Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 288 A Futile Crack

After the Xiaobawang game console and the first-generation Fangyuan computer were sold to the Soviet Union, the products were indeed very popular, but they also suffered from various cracks. After all, they had the technical strength.

The situation of the Xiaobawang game console is a little better, mainly because some games have been ported to other platforms without authorization, but the first-generation Fangyuan computer is a bit miserable. Just like the IBM System/360 mainframe, it became a target of controversy. Objects, from hardware to software, have been systematically cracked, euphemistically called technology localization needs.

However, technical cracking and industrial mass production are two different things.

The U.S. personal computer industry has developed explosively in recent years, which is due to the accumulation of civilian technology and the development of computers in the Soviet Union. Although the level of computer development in the Soviet Union has a reputation for serving the military industry, the industry level of microcomputers is really limited.

You must know that the instruction set of the CPU used in personal computers determines the characteristics of the entire hardware platform, and the Soviet Union still has to overcome this hurdle.

In other words, if the Soviet Union wants to launch a self-made product compatible with the first-generation Fangyuan computer on the market, it must also have a compatible CPU corresponding to MOS 6502.

But the difficulty ends here. After all, the first-generation Fangyuan computer is not like the second-generation Fangyuan computer. In addition to the CPU, there are more complex designs such as ISA bus, north-south bridge chips, etc. on the motherboard.

Generally speaking, in terms of hardware, the Soviet Union has basically been able to produce products with its own technology that are compatible with the first-generation Fangyuan computer.

But the words "accumulate and gain" are not casual. They soon discovered that the selling price of their products did not have much advantage in competitiveness.At the same time, previously ignored application software problems have become increasingly acute.

In fact, the software and hardware aspects of the Soviet Union's cracking process of the entire system of the first-generation Fangyuan computer went hand in hand.

On the main board of Fangyuan Computer, a piece of EEPROM—Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory is integrated, which is used to store BIOS codes. The operating system FreeDOS, the spreadsheet software CGrid, the word processing software WordEasy, the database EBase and other products will all be derived from it. Read the function function, or the mark used for genuine verification.

This mechanism is not an absolute problem for those who are interested, and it is completely possible to bypass this level.

So the situation of Generation Fangyuan Computer in the Soviet Union is that more and more orders no longer include CGrid, WordEasy, EBase, and even worse, we don’t need FreeDOS, your system’s integrated operating system. , then what, let’s get another discount.

Tang Huan's effective countermeasure can only be to devalue the previously cracked old version software by continuously launching new versions with more powerful functions.

In addition, Tang Huan acquiesced to this objective situation, and deliberately stopped demanding the binding of software and hardware. For example, after the software detects an unauthorized environment, it only prompts or restricts the use of certain advanced functions, rather than forcing the program to exit. It can be regarded as reducing the difficulty of cracking to a certain extent, but in fact, software piracy is allowed in disguise.

Slowly, users in the Soviet Union began to find that the latest version of Zheru's software was much easier to obtain. At the same time, local follow-up software was not as motivated to update as before.

That's fine, so you don't have to worry about choosing. After all, each software operates in a different way, and it's very troublesome to learn. Soviet users subconsciously accepted the silent unification of the market by pirated Zheru software.

However, sometimes, the user experience of pirated Zheru software is not perfect, and the program crashes from time to time. At this time, users often scold the person who cracked it as a waste, and then restart the program and continue to use it.

This phenomenon generally does not have much impact on users such as office clerks, who often save or retype a small section of a lost document.

But for those users who count all kinds of real-time data, especially those who rely heavily on the database EBase application program, it is becoming more and more intolerable. Whether it is data loss or data calculation errors, the consequences are very serious.

At the same time, unlike those spreadsheet software and word processing software, EBase has very frequent needs for after-sales service and technical support, but it is obvious that pirated software cannot receive such treatment.

Because the research and development of EBase is quite difficult, so far, the Soviet Union has no follow-up products that can be barely satisfactory.

But the objective needs wait for no one, and the Soviet officials had to come forward to solve such problems. Under the unified planned economy model, who is responsible if you are not responsible?
In addition, the products developed by the Soviet Union that are compatible with the first-generation Fangyuan computer, the easiest way to solve the problem of application software is to directly use Zheru's CGrid, WordEasy, and EBase.

But for some reason, the same Zheru pirated software has a world of difference in its performance on the original Fangyuan computer and its own technology-compatible computer, the stability of the latter is extremely poor.

The reason given by the technicians is that the compatibility of the CPU may not be perfect enough, but more importantly, Zheru software uses some techniques that are very dependent on hardware characteristics in the implementation of the underlying code.

Yuri Brezhnev's trip, in addition to intending to haggle over the price of genuine Zheru software, also wanted to find a solution to this problem incidentally.

It's just that the former can be regarded as aboveboard, while the latter is a bit difficult to say.

