, China White from Matt Marshall over at SiliconBeat out today has a great profile of him.
Postscript: You'll find that LA Times article now available free to registered members at the San Jose Mecury News here.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:44 PM | Permalink
Google's China Situation Better Than You Might Think -- And Other China Search NewsThe China Internet Network Information Center has released a new China Online Search Market Survey Report (PDF file) outlining the search market in China that's well worth a read. And despite headlines you may have seen from this report that painted a gloomy picture for Google, actually reading the report makes me think Google's much better off than you might think.
Let's do some headlines first:
The conventional wisdom from limited research released previously on search in China has put home grown search engine Baidu as the category leader. However, when you drill down into this recent report, you find that in specific types of searches, Google probably has the healthier outlook. IE, Baidu may lead with those interested in downloading music, but for those seeking things like shopping and business information, Google is very strong.
Let's dive in with the report's breakdown of the Beijing market share:
- Baidu: 51.5%
- Google: 32.9%
- Sohu: 4.6%
- Sina: 4.0%
- Yahoo: 3.7%
- Others: 3.3%
Market shares for Shanghai and Guangzhou are also listed, but the figures aren't super radically different, so I didn't make a chart up showing all of them side-by-side. Mainly, Baidu slips below the 50 percent mark for these other cities but is still the leader. Google always holds at a healthy second. Yahoo (which can mean 3721, Yisou, Yahoo China or Yahoo anywhere) comes up into third place.
Some important caveats on the figures, however. The report says:
- A search engine's market share is determined by the number of users who use that particular search engine as their only or primary one, divided by the number of total users.
- "Baidu users" refers to those who use Baidu as their only or primary search engine, and so on.
In other words (as I read it), if someone said that "Baidu" was their primary search engine, then that person counts entirely toward Baidu regardless of whether they also use Google, Sohu or another service. That produces a skew to the data. You obviously want to be the first choice of users, but it could be that for particular types of searches, another search engine might rank better than for the overall totals.
To me, a better way of looking at search market share is to look at actual volume of searches. Our pages for stats from NetRatings, Hitwise and comScore all have figures using this type of basis along with explanations of why it is important.
In fact, the report notes later that Baidu/Google or Google/Baidu are the most popular combinations for searchers, making up 55 percent of those who use two or more search engines.
The report also has a chart showing popularity of search engine by those brand new to searching in the last 6 months. Baidu leads at 48.2 percent, followed by Sohu at 19.6 percent and then Google at 12.5 percent.
There's also a breakdown of what people search for, which is incredibly revealing. More people at Google search for web sites, shopping and business information and reference material than corresponding searchers at Baidu. What's big -- what's powering searches at Baidu? Apparently downloadable music.
In other words, perhaps Baidu is so popular in China because it has served as a type of Napster for the nation. If so, then Google has far less to worry about in the "race" for China, since if these are illegal downloads, it's not a business it wants or can be in. Indeed, just before Baidu went public, it had to act to remove links to pirated music to help sooth copyright concerns.
A chart showing those who use Baidu as their "primary" search engine and Google as "secondary" search engine is fascinating. Baidu "primary" users turn massively to Google for if they can't find their search need (outside of music search) or for undefined "alternative" uses. In contrast, what do those who use Google as their primary search engine depend on at Baidu for their secondary needs? Music search.
A later chart breaks down market share in across a particular vertical segments. In other words, what percentage of all music searchers go to Baidu? A big 74.6 percent. Baidu keeps the majority of searchers also for images and photos (67.8%) and online games (61.0%). After that, it still has more searchers in all but two categories, but the margin over Google is less.
Google wins in the share of those seeking maps, city guides and travel info -- 41.8 percent of searchers to Baidu's 38.8 percent. Google also ties with Baidu for those seeking shopping and business information, 42.5 percent.
There are other Google wins I think are significant. The more money you have, the more likely you are to search with Google. At the highest income level surveyed, those with 5,000 yuan per month (about US $600) or higher, Google has 58.1 percent of the searchers to Baidu's 25.7 percent.
