Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 494 Negotiation Between Two Old Enemies
……

A_V expanded the reach of the VHS format, video games fueled the ever-increasing performance of PCs, free content fueled the growth of the Web…

Whether it's difficult to talk about or lavishly praised, loved or hated, these connections are really there.

Tang Huan, who can see clearly, doesn't need to make too much effort, as long as he leverages the most critical link, he can seize the initiative at the smallest cost.

From this association, an idea slowly emerged in Tang Huan's mind to deal with the possible wave of IBM-PC compatible machines.

Since people like Gordon Campbell can suddenly design an IBM-PC compatible chip with the same function but at a lower price, there must be someone who can see the business opportunity of developing a third-party compatible BIOS.

At that time, any garage factory will be able to manufacture and sell IBM-PC compatible computers by simply kneading Intel-based CPUs, third-party chips and BIOS together. The degree of mouth opening.

Is this the ultimate way to reduce the difficulty of manufacturing personal computers?Of course not. With the chip, you still have to design the circuit board. For non-professionals, it is still not completely friendly.

Only when it reaches the point of assembling the machine in the original time and space, can everyone start to buy it.And this direction is bound to be the trend of the times.Because it is equivalent to bringing users closer to the manufacturing, service, maintenance and other links of personal computers, the purchase cost is correspondingly lower.

Since the second generation of Fangyuan PCs, there have been structural designs for CPU sockets, memory sticks, expansion cards, motherboards, power supplies, etc.The IBM-PC/AT that Big Blue is developing has just begun to introduce the concept of memory sticks for IBM-PC.As for other kinds of personal computers, components are still connected by soldering, and it is not bad to provide an open function expansion slot.

It can be said that the Fangyuan personal computer has long been equipped with the adaptability of an assembly machine.
In order to further expand the market share of Fangyuan PC standards, Tang Huan did not mind taking risks and launched this personal computer manufacturing concept in advance whose impact is difficult to evaluate.

However, how the distribution method of accessories used in the assembly machine and the existing channels of the brand machine are in harmony is more worthy of scrutiny.

But no matter what, Tang Huan was ready to release the trick of assembling the machine.Therefore, during the filming period in Tokyo, he had to find time to communicate with Japanese compatible machine manufacturers.

……

At this time, new news came from the United States.

In the end, Adam Osborne failed to withstand the operating pressure and filed for bankruptcy protection for his company, hoping to launch a new portable personal computer during this buffer period to get out of trouble.

Tang Huan couldn't help but shake his head. Adam Osborne's performance made him a little disappointed, but he still told John Chambers to try his best to help the other party and treat it as a good relationship between Fangyuan Computer Company.

In addition, it doesn't take much thinking to know that IBM can't let go of the opportunity of the third-generation Fangyuan personal computer's quality gate without taking advantage of it. It took the opportunity to launch two new models, IBM-PC/Portable and IBM PC/jr.

The R&D background of IBM-PC/Portable is very simple. Big Blue saw the popularity of Compaq portable computers in the market and was extremely jealous. An IBM-PC compatible computer could steal money so easily. Of course, he, a genuine brand, could not Lagging behind, the official version of the portable IBM-PC was launched.

As a result, Big Blue has a complete product line of personal computers, from the basic IBM-PC, to the IBM-PC/XT equipped with a hard disk, and the portable IBM-PC/Portable.

As for IBM PC/jr, it belongs to a brand new product category. It comes from the idea of ​​the current chief engineer Bill Sidneys. It is a simplified version of IBM-PC and can be upgraded to IBM-PC. The sales target is to enter every family. .

Obviously, IBM wanted to expand its share of the personal computer market, so it targeted the field of cheap computers.

However, after seeing the price of 1500 US dollars written on the report document, Tang Huan burst into laughter at that time, thinking that this is also called a cheap personal computer?It seems that you are really making so much money that you cannot understand this concept.

However, Tang Huan was very interested in Bill Sidney's scalable design for upgrading from IBM PC/jr to IBM-PC, so he decided to observe whether it was really as claimed by Big Blue and the real reaction of the market. .

After writing his opinion, Tang Huan turned his attention to the next report, which introduced how the Warner stock held by Yanle Entertainment Group was so popular, and even Steve Ross conveyed a meaning , want to talk to him.

Seeing this, Tang Huan was extremely curious.You know, I and Steve Ross have reached the point where we are tired of seeing each other, so what is there to talk about?

After calculating the time difference, Tang Huan notified his subordinates in the United States to ask Steve Ross to contact him. Overseas calls are so "expensive", so of course the other party has to pay for it.

……

After learning that Tang Huan was willing to negotiate with him, Steve Ross breathed a sigh of relief.Warner's current situation is both delicate and dangerous. He must put aside some personal grievances and take the initiative to mediate.

After the call was connected, the two old enemies didn't bother to exchange false greetings and got straight to the point.

Tang Huan asked forcefully: "What do you want from me? It's night here in Tokyo. If it weren't for your age, I would have asked you to call me in ten hours."

"So, I would like to thank you for your politeness." Steve Ross, who was holding back his anger, made a sarcastic remark and directly stated his purpose, "How about selling me the Warner stock in your hand? Just ask for the price! "

The biggest trouble Steve Ross faces now is that he can't figure out Tang Huan's mind, and he can't predict that the other party will sell this part of the stock to News Corporation, Times Media, Turner Broadcasting Company, and Kirk Kerkorian. that one.

But no matter what the result is, these four parties are not easy to deal with. Steve Ross still hopes to buy back this part of the stock by himself, even if Tang Huan slaps him severely.

"But I'm not short of money now, and I'm more willing to help Warner through the current difficulties." Tang Huan laughed.

"Stop pretending, no one can just treat hundreds of millions of dollars in cash as nothing, not even you, the richest man." Steve Ross said impatiently: "How about I sell Atari to you? In this way, EA It’s completely alone.”

"Thanks for being able to say it, the video game industry is so bad now that Atari is about to collapse, you want to throw the burden on me?" Tang Huan snorted disdainfully, "You might as well sell me Warner Music .”

"Thank you for being able to say it, the video game industry is so bad now, and movies and records are Warner's most profitable division." Steve Ross retorted.

"Then there's no need to talk. You can't offer me any leverage to interest me." Tang Huan was about to hang up the phone immediately.

"Wait." Steve Ross quickly asked tentatively, "Then who are you going to sell this part of the stock to?"

"Which side do you hope to get this part of the stock?" Tang Huan asked playfully.

(End of this chapter)