Alibaba, a popular Chinese B2B online marketplace, confirmed yesterday that it is planning to launch a wireless IM tool in the near future to join the existing 7 wireless IM service providers.

Redline China believes the decision indicates Alibaba’s plan to push its IM service to the more general public. Alibaba currently operates Ali Wang Wang, which offers IM services mainly for its online marketplace users. However, as the company’s Taobao.com continues to gain popularity, users of its IM tool is also increasing rapidly. The addition of the mobile service is likely to enhance the stickiness and popularity of Ali Wang Wang. Source: 163.com