The report summary says that Google's lost market share to Baidu and suggest the worry for Google is that a rising generation might not consider it "cool." But if that's "cool" in terms of downloading free music, Napster's coolness didn't help it thrive. It's not the type a cool that a business may want to be.
My other problem with this is the report showed no historic trends that I can see. Outside of the survey of those brand new to the web, there's no tracking of Google's "lost" share, though I have no reason to doubt Baidu growth in popularity. However, the aforementioned AP article does have some market share increases for Beijing (Baidu up 10 percent) and says Gogole was the largest in all three cities just six months ago, although it too says the report doesn't share figures on this.
Elsewhere in the report are nice overview demographics of searchers in China:
- 86 percent of Beijing's internet users have used online search
- On any day, 38 percent are using search engines, along with frequency of searching
- 40 percent of searchers are students, nearly half of which are in secondary school
- Non student searchers are mostly (62 percent) aged 25-40
- 66 percent of searchers use two or more brand name search engines
- Male/female breakdown of searchers
- Breakdown by education (Google has a whopping 75 percent of users with a doctorate and 50 percent of those with postgraduate degrees. Baidu is the industry leader in all other education categories starting from middle school and including those with 4 year degrees)
For more, the LA Times had an excellent article three weeks ago, "Baidu.com Went From Unknown to No. 1 Search Engine in China" from the LA Times. It was here and is still listed on Google News as if it is there, but now you have to buy here.
The article looked at how the Chinese governments blocking of Google has helped boost Baidu presence in China, suggesting even that Baidu employees might report things the Chinese government might want to block -- an accusation Baidu's CFO said he wasn't aware of. I'd been wondering if blocking like this, however it happened, could have helped with Baidu's rise. Apparently so.
Internet Search Giants Hurry Into Chinese Market from Dow Jones is another nice recent read looking at the growth of the Chinese search marketing and interest in it. A nice refresher, for those wanting to catch up on recent moves.
Meanwhile, Autonomy readies for content wars looks at how enterprise search company Autonomy has partnered with one of China's biggest internet companies to create a news and video search service for the country.
Finally, I mentioned last week the new Chinawhite blog where Shakil Khan -- known as Shak on to those of various search forums -- will be covering news of search out of China. Check it out. And if you want to learn more about Shak, China White from Matt Marshall over at SiliconBeat out today has a great profile of him.
Postscript: You'll find that LA Times article now available free to registered members at the San Jose Mecury News here.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:44 PM | Permalink
August 5, 2005
Baidu.com Goes Public, Shares SoarChinese web search engine Baidu.com (Google is a minority shareholder) went public today with its IPO on NASDAQ. Shares opened at $66 more than tripling the IPO price of $27. As I post this item shares are trading at $92. Also, Baidu's CEO, Robin Li, did not comment on rumors that Google tried to buy the company prior to today's IPO.
In an interview with CNBC, he [Robin Li] said the company is "happy" to have Google as a shareholder and that Baidu.com "will keep its options open" as it moves ahead.Posted by Gary Price at 1:09 PM | Permalink
Baidu.com Goes Public, Shares SoarChinese web search engine Baidu.com (Google is a minority shareholder) went public today with its IPO on NASDAQ. Shares opened at $66 more than tripling the IPO price of $27. As I post this item shares are trading at $92. Also, Baidu's CEO, Robin Li, did not comment on rumors that Google tried to buy the company prior to today's IPO.
In an interview with CNBC, he [Robin Li] said the company is "happy" to have Google as a shareholder and that Baidu.com "will keep its options open" as it moves ahead.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:09 PM | Permalink
Baidu.com Goes Public, Shares SoarChinese web search engine Baidu.com (Google is a minority shareholder) went public today with its IPO on NASDAQ. Shares opened at $66 more than tripling the IPO price of $27. As I post this item shares are trading at $92. Also, Baidu's CEO, Robin Li, did not comment on rumors that Google tried to buy the company prior to today's IPO.