Especially after reading the documents Tang Huan handed over, Yuri Brezhnev became more and more passive.

There is clear analytical data on it, summarizing how much money Tang Huan lost.

The total shipment volume of the first generation of Fangyuan computers in the Soviet Union has approached [-] units. According to the statistics of the genuine authorization model, the cost of the software used with each computer often exceeds the price of the hardware itself. This is where the huge profits of the software lie. up.

But in the end, Tang Huan lost at least 80.00% of his software sales.

Since it is a business, it must be sincere in the distribution of benefits, right?
Tang Huan looked at Yuri Brezhnev helplessly, how do you think I should lower the price?

Yuri Brezhnev was silent for a long time, unable to answer.

For the Soviet Union, where the planned economy occupies the absolute main body, the Fangyuan computer, which can be placed on the desk very conveniently, has brought obvious vitality to the operation of the entire increasingly rigid national economic system, such as various statistics and To sum up, the speed of improvement is not 01:30, and the education level of the Soviet Union is enough for most workers to quickly master the use of office software.

How could the ruling elite not know these benefits? This is also the motivation for attaching so much importance to the first generation of Fangyuan computers.

Therefore, no matter how difficult it is, Yuri Brezhnev has to find a way to solve it.But what he didn't expect was that Tang Huan took out such a detailed document, which directly disrupted his pre-prepared speech.

Is it possible to want the horse to run, but also want the horse not to eat grass?One of us may not be so selfless, let alone a businessman outside.

Tang Huan was very particular about social skills. Seeing that Yuri Brezhnev was a little embarrassed, he did not continue to press him, but started talking to Nelikin, his only acquaintance in the Soviet Union.

It has to be said that the Soviet Union brought Nelligin, which really played a role in invigorating the atmosphere.

After Nelikin retired from the army, she stayed in Moscow for further study at university with the support of Tang Huan. At the same time, she did some public relations work part-time in an office selling Fangyuan computers and received a salary. This was far better than returning to Belarus to accept the official work arrangement. , much more nourishing, which can be seen from its mental outlook, clothing and other aspects.

Based on this relationship, Tang Huan and Nelgin are actually very familiar with each other, but on such occasions, they naturally have to speak those stereotypes.

For example, recall Nelligin's achievements in the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games, inquire about her current study, work and life, and talk about the strength of the Soviet women's gymnastics team.

In short, there was no silence at all among the ramblings. Even Yuri Brezhnev got involved and talked about a lot of light topics.

Since sports can be used for table tennis diplomacy and football diplomacy, it can also be used as a lubricant in negotiating business negotiations.

Yuri Brezhnev saw a loophole, changed the topic, and turned to the topic, "Anyway, the most important thing is to focus on the future."

Tang Huan nodded approvingly, thinking that if I don't focus on the future, will you let you pirate and use my software so comfortably?

"The purchase order I brought this time was originally for 1000 Fangyuan computers, but now it has doubled to 2000. What do you think?" Yuri Brezhnev waved his hand boldly.

Tang Huan smiled noncommittally, and seemed unmoved, because the price of the first-generation Fangyuan computer has dropped below $1500, and its profit margin cannot be compared with that of software.

Seeing this scene, Yuri Brezhnev continued to add weight slowly, "The cooperation between us obviously needs to be further strengthened. Your office in Moscow already has some operational capabilities. If we can’t keep up with the situation, why not upgrade the standard of this organization and change it into a branch or subsidiary?”

"Are you willing to give support in this regard?" Tang Huan asked with interest.

Although there is a clear confrontation between the East and the West, there is also a permanent communication mechanism between the two, especially after the Cuban Missile Crisis, the connection has become more frequent, because normal people do not want a third world war with nuclear weapons .

Since there is political communication, there will naturally be economic exchanges. For example, it was not until the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan that the United States began to prohibit the export of food to the other party.

If anyone can do business between the East and the West, there is no doubt that this person is a powerful person, and Tang Huan is more interested in this role.

"Of course. And I can guarantee this level of support." Yuri Brezhnev replied proudly.

Obviously, in terms of the eldest prince's status, it is not a problem for him to have this privilege.

"In this way, I will arrange a visit for Your Excellency the Minister first, and then I will continue to talk about this issue." Tang Huan got up to invite.

Yuri Brezhnev was a little puzzled at first, but when he saw the second-generation Fangyuan computer demonstrating various applications, he couldn't help being a little dumbfounded.

Although he did not understand technology, Yuri Brezhnev could judge from the surface that compared to the first-generation Fangyuan computer, the functions of the second-generation Fangyuan computer were obviously much more powerful.

When our first-generation Fangyuan computer compatible products are still troubled by various problems, is the technology of the second-generation Fangyuan computer so mature?So before that, wouldn't it be futile to invest considerable resources in cracking it?

