Wang Ke, head of Chinese internet company Baidu's (Nasdaq: BIDU) strategic partnership department, has disclosed that 25% of search queries on Baidu are LBS-related, up from only 10% in 2008.

Baidu aims to provide an open platform for LBS services focusing on four main areas: cooperation on core functionality, providing a platform for local lifestyle services, selling LBS apps through its app store, and monetizing through advertising.

"Until Baidu has completed the necessary data infrastructure, including 2D and 3D digital content, the company needs to partner with mapping content providers to develop its data platform," said Wang.

Regarding lifestyle services, Baidu will partner with LBS apps and websites to deliver information to users via Baidu's platform.

Baidu will work with business development partners to monetize its app store and share revenues. Baidu's app store already has nearly 100,000 partners.

Baidu will also provide LBS-based mobile advertising, with small platforms and partners eligible to receive a revenue share.

According to Wang, Baidu already covers 95% of China's internet users, and has 200 mln mobile internet users.

Source:marbridgeconsulting