In an interview with CNBC, he [Robin Li] said the company is "happy" to have Google as a shareholder and that Baidu.com "will keep its options open" as it moves ahead.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:09 PM | Permalink
Baidu.com Goes Public, Shares SoarChinese web search engine Baidu.com (Google is a minority shareholder) went public today with its IPO on NASDAQ. Shares opened at $66 more than tripling the IPO price of $27. As I post this item shares are trading at $92. Also, Baidu's CEO, Robin Li, did not comment on rumors that Google tried to buy the company prior to today's IPO.
In an interview with CNBC, he [Robin Li] said the company is "happy" to have Google as a shareholder and that Baidu.com "will keep its options open" as it moves ahead.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:09 PM | Permalink
August 1, 2005
Baidu.com Gets Ready For IPOAlthough a specific date hasn't been set yet, stories about Chinese web search engine Baidu.com, and its upcoming IPO continue to appear. The AP's Joe McDonald does a nice roundup of info about the company.
- The article offers bio details about company founder, Robin Li.
- A definition of the word Baidu.
- The article also mentions that Google owns 2.1% of Baidu.com while Yahoo owns 3721.com, another Chinese search engine.
The article concludes that like the Google home page, the Baidu.com home page is sparse while the 3721.com home page is "busier" like what's seen at Yahoo.com. I wonder if 3721.com also offers a clutter-free page like Yahoo does at search.yahoo.com? (-:
Posted by Gary Price at 1:47 PM | Permalink
Baidu.com Gets Ready For IPOAlthough a specific date hasn't been set yet, stories about Chinese web search engine Baidu.com, and its upcoming IPO continue to appear. The AP's Joe McDonald does a nice roundup of info about the company.
- The article offers bio details about company founder, Robin Li.
- A definition of the word Baidu.
- The article also mentions that Google owns 2.1% of Baidu.com while Yahoo owns 3721.com, another Chinese search engine.
The article concludes that like the Google home page, the Baidu.com home page is sparse while the 3721.com home page is "busier" like what's seen at Yahoo.com. I wonder if 3721.com also offers a clutter-free page like Yahoo does at search.yahoo.com? (-:
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:47 PM | Permalink
Baidu.com Gets Ready For IPOAlthough a specific date hasn't been set yet, stories about Chinese web search engine Baidu.com, and its upcoming IPO continue to appear. The AP's Joe McDonald does a nice roundup of info about the company.
- The article offers bio details about company founder, Robin Li.
- A definition of the word Baidu.
- The article also mentions that Google owns 2.1% of Baidu.com while Yahoo owns 3721.com, another Chinese search engine.
The article concludes that like the Google home page, the Baidu.com home page is sparse while the 3721.com home page is "busier" like what's seen at Yahoo.com. I wonder if 3721.com also offers a clutter-free page like Yahoo does at search.yahoo.com? (-:
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:47 PM | Permalink
Baidu.com Gets Ready For IPOAlthough a specific date hasn't been set yet, stories about Chinese web search engine Baidu.com, and its upcoming IPO continue to appear. The AP's Joe McDonald does a nice roundup of info about the company.
- The article offers bio details about company founder, Robin Li.
- A definition of the word Baidu.
- The article also mentions that Google owns 2.1% of Baidu.com while Yahoo owns 3721.com, another Chinese search engine.
The article concludes that like the Google home page, the Baidu.com home page is sparse while the 3721.com home page is "busier" like what's seen at Yahoo.com. I wonder if 3721.com also offers a clutter-free page like Yahoo does at search.yahoo.com? (-:
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:47 PM | Permalink
July 19, 2005
Baidu Removing Links to Pirated Music Files from DatabaseLast week we blogged about Baidu's IPO announcement and included a link to Matt Marshall's post that included a discussion of possible copyright issues that Baidu might face as a company traded in the US. Apparently copyright concerns were also a major issue for Baidu execs especially after hearing from a music licensing organization. Today, word from Shanghai that Baidu is removing links to as many as 50,000 pirated music files.
