The term used in China to describe a Web-based system whereby users can purchase or
exchange services and information or simply share useful knowledge and experience. These platforms, with
colorful names and lively, somewhat informal website home pages, act as bustling electronic marketplaces
in which people and businesses can sell and buy services (typically labor services provided by a person to
a business or to another person). Services can range from business professional services (like software
development, accounting, marketing) to more personal services (like cleaning, home care, etc.). Many of the
services can be performed and paid for online, but there is no doubt that many of the services are delivered
locally, on premise. Witkeys seem similar enough to Online Staffing platforms in other parts of the world
to include them in the general SIA Online Staffing segment category. However, the population of Online
Staffing platforms outside of China tend to be clearly divided — at least to date — into those that support
business services and professional skills categories (Elance-oDesk, freelancer.com, etc.) and those that cater
to consumer services and lower-skilled workers (Task Rabbit, Thumbtack, etc.). The Chinese version of
Online Staffing platform, Witkeys, seem to cater to both of these segments.
