Interview with CaoLiao QR Code: Creating Value through QR Code Applications

Original article: https://cli.im/article/detail/2063

QR codes have become an integral part of daily life – from restaurant payments to business card exchanges. As QR code applications expand, Ningbo Linjia Network Technology's CEO Jiang Yunhui recognized this commercial opportunity and embarked on an entrepreneurial journey in QR code cloud services.

Today, searching "QR code" on Baidu immediately displays their flagship product "CaoLiao QR Code Generator". Since its launch in 2013, CaoLiao has become China's largest QR code service platform, commanding 80% market share in cloud-based QR code services with over 2 million users.

The name "CaoLiao" (meaning "fodder") reflects the team's philosophy: "We see QR codes as 'horses', and our mission is to provide the 'fodder' for their functional development," explains Jiang.

How can a simple QR code become versatile? "First, our dynamic QR code technology separates content from visual patterns, enabling real-time updates. Second, our multi-role recognition technology allows different access permissions – residents scanning an elevator maintenance code can view records, while technicians can update them," Jiang elaborates.

CaoLiao's technical prowess is nationally recognized. The company participated in drafting China's "Commodity QR Code National Standard" implemented in February 2022, alongside internet giants BAT and telecom operators.

CaoLiao's market dominance stems from both technological leadership and early commitment to public QR code services. This aligns perfectly with the internet's open-sharing spirit.

Founded in 2011 as an advertising partner for bus stop maps, the company initially displayed nearby merchant information on physical signage. "As merchant numbers grew, physical space became insufficient. QR codes became our natural solution," Jiang recalls.

With smartphone adoption, QR code applications multiplied. The company eventually abandoned traditional advertising to focus entirely on QR code cloud services. Today, CaoLiao serves heavyweight clients including CCTV, China Telecom, Bridgestone Tires, Yili Group, and Hisense.

"Currently operating with modest profits, we reinvest earnings into R&D to maintain technological leadership in this niche field," Jiang states. His vision positions CaoLiao as a professional information carrier platform where QR codes truly create value.

Article republished from Ningbo Daily: Linjia Network: Mastering QR Code Cloud Services