Northgate Technologies said that Globe7 HK, a diversified Web 2.0 development company, and Tencent Holdings, owners of China`s largest Internet portal, have entered in to a strategic partnership for building and marketing a student-oriented social networking platform for China.

Called Longhaier, the Internet portal will offer online forum, campus information and gates, and other interactive Web applications, and also will provide extensive information on study abroad, job placement and scholarship opportunities.

Longhaier will offer opportunities for teenagers and students to share their lives and communicate with each other. The site will help students prepare for academic testing; find jobs, and will also provide online communities, gaming and entertainment.

Tencent has successfully created a large Internet community with QQ.com, which has wide popularity, particularly among young Internet users. QQ is a leader in expanding ways of using the Internet.

Globe7`s parent company, India-based Northgate Technologies, (Q, N,C,F)* created BharatStudent, one of India`s largest and fastest growing social networking sites, with an emphasis on students and education.

Shares of the company gained Rs 10.2, or 2.57%, to trade at Rs 406.35. The total volume of shares traded was 320 at the BSE. (11.15 a.m., Wednesday)