The Californian company, headed by CEO Rich Falcone, says it has established a server platform in Beijing to support access to the site by web users in the country.

For the time being, MIC said use of the site is limited to “specifically targeted projects and focused client design”. However, it added: “Over time, and with full cooperation and approval of government agencies, MyProductAdvisor.com will release a public version of its unique consumer advisors in China.”

US visitors to the website can receive advice on which cars, televisions, laptops and digital cameras to buy based on information they share on their preferred product attributes. This information is then sold to companies to help them segment their markets and design products that meet the wants and needs of their target customers.

Falcone said: “Global enterprises recognise that China is quickly developing as a massive consuming marketplace. We are positioning ourselves for the inevitable demand from global industries for intelligence from this market that will drive product design and delivery to Chinese consumers.”