Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited, founded in 1999 and based in Shanghai, China, develops massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and other Web-based entertainment content. It also develops online chess, board, and network PC games. The firm serves approximately 460 million registered users. It has 18.5 million paying subscribers. The firm's Web-based games are accessed by 2.5 million concurrent users. The firm also provides customers with cartoon, literary, and music content. Shanda Interactive Entertainment has formed strategic alliances with content providers worldwide. The company's technology allows consumers to access movies, music, educational content, shopping resources, and other information and online services. The firm launched its Home Valley online community in 1991. In 2001, the company entered the MMORPG market with its 'The Legend of Mir II' game. It develops 'The World of Legend,' 'The Sign,' 'Magical Land,' 'Shanda Rich Man,' 'GetAmped,' and other games. The firm's Poptang platform allows subscribers to access multiple games and entertainment services. The company's Qidian portal provides users with access to literary content. The firm's EZ Pod technology supports the upgrade of standard computers with interactive entertainment processing features. Shanda Interactive Entertainment acquired a controlling interest in mobile wireless game developer Shenzhen Fenglin Huoshan Computer Technology Company Limited in 2003. In the same year, it also acquired a majority interest in Shanghai Shengpin Network Development Company. Also in 2003, SOFTBANK Corporation affiliate SB Asia Infrastructure Fund LP and Cisco Systems Incorporated invested $40 million in the Shanda Interactive Entertainment. The firm went public in 2004 and is listed on NASDAQ under the SNDA symbol. It raised $151.8 million in its initial public offering. The company has formed partnerships with Baidu and Universal Music. Shanda Interactive Entertainment, its personnel, and its products have won recognition from the Asia-Pacific Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, 'Business Week,' 'Chief Executive China,' and 'Technology Review.'