In cloud clash with Alibaba, underdog Tencent adopts more aggressive tactics

Tencent's cloud division accounted for more than 4.5% of its annual revenue last year. — Reuters

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI: For Chinese cloud services companies, the coronavirus outbreak has become a rainmaker, bringing in new business far and wide as firms shift work online and authorities develop apps and systems to help contain outbreaks and manage social restrictions.

For Tencent Holdings Ltd in particular, it has also become the perfect time to flex new muscles as it seeks to catch up with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, its arch-rival and the dominant player in the country's cloud market by far.