Alibaba Group Holding is developing a native version of its workplace app, DingTalk, for Huawei Technologies’ HarmonyOS. This development is a significant step in Huawei’s journey to lessen its reliance on Google’s Android amidst ongoing US sanctions.

HarmonyOS was unveiled in the year 2019

Huawei, a telecom giant grappling with US restrictions, introduced HarmonyOS in 2019 as an alternative to Android. This was a critical response to being placed on the US government’s Entity List, which limited its access to American software and technologies. HarmonyOS represents Huawei’s ambition to create a self-sufficient ecosystem in the face of these challenges.

Alibaba

The partnership between Alibaba and Huawei extends beyond mere app development. They plan to collaborate in areas of industrial innovation, technology application, and business growth. This collaboration is part of Alibaba’s broader strategy to drive future growth through digitalization and intelligent technology, with DingTalk playing a pivotal role.

Huawei’s move to phase out Android support in its upcoming HarmonyOS Next iteration underlines its commitment to this new path. This decision coincides with the successful launch of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, the first 5G-enabled smartphone from the company since 2020, witnessing a significant surge in sales.

DingTalk’s adaptation to HarmonyOS is not just a technological shift but also a business strategy. As one of Alibaba’s key growth drivers, DingTalk’s move to HarmonyOS is seen as a significant step towards “strategic-level innovation.” This step is part of Alibaba’s larger plan to reposition its business units, including DingTalk, as independent entities with their market strategies.

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