Rebirth of the Tech Madman

Chapter 579: The difference between duty and favor

Just in 1979, when mostek's market share climbed to its peak, it was coveted by predators, and finally was acquired by technologycorion, United Technologies Corporation, at a price of 345 million U.S. dollars. [Read the latest chapters..]

&nbsc is a well-known American manufacturer and a large military contractor. Its main business scope includes aircraft engines, helicopters, air conditioning systems, fuel cells, elevators, escalators, fire protection and safety equipment, construction equipment and other industrial equipment. Its subordinate companies are familiar to ordinary people, such as Otis Elevator Company and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Company.

The spacesuits and fuel cells used for Apollo 11's moon landing; the engines of Boeing 747; the fuel cells, spacesuits and environmental control systems of the Columbia space shuttle... are all provided by the manufacturer tc.

&nbsostek, the original product line also had processors and other products, but after the dynamic random access memory became more and more money-rich, it put all the treasures on it.

Such concentration does not necessarily mean that the road is getting narrower and narrower. The key point is that Japanese counterparts have developed 256kb dynamic random access memory chips, but Mostek has been slow to make progress.

The technology is backward, and the price is not good enough. Naturally, the status of the arena is not guaranteed, and the life becomes more and more difficult.

But there is one thing, the child cries, it is hard to guarantee that the adults will not come forward to defend. Therefore, Mostek's slander is really a bit daunting.

Tang Huan tapped his fingers on the table, and asked intently: "You ran to pull me to be a strong man, you are planning to let me act with you."

"It's true." John Chambers nodded, "I feel that only you can help Fangyuan Computer Company calm the scene."

...

San Jose, located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, is the capital of Santa Clara County, where Silicon Valley is located, so it also calls itself the capital of Silicon Valley. The closed-door consultation meeting between the American Semiconductor Industry Alliance and computer manufacturers chose to hold it here.

Representatives of dozens of companies sat together. It can be said to be a crowded, active small group headed by mostek, are communicating and encouraging each other, waiting for the arrival of the representative of Fangyuan Computer Company. How to put pressure on it.

...

"It is hoped that the inefficient guys from the federal government will investigate the dumping behavior of the Japanese semiconductor industry. Maybe when we can get the results. Even if we can wait for the results, our losses will be difficult to recover. Therefore, everyone must make two-handed preparations. , Let manufacturers cooperate with our actions."

"Just take the Yuan Computer Company. Other companies are easy to handle."

...

As the initiator of this semiconductor industry alliance, Robert Noyce was unhappy after hearing these comments. The reason why he worked so hard to run up and down is indeed his good wish to save the entire semiconductor industry in the United States. Unfortunately, some members of the alliance do not appreciate it.

Speaking of it, the relationship between Mostek and Intel has a long history.

In the 1970s, Intel had a quality problem when it launched 4kb dynamic random access memory, so mostek seized the opportunity and stepped on Intel to become the dominant position in the memory industry.

In addition, after Federico Feikin left Intel. Founded zilog company, developed 8-bit microprocessor intel8080 compatible cp and competitor z80, it is Mostek's fab to help its tapeout success.

There are too many stalemates between the two companies, and it is impossible to completely eliminate the barriers that were once planted just because they now have the same big goals.

In all fairness, Robert Noyce lobbied the federal government to investigate the dumping of the Japanese semiconductor industry and worked very hard, only because the issue of Japan-US trade frictions is very complicated, and the Japanese are very shrewd and well-versed in international trade rules. It's not so easy to handle, so the progress is slow.

At the same time, Robert Noyce also listened to the opinions of the alliance and lobbied some important American computer manufacturers. Supporting "domestic products" in storage, but the effect is really not good.

&nbsek did not understand the hardship, and even suspected that Intel was unwilling to put pressure on computer manufacturers because of the processor intel80286. In what he heard from Tang Huan, he described it as "pick up the bowl and eat, put it down Chopsticks scold mother". So conscientious.

Robert Noyce was evaluated as a "loyal elder" by the outside world, but at this time the false fire was rising, and he couldn't help but sneer to himself, "Fangyuan Computer Company's toughness, I have personally experienced it, and see how you bump your head. Bloodshed!"

...

