Five-point update

IBM can indeed be described as "covering the sky with one hand" in the computer industry, and the blue giant is a well-deserved overlord of the computer industry in this era.

However, no matter how powerful the hegemony is, it cannot completely extinguish the flames of the opposition. As long as there is the slightest possibility, Simon Clay is constantly looking for opportunities to deal a fatal blow to IBM.

It's just a pity that the historical Simon Clay is too powerful against IBM. Although he developed the Kray machine series of supercomputers with unparalleled performance, he can only be said to be a very good scientist and a "laboratory hermit", but he cannot really be said to be an excellent businessman.

By the 80s, the impressive Cray machine accounted for 70% of the world's supercomputer market, but the total number was set to exceed three digits.

However, during the same period, with good compatibility and system advantages and software advantages, IBM's system360 mainframe was conservatively estimated to have hundreds of thousands of units in the market.

Although Simon Clay is highly skilled, after all, two fists are no match for four hands.

In the 80s, the market for supercomputers and mainframes was making great strides, and the PC began to rise strongly as the darling of the market.

Faced with this situation, Simon Clay pinned his hopes on the Cray-4 supercomputer. This kind of supercomputer, which has a calculation speed of up to 1 billion times, will completely throw IBM off without even seeing its back.

However, Simon Clay knew in his heart that the biggest problem with the Clay machine was not the speed of calculation, but to find a market for the Clay machine.

IBM's system360 is able to dominate the market because of its excellent performance, and most importantly, it has a large number of software applications. Just like the magic weapon of Microsoft Windows to monopolize the market, the resources of the system platform are IBM's most valuable asset.

In this regard, the gap between the Clay machine and IBM is greater than the gap between the computing speeds of the two sides.

However, the emergence of Cisco, and the server-to-client model "promoted" by Leonard, made Simon Clay see another path.

"There are so many things that computers can do, and to be honest, your server-to-client system can't fully cover the needs of customers in the entire computer market. ”

Simon Clay put it simply: "I think the biggest problem with the server-to-client model is the problem of calculating the speed response. Some performance requirements are to be responded to instantly, some are delayed, and even some compute requirements are acceptable to wait. In this way, the two-tier system from server to client does not take full advantage of performance, and I think it can become a three-tier system. ”

That is, the client, server, supercomputer model, where the client's processing power is used to carry out the computing needs of the immediate response, and the processing power of the server provides the delayed response. Computational requirements that can accept waiting can be transferred to a supercomputer for processing. Such a computing model can be used in banking, communications, scientific research and other industries, and a city only needs one or two such supercomputer centers to provide services. ”

Hu Wenhai and Leonard were a little dumbfounded, and they couldn't say that Simon Clay's idea was not good or technically feasible. However, this remark can be said to be full of private goods.

To put it simply, the server-to-client model does not require much of the system design, and the client can monitor the invocation of computing resources, and once it exceeds its own capabilities, it can hand over the follow-up work to the server.

This is similar to the model when the future online game first appeared, the main operation is done on the server, and the user receives the computing data and outputs it through the graphics card. In the early days of online games, as long as the network was unblocked, there was almost no delay problem.

But of course, because this model is too heavy on the server, it seriously increases the investment capital of online game operators, and it is quickly eliminated.

But at least technically, it's not a very difficult model to implement.

It can be replaced with a client, server, and supercomputer model, which directly jumps by an order of magnitude, and also digs countless holes in the software application.

In the software design phase, developers have to consider which parts of the computation are placed locally, which ones are uploaded to the server, and which ones are to be passed to the supercomputer.

As a result, the coders have at least a square more trouble to deal with, perhaps going to Seattle en masse to perform the rhythm of suicide bombing.

Program apes are also apes, and animals cannot be abused!

Leonard and Hu Wenhai looked at each other, and it was clear in their hearts that Simon Clay was going to tie Cisco to the destroyer of supercomputers to challenge IBM's entire regional defense aircraft carrier fleet.

However, Simon Cray's battleship can at least top the Ticontroga, and the current Cisco is not even as good as the brigade.