R2G Chief Operating Officer Scarlett Li told the newspaper that Baidu had taken out Web links to more than 3,000 music files of a single popular Chinese song alone. She added that the search engine was also looking into links to more than 50,000 files.Posted by Gary Price at 2:01 PM | Permalink
Baidu Removing Links to Pirated Music Files from DatabaseLast week we blogged about Baidu's IPO announcement and included a link to Matt Marshall's post that included a discussion of possible copyright issues that Baidu might face as a company traded in the US. Apparently copyright concerns were also a major issue for Baidu execs especially after hearing from a music licensing organization. Today, word from Shanghai that Baidu is removing links to as many as 50,000 pirated music files.
R2G Chief Operating Officer Scarlett Li told the newspaper that Baidu had taken out Web links to more than 3,000 music files of a single popular Chinese song alone. She added that the search engine was also looking into links to more than 50,000 files.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:01 PM | Permalink
Baidu Removing Links to Pirated Music Files from DatabaseLast week we blogged about Baidu's IPO announcement and included a link to Matt Marshall's post that included a discussion of possible copyright issues that Baidu might face as a company traded in the US. Apparently copyright concerns were also a major issue for Baidu execs especially after hearing from a music licensing organization. Today, word from Shanghai that Baidu is removing links to as many as 50,000 pirated music files.
R2G Chief Operating Officer Scarlett Li told the newspaper that Baidu had taken out Web links to more than 3,000 music files of a single popular Chinese song alone. She added that the search engine was also looking into links to more than 50,000 files.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:01 PM | Permalink
Baidu Removing Links to Pirated Music Files from DatabaseLast week we blogged about Baidu's IPO announcement and included a link to Matt Marshall's post that included a discussion of possible copyright issues that Baidu might face as a company traded in the US. Apparently copyright concerns were also a major issue for Baidu execs especially after hearing from a music licensing organization. Today, word from Shanghai that Baidu is removing links to as many as 50,000 pirated music files.
R2G Chief Operating Officer Scarlett Li told the newspaper that Baidu had taken out Web links to more than 3,000 music files of a single popular Chinese song alone. She added that the search engine was also looking into links to more than 50,000 files.Posted by Kevin Heisler at 2:01 PM | Permalink
July 13, 2005
Chinese Search Company Baidu Files for NASDAQ IPOBaidu files to go public on Nasdaq from SiliconBeat covers Chinese search provider Baidu filing for an IPO on the NASDAQ. The company hopes to raise $80 million with the offering. SiliconBeat's post also contains links to the prospectus and some discussion about what US copyright laws, if any, Baidu might be subject to regarding music downloads.
Google is a minority investor in Baidu, and its interest was covered recently in our Google CEO Schmidt Visits China Interest In Baidu Buyout? post. Other related posts from us are Local Search Goes to China and Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search Engine.
See also Baidu.com, China's Market Share Search Engine Leader, Files for NASDAQ IPO with U.S. SEC (hat tip, Shak) for more background on Baidu, including cofounder Robin Li's Infoseek roots.
Posted by Gary Price at 12:41 PM | Permalink
Chinese Search Company Baidu Files for NASDAQ IPOBaidu files to go public on Nasdaq from SiliconBeat covers Chinese search provider Baidu filing for an IPO on the NASDAQ. The company hopes to raise $80 million with the offering. SiliconBeat's post also contains links to the prospectus and some discussion about what US copyright laws, if any, Baidu might be subject to regarding music downloads.
Google is a minority investor in Baidu, and its interest was covered recently in our Google CEO Schmidt Visits China Interest In Baidu Buyout? post. Other related posts from us are Local Search Goes to China and Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search Engine.
See also Baidu.com, China's Market Share Search Engine Leader, Files for NASDAQ IPO with U.S. SEC (hat tip, Shak) for more background on Baidu, including cofounder Robin Li's Infoseek roots.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:41 PM | Permalink
Chinese Search Company Baidu Files for NASDAQ IPOBaidu files to go public on Nasdaq from SiliconBeat covers Chinese search provider Baidu filing for an IPO on the NASDAQ. The company hopes to raise $80 million with the offering. SiliconBeat's post also contains links to the prospectus and some discussion about what US copyright laws, if any, Baidu might be subject to regarding music downloads.
