Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 289
For example, Yuri Brezhnev brought up the matter that he was not easy to open his mouth during the day, "Don, we imitated the generation of Fangyuan computer and developed our own model. Logically speaking, it should be well compatible. Zheru software, but why the actual performance is not like this?"

"I don't know if you are talking about the normally authorized Zheru software or the unlicensed Zheru software?" Tang Huan joked.

"The former performed better, the latter was unacceptably bad." Yuri Brezhnev deliberately skipped the word "authorization" and answered in a evasive manner.

Tang Huan nodded, "Then I will give you a formal and authoritative answer. First, the compatibility of your products is not as high as you think. Second, Zheru software uses the underlying hardware resources. , there are some special tricks, unauthorized software will definitely be modified at the binary code level in order to bypass authorization detection, and this process is very likely to destroy the normal code logic."

"Our engineers also analyzed it in the same way." Yuri Brezhnev showed the expected expression on his face, "So, can Zheru software be modified for our products?"

"Well, it's very embarrassing." Tang Huan laughed.

Greedy little fox, Yuri Brezhnev sighed angrily after slandering, "This project consumes a lot of resources, and now it's in a situation where it's hard to end."

"Since your hardware platform has been built, let's continue to develop application software." Tang Huan gave a natural suggestion.

Yuri Brezhnev did not answer the question, but raised his glass and took a sip of wine. Naturally, some things are not open to outsiders.

Although the research and development of this project compatible with the first-generation Fangyuan computer was considered successful and praised by relevant parties, the lack of application software is an indisputable fact.

Compared with the higher cost of the original Fangyuan computer, which can be simply and rudely apportioned through the planned economic system, this problem is more difficult.

If you want to continue to maintain competitiveness, you have to follow Zheru software's routine and invest further resources to continue research and development, but you can't make a one-shot deal like imitating hardware.

Because the speed of Zheru's software update is really a headache, and each new version has sufficient reasons to persuade users to use it.

Obviously, this will be a protracted battle. Those who have earned honor or other capital in the Soviet Union retreated, expressing openly and secretly that since they are already compatible, they should find a way to use Zheru's off-the-shelf products.

This task went around and around, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade had to come forward to solve it, and finally Yuri Brezhnev personally came out to do it.

The eldest prince is not as beautiful as the outside world sees. His father's health is not optimistic. Especially in the past two years, his power has actually been emptied. Those who know the inside story know that the Soviet Union will soon There has been a change of power.

Accompanying this is naturally the dimming of the first family's aura and the disappearance of their privileges.

Yuri Brezhnev, who had already had a premonition, would have to go back with reasonable negotiation results to maintain his prestige if he didn’t want to be emptied into this fat job when he was less than 50 years old.

However, the success or failure of this project that is compatible with the first-generation Fangyuan computer has nothing to do with Yuri Brezhnev. Since Tang Huan is unwilling to wipe the ass of this platform, it is only right and proper, and he just focuses all his energy on bargaining. superior.

After pondering for a while, Yuri Brezhnev said slowly: "In this way, your business scope in Moscow can be expanded to video recorders and video tapes, but you must be prepared in your heart, the content of the video tapes must be published It has been heavily censored. In addition, the matter of the movie is really difficult, I can only express my opinion, it depends on the specific situation at the time."

Seeing Yuri Brezhnev's conclusion, Tang Huan was disappointed that there was only this bit of oil to squeeze.

He had no choice but to think broadly and endure the current losses for the sake of future harvest.

Fortunately, software is a product with wonderful profit attributes. In some stages, the investment is extremely high, and in other stages, it is a huge profit, and the cost is only a floppy disk.

Zheru software is currently in the era of huge profits, and in terms of global proportion, the share of the Soviet Union is limited, no matter how much it loses, the cost of Russian localization can still be recovered.

"Okay, I'll go back and revise the plan overnight, and try to get an acceptable result for both parties tomorrow." Tang Huan didn't hesitate, and responded on the spot, which also meant that the dinner was coming to an end.

……

On the second day, Yuri Brezhnev saw Tang Huan's so-called adjusted plan, and the quotation was lowered by 5.00% again.

Yes, such a negotiation result can be taken back with dignity, Yuri Brezhnev nodded secretly satisfied.

However, when Yuri Brezhnev glanced at an inconspicuous text, he couldn't help but be a little dumbfounded.

"Tang, I remember that after the initial purchase of database products, half a year of free service is included. Why is it now a 15-day limited consultation?" Yuri Brezhnev pointed to this text for Tang Huan to read .

"Let's understand each other. Since we have significantly reduced prices, we naturally need to control costs appropriately." Tang Huan spread his hands.

