April 27, 2007 10:26 AM
MySpace Goes to China
Top social network site MySpace launches a test version of MySpace China, with the hope of penetrating the Chinese web market. With the world’s second largest internet population, MySpace China’s entry into the Chinese internet market would certainly boost Newscorp’s MySpace’s overall popularity, user based and of course profit. In a Yahoo Tech News report via Associated Press, Luo Chuan, leader of the said joint venture said:
"Based on the MySpace global brand and technology platform, we will develop products and features that are tailored to today's Chinese citizens,"
With this localization of MySpace which is specifically catered to the young Chinese internet users, MySpace followed what other web companies have done when they entered the Chinese market. That is allowing local Chinese companies run the venture by themselves with minimal intervention from the mother company who are based abroad.
This move could probably be a starting point for future expansion in other countries. To do this, MySpace China must establish itself in the local Chinese internet industry and possible face tough local Chinese competitors, such as Wangyou.com. Another prevailing issue that MySpace China must face is also the challenge that will be posed by the conservative Chinese culture which could conflict with MySpace’s liberal populace.
But with the backing up of its U.S. counterpart, I’m sure MySpace China will manage to pull through with its Chinese internet market invasion.
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