Microsoft has announced it is partnering with Chinese Internet giant Baidu. The deal will help  Microsoft reach its goal of putting Windows 10 on 1 billion devices worldwide.
Windows 10 is currently installed on roughly 10 million devices in China.
Through the new partnership, Baidu’s 600 million users will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 through a distribution channel called Windows 10 Express. The Baidu webpage will also feature universal Windows applications for search, video, maps, and other cloud-based products.
In return, Microsoft will feature Baidu.com as the default homepage and search option on its Edge browser in Windows 10.
Microsoft has also signed agreements with other leading companies and government institutions in China:
- Microsoft, Unisplendour Corporation (UNIS) and 21Vianet announced today a new cooperation agreement to provide advanced, reliable and tailor-made hybrid cloud solutions and services to Chinese customers, especially state-owned enterprise customers.
- Baidu and Microsoft unveiled today a partnership for Baidu to make it easy for its customers to upgrade to Windows 10, and for Baidu.com to be the default search and homepage in the Microsoft Edge browser in China.
- CETC and Microsoft announced today a partnership aimed at exploring support for the configuration, deployment and maintenance of Windows 10 for Chinese users in Specialized Fields in government institutions and critical infrastructure state-owned enterprises.
- Xi’xian New Area, a special development zone, and Microsoft announced on Tuesday cooperation discussions covering projects for big data, cloud computing, smart urbanization, programs for the incubation of startup companies, and ITA/ITOA training.
- Leading Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi announced on Tuesday that, in addition to using a domestic cloud platform operated by its sister company, it will adopt Windows Azure, operated by 21Vianet and based on Microsoft technology, to provide cloud services for Mi Cloud.
- Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media Company (Oriental Pearl) announced on Tuesday it will adopt Office 365 operated by 21Vianet as part of its business innovation and transformation.
- Microsoft China and the Sichuan Provincial Government signed an MOU covering IT training, startup incubation, and the use of cloud computing and big data to strengthen local economic development.
