Google Opens Chinese R&D Facility, Picks Microsoft Exec To Run It

Google’s goal to expand into the Chinese web territory seems to be coming to fruition. There has been talk of Google buying Baidu, a Chinese search engine with a large audience.

Now there comes news about Google’s opening of a research and development facility in mainland China, which is scheduled to open its doors during the third quarter of 2005. However and surprisingly, this is not the most notable portion of this story. According to The Register, not only has Google announced its Chinese R&D facility, they’ve also picked someone unexpected to oversee the facility’s operations.

The person who will be running the Chinese Google center is Dr Kai-Fu Lee, who was previously in charge of Microsoft’s Chinese research facility. This is not the first time Google has plucked a high-ranking official from the clutches of Microsoft. Last year Google hired Adam Bosworth, the man responsible for Microsoft Access and Internet Explorer.

The Register’s article also has a quote from Google concerning the R&D facility announcement, which says:

“The opening of an R&D center in China will strengthen Google’s efforts in delivering the best search experience to our users and partners.”

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest search news.