Baidu will partner with Dell to launch smartphones running on Baidu's software. [CFP]

Baidu, operator of China's largest search engine, has partnered with Dell to produce smartphones and tablets that will run Baidu's software. The devices will go on sale in China this November.

Baidu launched its Yi Mobile platform, which will offer search, a cloud service, maps, and other features to users on mobile devices, at the Baidu World Conference in Beijing last Friday.

Sources close to the deal confirmed that Dell is one of the manufacturers that has agreed to team up with Baidu. Several other phone makers have also expressed willingness to work with the Chinese search giant.

Xu Yingchun, executive chief of Baidu's basic software department, said the introduction of the Baidu Yi platform aims to enable mobile users to better access the company's core services and applications

Baidu will use two models for its partnerships with phone makers. One will be to install Baidu Yi Platform on the mobile devices, while the other will be to integrate the platform with other operating software.

A spokesperson for the company said Baidu will share value-added service revenues with terminal makers, and also plans to integrate a third-party payment system into Baidu's software.

China's business press carried the story above on Wednesday.