"I think Mr. Clay is right that the three-tier system is more efficient than the two-tier structure, and it can save the investment in computing resources. ”

Hu Wenhai almost didn't hesitate, and jumped to Simon Clay's side neatly, which made Leonard stunned for a while.

However, two of the three people present clearly agreed with this direction, and Leonard, a professor at the Stanford University Computer Center, really has no way to speak with Simon Crebi, the father of supercomputers.

He opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't say anything. At least Simon Clay's three-tier system does solve the problem of computing power deployment. By investing in a supercomputing center, the second-tier server refresh cycle can be extended by at least another two or three generations. Secondary server resources can be more flexible, with less investment, and more convenient for enterprise-level investment.

As for the problem of software design, there will always be a solution to this problem, right?

Leonard had no choice but to comfort himself in his heart.

Seeing Hu Wenhai and Leonard accept their "Amway" so easily, Simon Clay was also happy in his heart. He nodded happily and said, "In that case, I think we can form an alliance to jointly promote the development of this computer system." Cray can provide supercomputer deployment, and Cisco provides data transmission technology. In this way, at least half of the technical difficulties of the server-to-client system have been solved. ”

"Then that's all that's left for two parts. Hu Wenhai also looked very excited, and said excitedly: "The server technology deployed at the second level, as well as the system software technology of the entire system. ”

"The server technology is good, I'll contact HP to try it. Simon Clay took the big picture and looked confident: "In the goal of confronting IBM, HP will stand on our side!"

Hu Wenhai nodded secretly in his heart, no matter what idea Simon Clay played, at least he did have a level. The current computer industry can be seen clearly.

HP competes with IBM in mainframes and servers, and HP also has its own unique expertise in network communication technology. Back in 1982, HP developed the first email system.

In the field of computer servers and network communications, HP has a deep accumulation. Others don't know, but Hu Wenhai knows the grievances and hatreds between HP and IBM that can be made into a 100-episode series of TV series in the future.

Indeed, after raising the banner against IBM, HP has a good chance to stand on Cisco's side. At least then they can advertise their servers.

"That's it, we're waiting for good news from you, Mr. Clay. Hu Wenhai said firmly, smiling, and Simon Clay clasped hands.

......

Joey has been on fire for a while, and for those who don't obey IBM's baton, they just want them to know what kind of trouble they're in.

Since Stanford University officially announced that Leonard's teaching position had been canceled, Joey's friend Matthew began to "dig up" all kinds of "news" about Leonard and his wife.

Leonard's students said that he was a very bad professor, who would only read from the book in class and usually ignored the students' requests for advice. ”

"Yes, Professor Leonard's teaching attitude is very problematic. He once brought a router to class, almost using the tone of TV sales to promote his own products. ”

"I think he's just a guy who sees money, and we professors don't usually interact with him much. ”

As Hu Wenhai predicted, IBM not only intends to refute Leonard in terms of technology, but also to completely stink him in terms of personality.

For almost a month, under all sorts of IBM PR and media bombardments, the image of Professor Leonard and his wife is now almost nothing to speak of.

Even many ordinary people who are watching have begun to think that this is a hype, and it is Leonard who has seen the money in the "sugar daddy".

Joey was very satisfied with his work during this time, and to be honest, he hadn't enjoyed the pleasure of power with capital for a long time.

That's why he likes this job, since he can't make himself the owner of capital, then become the spokesperson of capital.

As long as you don't encounter other tigers, it's enough to dominate in the forest.

"Parker!" Joey shouted, "You go and contact that Chinese again, I see if he can still shout another $100 million now." ”

He thought for a while, and said proudly: "You also tell him the same, just say that the purchase price will be reduced by one million dollars in a month." If you sell it again next month, it will only be two million!"

Chapter 210: Eighteen Roads Against the King

"Mr. Hu, today is the last day. Parker shook his glass lightly and smiled: "If you can't make a decision as soon as possible, I have to regret to inform you that IBM's purchase price for Cisco shares will be lowered to two million dollars." ”

"Tsk, that's a million dollars. Parker took a sip of wine regretfully, shook his head and sighed: "I heard that you Chinese have a monthly salary of only 25 US dollars, and one million US dollars is enough for 40,000 people a month, right?"

