Chapter 170 The Three Giants
Because of Xinghai's high level of independence, by the time Su Yuanshan realized that Chen Haoming's aggressive actions had attracted the attention of several software giants, it was already relatively late—this was one of the reasons he decided to personally visit Silicon Valley.
In fact, for this exhibition, he only planned to make an appearance. Most of the actual tasks were delegated to Qin Weimin and Wang Rui.
"Now IBM, Sun, and Microsoft have all launched their respective Internet software products," Carly said as she crossed her arms and glanced sideways at Su Yuanshan, then added after a moment of thought, "We have reason to believe there's an unspoken agreement between them."
Su Yuanshan nodded slightly.
Currently, Xinghai's Internet software lineup consisted of three core products:
First, the OCSS browser;
Second, the Easy Web website development tool;
And third, stealthily, a refined version of the CC design language.
With a browser, a website builder, and a page tool, this trinity was already close to securing a monopoly.
But Chen Haoming's ambitions were larger—he launched a project to develop a database specifically for websites.
That step had truly stirred up a hornet's nest—or rather, the nest had already been stirred for some time, and this was merely the final blow.
After the success of the World Wide Web Conference, even the dullest observers could see that the Internet was the future, and that the World Wide Web would be its primary form.
When people turned back and looked, they saw that Xinghai had already quietly built a complete ecosystem:
Browser, website development, page tools, and now database—
If they succeeded, it would be a fortress with no cracks.
Thus, the Silicon Valley giants began to react.
Microsoft moved into commercial website construction systems and deeper HTML development.
IBM acquired a small team to develop browsers.
Sun dusted off their obscure Oak language, planning to turn it into a page element design language.
In short, Su Yuanshan had managed to provoke three giants simultaneously—including Microsoft.
Not to mention all the other little studios that suddenly attracted a flood of investments just because everyone sensed the battle had begun.
This situation had somewhat blindsided Su Yuanshan.
Still, according to Carly, Chen Haoming remained highly motivated, full of a "marching straight through a thousand troops" spirit.
"No problem. No fear," Su Yuanshan smiled.
Carly also smiled lightly.
Unlike some others, she didn't harbor an almost superstitious faith in Su Yuanshan.
But she did genuinely admire his vision.
Since Su Yuanshan said not to worry, then it probably really wasn't worth worrying about.
At least, for now, Xinghai still held a strong position in the market.
But Carly also knew that the market they currently held was tiny compared to the future size of the Internet.
One small mistake could lead to total collapse.
The Internet during its rapid growth phase was brutally fast.
The achievements you fought to build over two years could be overtaken by someone else in a single month.
As Su Yuanshan himself said, "Playing in the high-speed growth phase of the Internet is very thrilling."
...
After arriving in Silicon Valley and greeting everyone briefly, Su Yuanshan headed to the small villa.
Qin Weimin and Wang Rui didn't attend the meeting. Instead, they went off drinking with Tang Wenjie, enjoying a casual evening.
Chen Haoming took about ten minutes to explain the current situation.
Then, brimming with excitement, he said,
"I've already contacted Senior Brother Xi—he agreed to help me with the database project!
With his involvement, we're absolutely solid!"
The "Senior Brother" he referred to was, of course, Xi Xiaoding, currently stationed at Yuanxin's Computer Mathematics Research Center.
After successive rounds of expansion, Xi's team now had over seventy members—
including three PhDs in mathematics and a host of other highly capable master's graduates.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Yuanxin's Computer Mathematics Research Center had become the premier gathering spot for mathematical talents interested in computational research.
Meanwhile, Xi Xiaoding's promotion to full professor and Ph.D. advisor was already being arranged.
As soon as his YXLAB passed inspection, he would be formally awarded the titles.
With such a formidable senior brother supporting him, of course Chen Haoming had confidence.
"Technically, we'll be fine.
I trust Senior Brother Xi.
He's always had excellent skills with databases," Su Yuanshan said with a smile.
"But, Senior Brother Haoming, when it comes to market competition...
We should avoid direct confrontation with the Big Three."
Chen Haoming nodded seriously.
He had been considering the same issue.
"Exactly. That's why I'm planning for our website builder to be compatible with other databases as well.
This way, Microsoft won't feel threatened."
"But you have to understand," Su Yuanshan said, tapping the table, "Microsoft obviously won't make their database compatible with ours."
"You know," he continued, "right now, our software development capabilities are still behind Microsoft's.
And our distribution channels for software are even weaker."
Chen Haoming opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but ultimately had to admit that Su Yuanshan was right.
The truth was undeniable.
Xinghai's programmers came mainly from Xi Xiaoding's initial team.
And to be honest, back then, Xi had created the CRM software almost as a hobby project.
The early programmers weren't exactly top-tier recruits.
"Also," Su Yuanshan continued, "our lead in website builder development is only about six months—right?"
Chen Haoming nodded.
Su Yuanshan pressed on,
"Six months' head start isn't enough to lock down the market.
Some things benefit from first-mover advantage.
But other things... later entrants win."
"So what should we do?" Yang Yiwen frowned.
"I'll go talk to Mr. Gates personally," Su Yuanshan said with a smile, shaking his head.
"Try to negotiate a collaboration."
"The main issue is that right now, our sales still rely too much on traditional software dealers and PC manufacturers.
Otherwise, if it were just about Internet products,
I'd honestly have the confidence to fight all three giants at once."
As soon as he said this, Carly laughed, and Chen Haoming's eyes lit up.
As for Yang Yiwen, she smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling.
She trusted and supported Su Yuanshan without question.
"Here's the preliminary strategy," Su Yuanshan said decisively.
"Ignore IBM, draw Microsoft closer, and fight Sun to the death."
"Microsoft should not be our enemy.
Judging by their moves so far, they don't seem to see Xinghai as a life-or-death rival yet.
It feels more like normal business competition."
"After all," he added with a chuckle, "you can't expect them to simply give up entering the Internet space, can you?"
"If they really saw us as mortal enemies," Su Yuanshan said, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully, "they would have started developing a browser by now."
Yang Yiwen asked, "Why would that be?"
"Simple," Su Yuanshan said.
"A browser is client-side software.
It can easily be bundled into their operating system.
Think about it—once it's bundled, who could compete with it?"
Carly froze for a moment, then quickly shook her head.
"Microsoft wouldn't dare.
Bundling a browser like that would be blatant market abuse.
The antitrust authorities would go after them immediately."
"Heh heh..."
Su Yuanshan chuckled inwardly.
She was underestimating Mr. Gates.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1