Google is a minority investor in Baidu, and its interest was covered recently in our Google CEO Schmidt Visits China Interest In Baidu Buyout? post. Other related posts from us are Local Search Goes to China and Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search Engine.
See also Baidu.com, China's Market Share Search Engine Leader, Files for NASDAQ IPO with U.S. SEC (hat tip, Shak) for more background on Baidu, including cofounder Robin Li's Infoseek roots.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:41 PM | Permalink
Chinese Search Company Baidu Files for NASDAQ IPOBaidu files to go public on Nasdaq from SiliconBeat covers Chinese search provider Baidu filing for an IPO on the NASDAQ. The company hopes to raise $80 million with the offering. SiliconBeat's post also contains links to the prospectus and some discussion about what US copyright laws, if any, Baidu might be subject to regarding music downloads.
Google is a minority investor in Baidu, and its interest was covered recently in our Google CEO Schmidt Visits China Interest In Baidu Buyout? post. Other related posts from us are Local Search Goes to China and Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search Engine.
See also Baidu.com, China's Market Share Search Engine Leader, Files for NASDAQ IPO with U.S. SEC (hat tip, Shak) for more background on Baidu, including cofounder Robin Li's Infoseek roots.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:41 PM | Permalink
July 7, 2005
China News For Google, Baidu & YahooLots of news in terms of China and search, ranging from Google perhaps eyeing Baidu, Baidu saying it's happy staying independent and Yahoo China losing its president.
Google facing search engine China quandary from the San Jose Mercury News looks anew at reasons why Google might be interested in owning more of the homegrown and apparently popular Baidu search engine. Google has a 4 percent share now. Gaining more might give Google access to Baidu advertisers, or perhaps more distribution for its own existing ads or perhaps give it a way to reach more of China without having to impose censorship on its own web search results at Google.
Meanwhile, Baidu makes first response to Google purchase rumor from the People's Online Daily has Baidu saying that it "belives independent development is its best way out."
Yahoo China President offers sudden resignation, also from the People's Online Daily, covers the departure of Yahoo China's president.
Posted by Danny Sullivan at 10:48 AM | Permalink
China News For Google, Baidu & YahooLots of news in terms of China and search, ranging from Google perhaps eyeing Baidu, Baidu saying it's happy staying independent and Yahoo China losing its president.
Google facing search engine China quandary from the San Jose Mercury News looks anew at reasons why Google might be interested in owning more of the homegrown and apparently popular Baidu search engine. Google has a 4 percent share now. Gaining more might give Google access to Baidu advertisers, or perhaps more distribution for its own existing ads or perhaps give it a way to reach more of China without having to impose censorship on its own web search results at Google.
Meanwhile, Baidu makes first response to Google purchase rumor from the People's Online Daily has Baidu saying that it "belives independent development is its best way out."
Yahoo China President offers sudden resignation, also from the People's Online Daily, covers the departure of Yahoo China's president.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:48 AM | Permalink
China News For Google, Baidu & YahooLots of news in terms of China and search, ranging from Google perhaps eyeing Baidu, Baidu saying it's happy staying independent and Yahoo China losing its president.
Google facing search engine China quandary from the San Jose Mercury News looks anew at reasons why Google might be interested in owning more of the homegrown and apparently popular Baidu search engine. Google has a 4 percent share now. Gaining more might give Google access to Baidu advertisers, or perhaps more distribution for its own existing ads or perhaps give it a way to reach more of China without having to impose censorship on its own web search results at Google.
Meanwhile, Baidu makes first response to Google purchase rumor from the People's Online Daily has Baidu saying that it "belives independent development is its best way out."
Yahoo China President offers sudden resignation, also from the People's Online Daily, covers the departure of Yahoo China's president.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:48 AM | Permalink
China News For Google, Baidu & YahooLots of news in terms of China and search, ranging from Google perhaps eyeing Baidu, Baidu saying it's happy staying independent and Yahoo China losing its president.
Google facing search engine China quandary from the San Jose Mercury News looks anew at reasons why Google might be interested in owning more of the homegrown and apparently popular Baidu search engine. Google has a 4 percent share now. Gaining more might give Google access to Baidu advertisers, or perhaps more distribution for its own existing ads or perhaps give it a way to reach more of China without having to impose censorship on its own web search results at Google.