"Well, I have to say Mr. Parker, you obviously didn't watch the recent hit "A Day in the Chinese". Hu Wenhai didn't seem to be affected at all, and he cut the signature dish of Freddy's barbecue restaurant in the "Fly Restaurant" with relish, and the black chef's special American grilled ribs.

I have to say that this kind of food is really very appetizing to Hu Wenhai. Grilled rib steak with separate flesh and bones, no other utensils, just grab the ribs one by one by hand, or slow or full of wild heart.

Don't worry about your image, don't think about the gravy on your hands. Once you've eaten the ribs, toss them onto a plate with a thud and suck them clean with a paper towel or simply your fingers.

It is only in this kind of small shop on the corner that you can put down the "noble" disguise and let go of all your restraints just to taste the food.

Of course, such a delicacy must always be paired with some other ingredients to make people feel more thoroughly pleasant.

Hu Wenhai took a big sip of beer without any image, then leaned lazily on the back of the chair, waved his finger and smiled: "If you have watched "A Day in the Life of a Chinese", you will know that the salary of an ordinary Chinese worker was indeed less than 100 yuan three or four years ago. But by this year, the wages of our workers had at least doubled. Even at the exchange rate of 3.2 US dollars, the average salary of Chinese workers is now above 50 US dollars. ”

Parker shrugged indifferently and chuckled, "But it's still not worth mentioning." ”

As he spoke, Parker snapped his fingers. A waiter hurriedly walked over and asked respectfully, "Sir, is there anything I can serve?"

Parker unhurriedly took out a fifty-dollar bill from his wallet, looked at Hu Wenhai out of the corner of his eye, and then put Grant into the waiter's tray.

He waved his hand lightly to let the waiter leave, and then spread his hands: "It's only fifty dollars, it's really pitiful." ”

Hu Wenhai's face did not change, he thought about it, stretched out a finger, stared at Parker with a smile on the corner of his mouth and said, "Mr. Parker, why don't we make a bet, the bet is a Durant." ”

"What are we bet on?" Parker intrigued.

"Bet on our annual GDP growth rate in China. Hu Wenhai said: "If China's GDP growth rate was less than 7% last year, I lost." I multiply the previous year's bet amount by one plus the previous year's GDP growth rate and pay you the bet. If China's GDP growth rate in the previous year was greater than 7%, then you lose, pay me the same calculation method of gambling money, bet or not?"

Hu Wenhai calculated that by 10 years from the 21st century, he should be able to get at least $700 a year in gambling. Well, that's a good deal.

What better way to share the dividends of the motherland's development than in this way?

"7% growth rate per year!" Parker's eyes were about to fall out, and he rubbed his hands excitedly, "Yes, I don't mind being able to earn a little more every year." To be honest, I'm more worried that China's GDP growth is too slow, and fifty dollars at a time is too little. ”

"Oh, that's it. Hu Wenhai simply added: "I bet that China's GDP will double in 1990 compared to 1985, which means that if we don't gamble $100 in 1991, I will lose $1 million to you." If China's GDP in 1990 more than doubled in 1985, you ......"

"I'll lose you a million dollars!" Parker almost jumped to his feet, quickly pulled out two napkins from the paper drawer on the table, swiped down the deed, and signed his name.

As if he was afraid that Hu Wenhai would regret it, he picked the corner of his eyes and said excitedly: "Establish words as evidence?"

"Actions speak louder than words. Hu Wenhai signed his name on a napkin and kept it in duplicate.

"Thank you, generous Mr. Hu. Parker whistled excitedly, "I think I can retire ten years early." ”

"I'm sorry, I had a hunch. Hu Wenhai also put away his contract: "You may have to make money for me in the rest of your life." ”

"We'll see. Parker wasn't worried.

"Alright, let's get down to business. Parker sat upright: "Three million dollars, this is the last chance IBM has given you." ”

Parker thought for a moment and added, "If I were you, I'd sign it as quickly as you did." ”

"There's no hurry. Hu Wenhai glanced at his watch, then snapped his fingers and called the waiter over.