As representatives of computer companies such as Compaq, Apple, Compaq, i, and de took their seats, there was not much time left before the meeting.

However, the representative of Fangyuan Computer Company has not yet appeared. Seeing this, Mostek, who was ready to go, could not help being a little anxious, so he began to say strange things sourly, "What happened to the representative of Fangyuan Computer Company, did he dare to come, or put on airs and let everyone wait for him? ?"

"Since Fangyuan Computer Company hasn't arrived, why don't we have a meeting like this." Jobs, who was even more impatient, took over and proposed.

As people's freshness and enthusiasm for flashy macs is fading, the sales of macs have been declining. Jobs's rhetoric that Apple will sell 750,000 macs this year will also be in vain. His mood is even more anxious and he says yes. The moodiness can't be overstated.

Originally, this kind of nonsense meeting would not come if Jobs was killed, but John Sculley persuaded him, "Anyway, this meeting is in Silicon Valley, very close. You, as the external image of Apple, understand the industry. Dynamic is also good."

But what Jobs lacks at present is "peace of heart", sitting here and watching no one is pleasing to the eye, hoping for the meeting to end quickly.

The president of &nbsek, Wayne Proslow, was so stunned by Jobs that he almost stunned in his heart, "I am ignorant and arrogant. Didn't you see that I was in the middle? With your Apple, you can't miss the radius, otherwise this meeting will lose its meaning."

The scene was moving a bit, and the door opened. Tang Huan, accompanied by John Chambers, walked in Shi Shiran and sat down beside Robert Noyce, the convener of the meeting.

I have to say that Tang Huan appeared. To everyone's expectation, Wayne Proslo and the friends around him looked at each other and exchanged thoughts secretly.

Looking around, Tang Huan found that, as expected, this kind of meeting destined to be quarrelsome. The top leaders of big companies didn't bother to show up, and this is an exception to the super-specification to join in.

Raising his wrist and glanced at the Rolex that Deng Lijun gave him five years ago, Tang Huan smiled and said, "The time is almost up, can the meeting begin?"

Robert Noyce, who was a bit exhausted by all kinds of contradictions, cheered up, coughed lightly, and made his opening remarks concisely, "The issues that will be discussed in this meeting are already clear to everyone. Who will come first? Speak."

"Let me explain the point of view." Wayne Proslow took his part. Quickly took over Robert Noyce's words.

"As we all know, the U.S. semiconductor industry is experiencing the worst impact in its history, far exceeding the impact of the oil crisis of the 1970s."

"Japanese semiconductor companies use the technology learned from us and the authorizations they have obtained to manufacture similar memory products, and in turn dump them into the US market at a price lower than the cost."

"Obviously, Japan intends to destroy our semiconductor industry, and then they can dominate."

"In view of this, we must integrate resources and strength to deal with this shameful offensive."

"At present, in the field of technology research and development. A series of agreements have been reached to avoid duplication of resources."

...

Tang Huan used a gold pen to write down solemnly in a shorthand book, "Hui Ji will hurt, love will not live long, strong will be humiliated, modest gentleman. Warm and moist like jade", and then studied it carefully.

Seeing that Wayne Proslo was still talking about it, Tang Huan no longer tolerated his uproar, knocked on the table with his fingers, and reminded: "Mr. Wayne Proslo, this is not Congress. Please put away unnecessary ones. Long story. With so many people wasting time here, every minute of loss is difficult to assess. What we need is to discuss the main points straight to the point."

In the yawn of Jobs and the jokes of several other computer manufacturer representatives, Wayne Proslo first froze for a moment, then said calmly: "As you wish, let's talk about the main point. "

"In order to gather the strength of the US semiconductor industry and resist malicious attacks from Japan, we hope that Fangyuan Computer Company can set an example for computer manufacturers and reduce the purchase of memory produced by Japanese semiconductor companies as soon as possible, and in turn support the United States. The development of the semiconductor industry."

"To be honest, I understand and I am willing to support your efforts to save the nation." Tang Huanmao cried the mouse to show his attitude falsely and compassionately, and then changed the conversation and said: "But, don't you think, ask us to do this." Computer manufacturers, abandoning cheap sources, don’t want to buy memory that you have no advantage in quality and technology, but the price is high, is it against the laws of the market? Fangyuan Computer is a publicly listed company, how can we benefit from it? Plainly damaged shareholders explain?"

