Microsoft taps Sina for CNY mobile push

Hong Kong - Microsoft Research Asia has joined hands with Sina to launch a couplet service on mobile phones allowing users to send SMS greetings during the Chinese New Year.

When mobile users send their greetings (couplet sentences) in SMS form to Sina's server running Microsoft's Chinese couplet generation engine, the engine will will automatically build two lines and horizontal scroll bearing an inscription to users in multimedia message service and SMS formats when mobile users send their greetings (couplet sentences) in SMS form. 

According to Microsoft. Sina plans to use Microsoft's core technology to develop its own additional innovations to help make mobile value-added services more personal, interactive and fun for consumers.

Gao Fei Wang, GM of Sina Mobile, said by working directly with Microsoft Research, SINA has been able to expand a web-based technology and make it available for mobile and SMS.

Hsiao Wuen Hon, Baijing-based MD of Microsoft Research Asia, said the collaboration is an important step in working more with companies in China to help develop a more vibrant IT industry.