"Excuse me, turn on the TV for me and ask for the ABC news channel. Hu Wenhai pointed to Parker opposite: "The tip was paid by this gentleman just now." ”

“what？”

Parker looked at Hu Wenhai dumbfounded, the Chinese are poor and even greedy for a tip of fifty dollars, but this can also be explained, otherwise they would not be biting such an unrealistic figure as 100 million US dollars.

"Mr. Parker won't mind, will he?" Hu Wenhai waited for the waiter to leave, and then turned around and asked insincerely.

"Just let me be kind and giving. Parker pouted and spread his hands helplessly.

"Well, it's almost time. Hu Wenhai finally confirmed the time, put away his watch and said: "I'm sorry I don't have the size of IBM, and I can't wait until tomorrow to execute a new offer." I am announcing that from now on, IBM will have to offer a $200 million purchase price for my stake in Cisco. ”

"Is there anything wrong with you!" Parker's eyes widened, as if he had never met Hu Wenhai: "It seems that Mr. Hu has not been sincere in cooperating with IBM from the beginning, and I think the negotiation can be over." ”

"I have to say, you made a very stupid decision - to be an enemy of IBM. ”

Parker stood up, pulled out his meal money and threw it on the table, and was about to walk out of the store.

However, before he could take two steps, the picture of ABC News on the TV flashed, and a figure familiar to everyone at IBM appeared on the screen.

"IBM, you need to know what you're doing. ”

On television, Simon Clay walked slowly from the depths of the pure white set, saying as he went: "For a long time, a ghost hovered over the computer industry. This ghost is IBM. It ****, pursues hegemonism, and uses capital to strangle all enterprises that threaten it. Today, it's time for the people to say no to IBM. IBM's next-generation mainframes will use the new PersonalSystem2 standard, which will no longer be open to other vendors. ”

"If we don't stand up, no one will be able to stop IBM from strangling our computer industry. Our spirit of freedom and sharing will be replaced by closure and centralization in this industry. ”

"I, Simon Clay, the father of supercomputers—"

With that, another person walked out in the background of the TV screen.

"I, Bill Hewlett, President of Hewlett-Packard, Father of Silicon Valley—"

"I, Ken Olson, President of DEC, Father of the Small Computer—"

"I, Rod Kenyon, the founder of Compaq Computers and the father of compatible machines—"

"General Manager of Cisco, Father of Network Routers, Leonard—"

......

On the TV screen, one after another familiar names and voices sounded. Until the last person appeared, Parker even rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

"I, the founder of Apple and the PC, Steve Paul Jobs—"

There were eighteen people, divided into left and right, and Simon Clay almost filled the entire picture of the television. Their names, each of which is taken out as a prince, are almost half of the American computer industry when they stand together.

In particular, the last man, Steve Jobs, who pioneered Apple's Macintosh computer, was too much for Parker to comprehend.

Why would Apple go to the heresy of the server-to-client alliance?

In fact, the reason is very simple, the world has been suffering IBM for a long time!

Simon Clay was on the verge of bankruptcy by a run on IBM;

DEC: Under the siege of IBM, the minicomputer market is in jeopardy;

HP has long been eyeing IBM's server market and is its direct competitor;

Compaq has heard of IBM's next-generation PS2 standard, and intends to abandon IBM's architecture and transition to a 32-bit 386 computer system;

Needless to say, Cisco, the pioneer of the personal computer, has also been defeated by the IBMPC offensive. Steve Jobs, a business myth, will be swept away in two months in history;

The 80s were arguably IBM's most glorious years, but it was also the era with the most enemies.

It's really not easy to put together an anti-IBM coalition. How many of these eighteen companies are not interested in the server-to-client model, but because IBM wants to launch PS2 and monopolize the entire PC market.

Down with IBM, no, even if it's just to teach IBM a lesson, that's what they all have in common. Leonard's experience also made them feel close, and they couldn't wait for such a result to fall on their heads!

An unavoidable scene in the history of computers in later generations, known as the Eighteen-Way Anti-IBM Alliance, the fathers of sixty-four computers, raised the flag in Yan! )