(Yicai Global) Jan. 8 -- Microsoft China and 5i5j Holding Group have penned a tentative agreement that could see the tech titan offer big data and other technical support services to the real estate broker and its affiliates.

Microsoft will build a customer relationship management platform for 5i5j, the Kunming-based real estate agency, one of China's biggest, said in a statement yesterday. Microsoft will also collect industry data and offer consultations to help 5i5j make business decisions and deal with market changes, if the deal goes through. The pair have so far only signed a memorandum of intent.

The cooperation will help accelerate 5i5j's digital transformation, drive sales, reduce costs and promote sustainable development in the real estate brokering sector, the statement added.

Microsoft will also provide support in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, network security and other fields, 5i5j said, adding that it will use Microsoft technology to create new solutions for the sector.

Editor: James Boynton