NEWS  Apps  November 25, 2023  Reading time: ~1 minute)

Max (RS editor)

Alibaba Group Holding is spearheading the development of a tailored version of its office communication tool, DingTalk, designed to seamlessly integrate with Huawei Technologies' HarmonyOS platform. The move is a strategic response to Huawei's upcoming plan to discontinue support for Android apps in the next iteration of HarmonyOS, slated for launch next year.

 THE DINGTALK COMPANY LOGO 

As part of this collaborative venture, DingTalk and Huawei are not only focusing on the adaptation of the communication app but are also delving into joint efforts in industrial innovation, technology application, and business development. This collaborative approach aims to foster a comprehensive ecosystem that aligns with the growing demand for digitalization and intelligent technology.

Ye Jun, the president of DingTalk, emphasized the significance of innovative collaboration across the industry chain in the context of digital transformation. This development underscores Alibaba's commitment to reducing dependence on Google's Android and aligning itself with the broader push toward self-reliant operating systems within China.

This strategic move by Alibaba mirrors the broader trend among major Chinese internet companies, including JD.com and Meituan, actively seeking app developers for projects centered around Huawei's proprietary operating system. Since the inception of HarmonyOS in August 2019 as an alternative to Google's Android, Huawei has been navigating challenges stemming from its inclusion in the US government's Entity List, restricting dealings with American suppliers.

Alibaba's proactive adaptation of DingTalk for HarmonyOS signals a pivotal step in fortifying the ecosystem around Huawei's operating system and contributes to the evolving landscape of technology alliances in China.

 IMAGES BY HUAWEI | ALIBABA/DINGTALK