Meanwhile, Baidu makes first response to Google purchase rumor from the People's Online Daily has Baidu saying that it "belives independent development is its best way out."
Yahoo China President offers sudden resignation, also from the People's Online Daily, covers the departure of Yahoo China's president.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 10:48 AM | Permalink
July 5, 2005
Google CEO Schmidt Visits China; Interest In Baidu Buyout?Google hovers as Baidu readies IPO from TheDeal.com covers how Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been spotted recently in China meeting with officials of the Chinese Baidu search engine. Google owns a 4 percent stake of that service, which is to be the most used in the country. Google confirms he was there but wouldn't say the visit revolved around buying more of Baidu or another homegrown service. Figures on popularity I've seen seem to come primarily from research service iResearch. The free report they provide on the search market in China for 2004 doesn't show these figures. They may be in the paid version. This article says Baidu has 33 percent of the search marketing in China, "outpacing" any other competitors. But Google's listed not that far back in third place, at 22 percent. Second place isn't cited.
Posted by Danny Sullivan at 11:15 AM | Permalink
Google CEO Schmidt Visits China; Interest In Baidu Buyout?Google hovers as Baidu readies IPO from TheDeal.com covers how Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been spotted recently in China meeting with officials of the Chinese Baidu search engine. Google owns a 4 percent stake of that service, which is to be the most used in the country. Google confirms he was there but wouldn't say the visit revolved around buying more of Baidu or another homegrown service. Figures on popularity I've seen seem to come primarily from research service iResearch. The free report they provide on the search market in China for 2004 doesn't show these figures. They may be in the paid version. This article says Baidu has 33 percent of the search marketing in China, "outpacing" any other competitors. But Google's listed not that far back in third place, at 22 percent. Second place isn't cited.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:15 AM | Permalink
Google CEO Schmidt Visits China; Interest In Baidu Buyout?Google hovers as Baidu readies IPO from TheDeal.com covers how Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been spotted recently in China meeting with officials of the Chinese Baidu search engine. Google owns a 4 percent stake of that service, which is to be the most used in the country. Google confirms he was there but wouldn't say the visit revolved around buying more of Baidu or another homegrown service. Figures on popularity I've seen seem to come primarily from research service iResearch. The free report they provide on the search market in China for 2004 doesn't show these figures. They may be in the paid version. This article says Baidu has 33 percent of the search marketing in China, "outpacing" any other competitors. But Google's listed not that far back in third place, at 22 percent. Second place isn't cited.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:15 AM | Permalink
Google CEO Schmidt Visits China; Interest In Baidu Buyout?Google hovers as Baidu readies IPO from TheDeal.com covers how Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been spotted recently in China meeting with officials of the Chinese Baidu search engine. Google owns a 4 percent stake of that service, which is to be the most used in the country. Google confirms he was there but wouldn't say the visit revolved around buying more of Baidu or another homegrown service. Figures on popularity I've seen seem to come primarily from research service iResearch. The free report they provide on the search market in China for 2004 doesn't show these figures. They may be in the paid version. This article says Baidu has 33 percent of the search marketing in China, "outpacing" any other competitors. But Google's listed not that far back in third place, at 22 percent. Second place isn't cited.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:15 AM | Permalink
April 12, 2005
Local Search Goes to ChinaThe local search boom is truly global in scope.
Baidu.com, the large web search engine from .CN that Google is a minority investor in has announced a partnership deal with the China Telecom Yellow Pages.
Baidu spokesperson Mr. Sheng Bi says, "Shanghai's tele-information center receives over 300,000 phone calls a day, which evidences the enormous need for local search. This partnership will allow Baidu to integrate China Telecom Yellow Page's national business listings into Baidu's local search results, making local search on Baidu more practical and reliable."Hmm, you've got to think that Google Local China and Yahoo Local China are coming soon. Mobile versions too!
More in this news release.
Posted by Gary Price at 1:34 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Local Search Goes to ChinaThe local search boom is truly global in scope.
