Tencent

Seven Main Services

Originally founded in 1998, TenCent.com has been operating as an internet service provider that provides a wide array of internet products. Bringing close to 650 million users together is accomplished through the company’s seven main lines of business: online media, mobile & telecommunication services, internet services, interactive entertainment, e-commerce, instant messaging and an online advertising service. While these services are available individually, they are combined for many of the online applications.

The online media services offered through TenCent.com provide users access to news coverage in real-time streaming applications. TenCent.com also offers music and video downloads that are incorporated into the entertainment services available. While many of the users may visit TenCent.com websites specifically for the media and entertainment services, these are considered supplemental to the information and knowledge sharing networks. These networks allow for communities of any size to communicate. These communities are also able to trade money and services through the free online trading networks on PaiPai.com, an auction site provided by TenCent.

The instant messaging service is one of Tencent.com’s most popular features because it is versatile and allows users to retain full control over the interface. The IM service, called QQ, allows complete online communication for users, including instant voice chat and video sharing. Users can also share files through an interface that is fairly secure and easy to use.

While network security is a primary concern for online communication, the firewall protection provided to the users lowers the risk of cyber attacks.

Tencent.com also owns and operates the popular internet search engines Soso.com. Soso.com is an unrivaled search engine that allows for website, general, image, music and forum searches. This feature generates a major line of business provided through Tencent.com, and it has proven to be just as influential as QQ, the instant messaging service.