As more Internet users move from desktop computers to mobile devices, e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd faces a challenge: how to defend its leading position in online commerce.

The company made its latest move on Tuesday, announcing in a press release that it will invest heavily to help e-retailers better manage their business via mobile devices.

Alibaba will launch an online platform especially designed for mobile e-commerce. The platform will be integrated into Ali OS mobile phones, which will be given free to e-retailers who buy service packages from Taobao, one of Alibaba's main online marketplaces.