Baidu.com, the large web search engine from .CN that Google is a minority investor in has announced a partnership deal with the China Telecom Yellow Pages.
Baidu spokesperson Mr. Sheng Bi says, "Shanghai's tele-information center receives over 300,000 phone calls a day, which evidences the enormous need for local search. This partnership will allow Baidu to integrate China Telecom Yellow Page's national business listings into Baidu's local search results, making local search on Baidu more practical and reliable."Hmm, you've got to think that Google Local China and Yahoo Local China are coming soon. Mobile versions too!
More in this news release.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:34 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Local Search Goes to ChinaThe local search boom is truly global in scope.
Baidu.com, the large web search engine from .CN that Google is a minority investor in has announced a partnership deal with the China Telecom Yellow Pages.
Baidu spokesperson Mr. Sheng Bi says, "Shanghai's tele-information center receives over 300,000 phone calls a day, which evidences the enormous need for local search. This partnership will allow Baidu to integrate China Telecom Yellow Page's national business listings into Baidu's local search results, making local search on Baidu more practical and reliable."Hmm, you've got to think that Google Local China and Yahoo Local China are coming soon. Mobile versions too!
More in this news release.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:34 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Local Search Goes to ChinaThe local search boom is truly global in scope.
Baidu.com, the large web search engine from .CN that Google is a minority investor in has announced a partnership deal with the China Telecom Yellow Pages.
Baidu spokesperson Mr. Sheng Bi says, "Shanghai's tele-information center receives over 300,000 phone calls a day, which evidences the enormous need for local search. This partnership will allow Baidu to integrate China Telecom Yellow Page's national business listings into Baidu's local search results, making local search on Baidu more practical and reliable."Hmm, you've got to think that Google Local China and Yahoo Local China are coming soon. Mobile versions too!
More in this news release.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 1:34 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 1, 2005
Another Web Search IPO in the WorksThe Reuters article: China search engine eyes IPO informs us that Chinese search provider Baidu.com has plans for a U.S. IPO sometime this year looking to raise $200 million. In June 2004, Google became a minority investor in Baidu.com.
Posted by Gary Price at 12:05 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Another Web Search IPO in the WorksThe Reuters article: China search engine eyes IPO informs us that Chinese search provider Baidu.com has plans for a U.S. IPO sometime this year looking to raise $200 million. In June 2004, Google became a minority investor in Baidu.com.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:05 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Another Web Search IPO in the WorksThe Reuters article: China search engine eyes IPO informs us that Chinese search provider Baidu.com has plans for a U.S. IPO sometime this year looking to raise $200 million. In June 2004, Google became a minority investor in Baidu.com.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:05 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Another Web Search IPO in the WorksThe Reuters article: China search engine eyes IPO informs us that Chinese search provider Baidu.com has plans for a U.S. IPO sometime this year looking to raise $200 million. In June 2004, Google became a minority investor in Baidu.com.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 12:05 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 15, 2004
Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search EngineA report from ChinaTechNews says that Chinese search engine Baidu is recruiting technical staff, "to research and develop a new search tool for indexing millions of hours of movies."
The news brief does not speculate on how Baidu might use this technology.
In 2004 Google acquired a minority interest in Baidu and as News.com reported less than a a month ago, Google is also developing multimedia search technology.
Posted by Gary Price at 11:23 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search EngineA report from ChinaTechNews says that Chinese search engine Baidu is recruiting technical staff, "to research and develop a new search tool for indexing millions of hours of movies."
The news brief does not speculate on how Baidu might use this technology.
In 2004 Google acquired a minority interest in Baidu and as News.com reported less than a a month ago, Google is also developing multimedia search technology.
Posted by Kevin Heisler at 11:23 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search EngineA report from ChinaTechNews says that Chinese search engine Baidu is recruiting technical staff, "to research and develop a new search tool for indexing millions of hours of movies."
The news brief does not speculate on how Baidu might use this technology.
In 2004 Google acquired a minority interest in Baidu and as News.com reported less than a a month ago, Google is also developing multimedia search technology.
Baidu Beginning Work on a Film Search Engine