Wien Proslow was obviously prepared for such a question, and immediately retorted loudly without hesitation: "You have to take a long-term view. If we are collapsed by Japan, those Japanese companies can do whatever they want. If you set a price on your own products, then your interests will be seriously damaged."

"Then you have to explain clearly why Japanese companies that have learned technology from the United States and are authorized to surpass the masters in the United States." Tang Huan stretched out his hand, "I need a large amount of 256kb dynamic random access memory, everyone here, except Motorola. Besides, who else can supply me? Does your support mean let me buy your outdated 16kb dynamic random access memory and 64kb dynamic random access memory with low yield rate?"

Seeing the other party's dumbfounded look, Tang Huan sneered and lazily concluded: "I don't have that ability! Instead of this, you might as well strive for the federal government to take action against Japan as soon as possible."

"You are sophistry." Wayne Proslow roared angrily. "I know that you and those Japanese companies have been close to each other and have been purchasing large quantities of their products for a long time. For your own personal benefit, Regardless of the overall situation of the entire semiconductor industry in the United States, you are the insider among us!"

"Pay attention to your words." Tang Huan slapped the table hard, and the nearby folder was shaken up to an inch high.

He stared at Wayne Proslow, and said slowly: "I want to remind you to figure out what duty and favor are. It is duty not to buy your things, and to give you orders is favor, and no one is entitled to this. Fangyuan Computer Company has its own interest groups that must be considered."

Seeing such sparks in the atmosphere, Robert Noyce endured the discomfort of his tinnitus and quickly stood up to persuade: "You all, please face your differences calmly."

Tang Huan snorted and said in a loud voice: "It's not that I am boasting. Fangyuan Computer Co., Ltd. has long made great contributions to the development of the US semiconductor industry. When Fangyuan personal computers first came out, the personal computers on the market had the highest memory capacity. 64kb, but within five years or so, Fangyuan personal computer will bring this level to the mainstream 512kb, the top 2mb or more. You must be the most aware of the growth of its own storage shipments."

"In the recent spring dex of this year, Zheru officially released a variety of more powerful software, which greatly stimulated the user's demand for memory, especially the virtual floppy disk program is the most representative. It can use large memory and For the extra space of the hard disk, copy the contents of the slow floppy disk to temporarily detach it from the floppy disk."

"According to authoritative professional analysis, driven by this favorable condition, the demand for memory in the market will increase by at least 30% in the second half of the year."

"Everyone, this is our contribution. Instead of wasting time here thinking about how to put pressure on computer manufacturers, it is better to use your brains and how to seize this business opportunity."

Regardless of the different faces of the people, Tang Huan collected the gold pen and stood up to say goodbye, "Everyone, I have other things, I won't be able to accompany you."

Before leaving the house, Tang Huan told John Chambers grandly, "Since Mostek is so hostile to us, we should not purchase its products in the future, including the 256kb dynamic random access memory that may be developed."

Upon hearing that Tang Huan issued the banning order, Wayne Proslo's face was pale with anger, "You are bullying, you are a provocation to our alliance..."

Jobs, who also stood up, yawned and mumbled dissatisfiedly: "It's so boring. I knew I wouldn't be here. I'm going on a business trip."

Other computer manufacturers including Compaq ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ didn't even bother to say hello and retreated. Even semiconductor manufacturers such as Micron and Motorola simply found an excuse for slipping away.

Looking around the deserted conference room, Robert Noyce said in his heart: "I knew that if it was too tight, it would be counterproductive."

Wien Proslo asked, "Does this meeting continue?"

Robert Noyce waved his hand, "From now on, I will only be responsible for public relations with the federal government. Don't ask me for other things."

After dropping this sentence, Robert Noyce also left. The previous closed-door consultation meetings, which were very exciting and lively, ended in no avail and broke up in a rush.

When Wien Proslo saw this, he couldn't help but feel frustrated. My wishful thinking was completely destroyed, and I also offended Fangyuan Computer Company. How can I explain it to the board of directors when I go back?

I thought that when Mostek was the dominant player in the industry, he was so energetic, now that Tang Huan pointed his nose at him, I was really not reconciled! (To be continued.)

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