Obviously, the Soviet Union was completely unaware of how intense and frequent the technical updates of personal computers were, and their thinking was still stuck on the mainframe model like the IBM System/360.

"Your Excellency, Minister, do you think the second-generation Fangyuan computers are worthy of your large-scale purchase?" Tang Huan asked playfully.

Such a powerful product may be used for military purposes.

Thinking of Yuri Brezhnev, he nodded, acknowledged the value of the second-generation Fangyuan computer, and asked casually, "How do you quote for this product?"

"The basic model starts at $5000." Tang Huanyun made a gesture calmly.

The muscles on Yuri Brezhnev's face twitched, and he thought that the price was too high, more than the sum of the prices of three first-generation Fangyuan computers.

After the visit, Yuri Brezhnev expressed his attitude solemnly, "I am willing to purchase 200 second-generation Fangyuan computers, but no matter how big the changes are, I don't have the authority to make a decision immediately."

Tang Huan carefully observed Yuri Brezhnev's expression, and it didn't look like a fake.

However, compared with Japan's wealth and power, the Soviet Union's careful planning is obviously weaker.

"Well, for the sake of your Excellency the Minister, I accept this plan, and the software price will be reduced by [-]% at one time." Tang Huan finally let go.

But Yuri Brezhnev was not satisfied with this and continued to bargain. Tang Huan shook his head repeatedly. He could temporarily tolerate not making a lot of money in the Soviet market and leave it to harvest in the future, but he still had to stick to the bottom line of small profits. of.

This disagreement continued until the reception dinner began, and no satisfactory result was reached.

But everyone's appetite was not affected in any way. They ate and drank when they needed to, chatting and laughing without any grudges. After all, they were all masters of negotiation and knew that the more they were at this time, the more patient they had to be.

Between toasting and drinking, Tang Huan and Yuri Brezhnev drank a glass of Volga, and then tentatively asked: "My office in Moscow, after upgrading the level, can I expand the scope of business, such as video recorders?" and videotape?"

Yuri Brezhnev understood that Tang Huan was asking for additional benefits outside the package to make up for his loss in the software on the package. This was a normal reaction and the meaning of the question.

He didn't have any objection to this, and just asked jokingly, "What is the content of the video tape? Is it a Hollywood movie?"

Hearing this, Tang Huan couldn't help being speechless. This idea does have a bug, and it can almost be regarded as a disguised form of selling Hollywood movies to the Soviet Union. This is obviously contrary to his long-standing principle of art serving politics.

Through this period of contact, Yuri Brezhnev deeply understood Tang Huan's strength, and naturally showed his respect for the strong. This is also the tradition of fighting nations.

What's more, Tang Huan spoke proficient Russian, and the hospitality in all aspects was impeccable, which made Yuri Brezhnev very fond of him.

Seeing Tang Huan's defeated opponent, Yuri Brezhnev laughed loudly, "Tang, go ahead and find the benefits that interest you."

Tang Huan was a little unwilling to give up. He had to find compensation from other fields, otherwise he would not be able to make substantive concessions that would satisfy Yuri Brezhnev tomorrow. "Since we are talking about movies, we might as well talk about it again." Let’s talk about it, a sci-fi work with children as the theme and completely ignoring politics, wouldn’t that work?”

While swirling the wine in his glass, Yuri Brezhnev replied firmly, "As long as it's Hollywood, definitely not."

"What if it was distributed by a non-American entertainment company." Tang Huan, who was tirelessly questioning, clearly revealed his enthusiasm for impossible achievements.

"You are well versed in the art of flexibility. If you package it properly, there will be room for maneuver." Yuri Brezhnev pondered for a moment, then asked with a smile, "Are you sure this is what you need? Compensation method?”

"I still pay more attention to the Soviet market." Tang Huan spread his hands helplessly, "But the products I can sell now are only personal computers, game consoles and movies. Can I find other compensation methods?"

"You think about it, and I will think about it too." Yuri Brezhnev continued to laugh loudly.

Although the contact time is not long, Tang Huan has already seen another style of elite class and privilege consciousness from Yuri Brezhnev.

But everything remains the same, and the key to dealing with each other is ultimately the consensus of interests and the establishment of personal friendship. It is not difficult for Tang Huan to achieve the level of long-sleeved dancing.

Fluent in Russian, bold Volga alcohol, sophisticated social skills, quick thinking, billionaire status...

As the saying goes, meeting is worse than being famous, and Yuri Brezhnev has seen too many surprises at Tang Huan's place.

Based on the language barrier alone, he has reason to believe that if he wins over this energetic young man with a complicated background, the Soviet Union will have another friend with a friendly attitude in the international arena.

As the dinner progressed, the tacit understanding between the two parties became more and more obvious, and the conversation became more casual.

(End of this chapter)