章節 205: Chapter 205: The Knocked-out Giant
William White was at home, wrestling with the fact that even the IT industry was beginning to change.
IBM seemed to have issues with Texans. It was true for William White, and now, it seemed, for the newly appearing Compaq too.
The two men who came from Texas Instruments were initially expected to work on CPUs or dynamic memory, given their background. It seemed unlikely they would venture into a completely different field.
To White Systems, a company with a registered capital of ten million dollars was of little concern.
"Compaq? Are those the guys from Texas Instruments?"
"Yes, boss, you know them?"
"Of course I do. This company deserves attention. Is it new?"
"Yes, it was just founded this year."
"Tom, don't just look at their size or care if it's new. The bosses of this company are very capable. The folks at Texas Instruments must be blind."
"Really? Then I'll go meet them personally."
"Yeah, better to do so. It's a small effort at little cost. If nothing goes wrong, they'll likely choose MSDOS."
"In that case, they're definitely worth noting."
"Ha ha, IBM might have a headache. So what if they set the rules? Although they'll have market power, the downsides are obvious."
"Sir, if that's the case, the first will naturally lead to a second."
"Yeah, the IT industry has been calm for too long. It needs a bit of a shake-up."
...
Meanwhile, the person in charge of IBM PC projects was also troubled. This newly appointed senior executive had managed to deal with White Systems, but now faced new challenges.
IBM compatibles?
Aw, you've gotta be kidding! How can you be this shameless? Damn Texans.
The guy was obviously mad, though those from Texas Instruments might not be Texans themselves. Honestly, Texas isn't known for this type of talent; more like cowboys. When it comes to high-tech, California takes the cake.
The North versus South in the US was also interesting. In matters of politics and war, Northerners seemed to have the edge, but in business, Southerners were clearly better. Combine Texas and California, and they can easily overrun anything.
Post-World War II, this trend became more evident, and in terms of industry upgrading, the South clearly did better.
Regardless of whether they were Texans, IBM was frustrated. Look at their advertising: "85% of the cost, 99% of the performance."
These bastards nearly said outright, "Buy ours and get 15% off, and it's pretty much the same. If you don't believe it, try it."
Well, that 99% is debatable. IBM's products are indeed pricey, but they're quality. Yet, there's an issue. Isn't the economy bad now? What's wrong with saving a bit?
Also feeling the pinch were Apple and Commodore, which never expected the market to change so rapidly.
Right, IBM lacks a price war advantage, but what about those compatibles? They've got no real lack. Most importantly, they're compatible!
From a user's standpoint, different systems are a pain in the neck. Why can't you all get along? Even though Microsoft's system is trash, at least it works, right?
Bill Gates also felt the pressure. Though he didn't want to offend IBM, he wasn't naive. Software is sold by the package, and since White Systems gets compatibility with everything, why should he care? Besides, if he really stops selling, does he think there's no competition?
His biggest worry now was White Software. If he doesn't seize this opportunity, who knows if that guy will start making operating systems too.
"Hmm, Tom's suggestion might be worth considering," Bill Gates was wondering. He was sure Tom had no say; this must be William White's idea.
Yes, William White was planning to take it easy. He wanted a cross-shareholding with Microsoft. The main problem was Microsoft's valuation was far below White Software's. He could do a cross-shareholding, but being taken over completely wouldn't be good.
To be honest, William White was quite sincere, needing only a 10% stake and not seeking more or control. Anyway, 10% was the limit.
William White was setting a trap for Bill Gates or trying to take advantage of him. Others might not know Microsoft's value, but how could he not?
Of course, there were still many opportunities before Windows 95 came out, and there was plenty of time, so he could take it slow.
The disturbances in the IT industry had limited actual impact. White Software had no stance; they sold for a price, offering discounts when you bought a lot.
...
The film, Evita, wrapped up. For this shooting speed, outsiders could only describe it as incredible. No one talked about shoddy production, as White Films hadn't made a bad movie yet.
Sure, some were not convinced, but no one cared about their thoughts. Few could question him; maybe Lucas and Spielberg, but others had better save their breath.
William White's big mouth was really infuriating, and it was useless bringing up some highly respected old guy. With a "Who are you?" he'd have them fuming.
The old folks at the film academy didn't like him, partly for this reason. Arrogant after success, that's what described him.
"William, I'm here again."
"George, can't they send someone else to talk to me? Always talking with you has me on the verge of throwing up. Do me a favor and send a pretty lady next time."
George Bush Jr. was visibly irritated. He really didn't want to come this time. This bunch of troublemakers were always stirring things up with no ability to make peace, using him as a sucker for free?
"Not to sound harsh --"
"Stop, stop, don't start with that. Every time you say 'Not to sound harsh,' you're about to one hundred percent criticize me, aren't you?"
"Come on, even that's true?"
"Got it figured out, haven't I? Tell me, what's the deal?"
"Stop the investigation, and your media should stop causing a stir."
"Ha ha, I still have a package, saying that these conglomerates are devouring the US economy. This lousy economic environment is just industry's upgrade by the conglomerates."
Bush Jr. looked utterly frustrated. He knew William White was just bluffing, but he had to let those behind the scenes know.
"William, you can't be serious?"
"Why not? I won't start with the US, I'll start with Europe and analyze World War II's causes along the way."
"Alright, alright, I'll pass on your words."
"Not fun anymore, can't even joke around. I was planning a movie named The Passion of the Christ."
"Are you sure you want me to say that?"
"Of course, if they keep crossing the line, there are plenty of wild topics. Maupassant's stories are numerous; I can make any of them into a movie."
...
William White said this to become unreasonable, while the Jewish consortia were still watching and waiting.
They were rather amused, though surprised William White would go this far.
To be honest, many of them didn't quite believe it.
Yet, what if?
Nowadays, America was almost like a powder keg. If someone shouted, "It's those vampires' fault," things might get explosive.
Alright, they didn't dare to think further. The scene was too terrifying. There were many who opposed them, especially in the US. Indeed, they had been a bit overzealous post-war.
Soviet nuclear plants blew up at will, and unruly neighbors were bombed freely. Arrogance was the name of the game.
*****
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