Yuri Brezhnev's lips moved, but he held back after thinking about it.

Forget it, the other party has already reduced the price anyway, and the extent is greater than expected before coming, which is enough to save face and go back to explain.

As for the shrinkage of after-sales service, let other people have a headache, I don't want to fight with this cunning little fox for such trivial matters anymore.

"Actually, if you need more technical services, you can negotiate to purchase them." Tang Huan added with a smile, "If you allow me to open a Zheru software certification and training center, this service work can be done by the Soviet Union itself. It can be regarded as an increase in employment opportunities.”

Obviously, after the dinner yesterday, Tang Huan didn't revise the plan overnight at all, but was thinking about how to get some more benefits.

Just like Coca-Cola vending machines, McDonald's, KFC, and Wal-Mart branches appeared all over the world in the original time and space, as long as there is such a shadow, the influence will also expand to that place.In Tang Huan's view, the Zheru Software Certification and Training Center also plays a similar role. It has just recently taken root in the UK.

As long as the Zheru Software Certification and Training Center opens up and even becomes the standard for companies to hire employees, then everyone involved will be a believer in their own products.

"Is this Zhiru software certification and training center available for technical exchanges?" After hearing this proposal, Yuri Brezhnev's eyes lit up, and he gave a look that meant "you understand".

"Sorry, I can't take some risks. Therefore, I only sell products and do not export technology. The function of Zheru software certification and training center is just to teach users how to use our products more efficiently."

Tang Huan shook his head resolutely, and then laughed, "Of course, if some of your technical geniuses get any inspiration from this process, it has nothing to do with us."

Yuri Brezhnev thought for a while, and finally muttered to himself, "It seems that this Zheru software certification and training center can have..."

……

Although according to historical development, Yuri Brezhnev's halo as the eldest prince will dissipate by the end of next year, Tang Huan did not treat him lightly because of this.

You must know that as long as these privileged elites are not overthrown, the resources they have accumulated can always be used by others without knowing it.

What's more, from now on, the specification of the office will be upgraded to an affiliated subsidiary, preparations for video recorder and video tape business, construction of Zheru software certification and training center, etc., still need to be taken care of.

Therefore, after handling official business, Tang Huan took care of the entire negotiating team and comforted the other party. These are just small gifts of friendship, which are harmless, and the negotiation has officially ended, right?

Of course, Yuri Brezhnev is the focus of care.

Before saying goodbye, Yuri Brezhnev, who was in a happy mood, warmly invited Tang Huan to come to Moscow sometime and I will entertain you.

"We'll talk about it when we have the chance." Tang Huan nodded in agreement, but the actual thought in his heart was, unless it's time for you to hold some famous world-wide event, and I take advantage of this east wind to go, otherwise, I'd better go to sleep.

……

After helping Christina deal with this matter, Tang Huan didn't stay in Paris, and flew back to the United States, and came to Washington, because President Reagan, who had recovered from his injuries, extended an invitation to him, and at the same time, there was another object—Al Fred Antonucci.

As for the reason, of course it was to thank the two of them for their heroic performance at the assassination scene.

After Tang Huan saw Alfred Antenucci, he immediately gave him a warm bear hug.

"Don, thank you for the first aid you gave me at the scene, otherwise I would be finished." Alfred Antonucci said gratefully.

"It's good that you're fine." Tang Huan smiled slightly and started talking with him.

Soon, Reagan received the two, while the media was present.

In fact, if ordinary people experience this accident, they will often make such a gesture of human affection afterwards.It's just that Reagan's status is special, so it's a bit like a show.

"Don, the expensive equipment worth thousands of dollars that you destroyed the pistol in the shooter's hand was taken as a file, and it will take a lot of trouble to get it back. However, I guess you, a rich man, won't care." Reagan joked , "Let me give you some small gifts to show my heart."

The so-called gifts are actually cufflinks and a medal of honor with the presidential seal.

A small object like this with the presidential seal is indeed a rarity for ordinary people.

When the White House is open, high-quality American tourists often secretly take away items with such seals, such as toilet towels, paper towels, etc. It is said that overall, it is also a considerable expenditure.

Of course, the value of these small objects received by Tang Huan lies in their symbolic meaning.

Everyone was busy, so they didn't put on a performance in front of the media, and the meeting ended quickly.

Tang Huan remembered the scene of Reagan's assassination. In addition to the president being injured, three other people were killed.

Therefore, Tang Huan specifically inquired about the relevant situation from the White House staff.

The two injured law enforcement officers are gradually recovering. Among them, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy is not seriously injured and is working as usual, but District of Columbia police officer Thomas Delahanty, because of a disability in one arm, had to go to work early. retire.

