Beijing, October 24, 2004 – TOM Online (Nasdaq: TOMO; Hong Kong GEM stock code: 8282), a leading mobile Internet company in China, and Luxembourg-based Skype Technologies S.A. announced today they have entered into an agreement to bring to Chinese Internet users a state of the art communication tool and instant messaging service.
Co-branded as TOM-Skype in China, the service will be launched on October 25 solely through TOM Online. Since its launch a little more than a year ago, Skype’s user base has grown rapidly to more than 13 million worldwide, with up to one million concurrent users. Its award-winning software, available to anyone with an Internet connection on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Pocket PC platforms, is easy to use and has superior CD-like, crystal clear voice quality.
“As a pioneer of peer-to-peer technology, Skype is certainly living up to the hype. We are excited to partner with Skype to introduce such cutting-edged technology to Internet users in China.” said Wang Lei Lei, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of TOM Online. “Skype has revolutionized the instant messaging market in the world. I’m sure it would be as popular in China.
“TOM Online is a forward-thinking and innovative company, and their rapid growth is a testament to their management team’s understanding of the Chinese consumers,” said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. “We are honored to join with TOM Online and bring Skype to the Chinese people.”
About TOM Online
TOM Online Inc. (Hong Kong GEM stock code: 8282, NASDAQ stock symbol: TOMO) is a leading mobile internet company in China, operating one of the most successful Internet portals in China (www.tom.com) and offering a wide variety of online and mobile services, including wireless internet and online advertising. In the wireless internet arena, TOM Online provides a diverse range of services such as SMS, MMS and WAP, and is the largest player of wireless interactive voice response services (IVR services). As of June 30, 2004, TOM Online is the only portal in China that enjoyed a top three ranking in every wireless internet service segment.
TOM Online is a subsidiary of TOM Group Limited (“TOM Group”), one of the leading Chinese language media groups in the Greater China region. TOM Group’s diverse operations span five media sectors: the Internet (through TOM Online Inc.), outdoor (through TOM Outdoor Media Group), publishing, sports and TV & entertainment.