As for White House press secretary James Brady, who was hit in the head by the first shot, his injuries were very serious. The bullet severely damaged his head, causing him to be paralyzed for life.

During Reagan's tenure, he continued to appoint James Brady as the White House press secretary, but in fact this was only a nominal position.

Tang Huan saw James Brady and his wife Sarah Brady, who were caught in a fire at the city gate and affected the pond fish, and found that the after-effects of the other party were indeed very serious - slurred speech, partial paralysis, and the need to use a wheelchair.

In the original time and space, James Brady did not become silent because of this. Instead, he and his wife Sarah Brady became well-known leaders of gun control activities.

Thanks to their efforts, in 1993 the U.S. Congress passed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

Being able to fight against the powerful arms interest groups to such an extent, Tang Huan really admired their spirit.

"My newly built Treasure Hospital in San Francisco is about to be put into use. If it is convenient for Mr. Brady, you might as well go to the acupuncture department there for treatment. Sometimes, Western medicine is helpless, and Chinese medicine may have unexpected surprises." Tang Huan The invitation was sent out in good faith, "Of course, there is no need to pay, you two don't worry."

James Brady expressed his gratitude vaguely, while Sarah Brady thought more, and she asked hopefully: "Will there really be a cure?"

"I can't guarantee this, I should give it a try." Tang Huan shook his head, "Because Chinese medicine does not have enough reliable large-scale statistical samples to provide theoretical support, it is called witchcraft by many scientists, so I dare not make a judgment. "

"Okay, let's go and visit James after he recovers for a while." Sarah Brady finally decided to give it a try. After all, Tang Huan's status as a billionaire can give people a great degree of confidence. sense of trust.

……

After Tang Huan returned to San Francisco, he first heard an anecdote from Tang Wenmao.

DreamWorks in Xiangjiang re-edited "Shanghai Beach", the main purpose is to speed up the development of the plot, and then launched an 18-episode version with English subtitles, and sent it to KTVU, an Auckland TV station that was recently bought show.

Of course, it is impossible to get prime time. After all, this is an English-language TV station, and the main audience it faces is not the Chinese group, so it can only be arranged in unpopular time slots late at night.

Unexpectedly, after hearing about the show, the local Chinese deliberately started to catch up with the show, and asked to arrange a suitable time for rebroadcasting.As for the mainstream audience of KTVU, most of them are not disgusted with it.

Because at the beginning of filming "Shanghai Beach", in order to build word-of-mouth, it can be said that no expense was spared to achieve a viewing effect close to that of a movie. After being reduced to 18 episodes, the pace was obviously accelerated and the audience was even more thrilled.

Therefore, non-Chinese-speaking audiences showed a certain interest out of curiosity.

In short, there are only 18 episodes anyway, so it doesn't hurt to change the taste.

"Should we set up a Chinese channel?" Tang Wenmao asked with a smile.

"It's too early, but it's not a bad idea to set up a Chinese column. Let's communicate with Hong Kong's Media Asia TV." Tang Huan's attitude is more cautious.

This incident can only be regarded as a pleasant surprise, and it can be used to have fun. The follow-up effect remains to be seen. Tang Huan quickly shifted his attention to the fierce battle in the personal computer market.

Now the monthly sales volume of Apple computers has reached the level of 30000 units, and the performance of the Osborne first-generation machine, which has no background, can be called brutal. It was just released at the West Coast Computer Festival in April, and the order for that month exceeded 5000 units. Interpretation What does it mean to eat fresh food all over the world, and the portability is so eye-catching.

At the same time, the sales volume of IBM-PC, which was launched at the same time, exceeded 3000 units in the first month. This was the performance when the factory was still under construction and the production capacity could not be fully released.

And IBM's gang formation in the software field made Tang Huan even more vigilant.

Don Estridge took great care of Dan Bricklin's VisiCalc, and specially opened a small area of ​​technical guidance for it in order to make full use of the hardware performance of IBM-PC.

Seeing this, Microsoft couldn't sit still, and announced its own spreadsheet software-MultiPlan research and development plan.

In addition, Don Estridge also handed over an olive branch to the emerging microcomputer database DBase, trying to make it fight against the philosopher's EBase.

It has to be said that, as a legendary figure in the original time and space, Don Estridge can always find the most suitable challenger in the process of confronting the all-around PC warrior created by Tang Huan.

Spreadsheet software VisiCalc is an example, as is DBase.

In fact, DBase has been around for two or three years, and its developer is Wayne Ratliff-Wayne Ratliff.

Until now, this person is still working at Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, this institution, founded in 1936, has a great background. It is a subsidiary of NASA and is responsible for developing and managing unmanned space exploration missions. It is administratively managed by Caltech.

(End of this chapter)