Chapter 579: The Difference Between Duty and Favor

In 1979, when Mostek's market share climbed to the peak, it attracted the attention of predators, and was finally acquired by Echnologies Corion - United Technologies Corporation, TC, for $345 million. [Read the latest chapter..]

&nbsc is a well-known manufacturer in the United States and a huge 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 companies are familiar to ordinary people, such as Otis Elevator Company and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Company.

The spacesuits and fuel cells used by Apollo 11 to land on the moon; the engines of Boeing 747; the fuel cells, spacesuits and environmental control systems of Space Shuttle Columbia... are all provided by the manufacturer tc.

&nbsostek, originally there were processors and other products on the product line, but after DRAM became more and more profitable, it put all its 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 a 256kb DRAM chip, but mostek has been slow to make progress.

The technology is backward, and the price cannot be competed. Naturally, the status in the world will not be guaranteed, and life will become more and more difficult.

But there is one thing, if the child cries, there is no guarantee that the adults will not come forward to defend it. Therefore, mostek's sarcasm is really scary.

Tang Huan tapped his fingers on the table, and asked understandingly: "You came here to recruit me to be a strong man, because you intend to let me cooperate with you in acting."

"Indeed." John Chambers nodded, "I feel that only you can help Fangyuan Computer Company calm down the situation."

...

San Jose, located in the south 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 of the US Semiconductor Industry Alliance and computer manufacturers chose to be held here.

Representatives from dozens of companies sat together. It can be said that there is a crowd, and the active small group headed by mostek is communicating and encouraging each other, waiting for the representative of Fangyuan Computer Company to arrive. How to apply pressure to it.

...

"If you count on those inefficient guys from the federal government to investigate the dumping of the Japanese semiconductor industry, you may not be able to get the results. Even if you can wait for the results, our losses will be difficult to recover. Therefore, everyone must be prepared. , Let manufacturers cooperate with our actions.

"

"Just take the Circle Computer Company. The other companies will be fine."

...

As the initiator of this semiconductor industry alliance, Robert Noyce was displeased when he heard these comments. The reason why he worked so hard to run up and down is that he really has a good wish to save the entire semiconductor industry in the United States. Unfortunately, some members of the alliance did not appreciate it.

Speaking of which, mostek and Intel have a long history.

In the 1970s, Intel had quality problems when it launched 4kb DRAM, so mostek seized the opportunity, stepped on Intel, and ascended to the dominant position in the memory industry.

In addition, after Federico Fagin left from Intel. Founded zilog company, developed 8-bit microprocessor intel8080 compatible cp and competitor z80, and mostek's fab assisted its tape-out success.

There are too many grievances between the two companies, and it is impossible to completely eliminate the gap that was planted just because they now have the same big goal.

In all fairness, Robert Noyce lobbied the federal government to investigate the dumping behavior of the Japanese semiconductor industry and worked very hard, but because the issue of Japan-US trade frictions is very complicated, and the Japanese are very shrewd and familiar with international trade rules. It's not that 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" on the memory, but the effect is really not good.

&nbsek didn't understand the hard work involved, and even suspected that Intel was unwilling to put pressure on computer manufacturers sincerely because of the processor intel80286. Using what he heard from Tang Huan, he described it as "pick up a bowl and eat r, put down Chopsticks scolding mother". So heartless.

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 sneered bitterly to himself, "I have personally experienced the toughness of Fangyuan Computer Company, let's see how you hit your head Bleeding!"

...

With the representatives of computer companies such as Commodore, Apple, Compaq, i, de, etc. present, there was not much time left before the meeting.

However, the representative of Fangyuan Computer Company has not yet appeared. Seeing this scene, mostek, who was ready to go, couldn't help but feel a little anxious, so he began to say strange things, "What's the matter with the representative of Fangyuan Computer Company, he didn't dare to come, or put on airs and asked everyone to wait for him ?”

"Since Fangyuan Computer Company is the only one that didn't show up, why don't we just have a meeting like this?" Jobs, who was even more impatient, took over the conversation and suggested.

As people's freshness and enthusiasm for flashy Macs are fading, the sales of Macs have been declining all the way. Jobs's rhetoric that Apple will sell 750,000 Macs this year will also come to naught. He is even more anxious, saying yes Not too moody.

Originally, Jobs would not have come to this kind of wrangling meeting, but John Sculley persuaded him, "Anyway, this meeting is in Silicon Valley, very close. As the external image of Apple, you should learn about the industry. The dynamics are also good."

But what Jobs lacks at the moment is "peace of mind". Sitting here and looking at everyone is not pleasing to the eye, and he hopes that the meeting will end quickly.

&nbsek's president, Wayne Proslo, was so stupefied by Jobs that he almost choked, cursing inwardly, "You ignorant and arrogant guy, don't you see that I have something to say? Besides, sir Without you Apple, Fangyuan cannot be missing, otherwise this meeting will lose its meaning."

The scene was a little turbulent when the door opened. Accompanied by John Chambers, Tang Huan walked in calmly and sat down next to the meeting convener Robert Noyce.

I have to say, Tang Huan's appearance. Contrary to everyone's expectations, Wayne Proslo and the friends beside him looked at each other, secretly exchanging ideas.

Looking around, Tang Huan found that, as expected, this kind of meeting was destined to be full of quarrels. The top leader of a big company is too lazy to show up, and this is an exception for him to join in the show.

Raising his wrist and glanced at the Rolex that Deng Lijun gave him five years ago, Tang Huan said with a smile: "It's almost time, can the meeting start?"

Robert Noyce, who was a little tired from being disturbed by various contradictions, pulled himself together, coughed lightly, and made a brief opening speech, "The issues to be discussed in this meeting have long been clear to everyone. Who will come first?" Speak."

"Let me explain my point of view." Wayne Prosrow did his part. Quickly took over from Robert Noyce.

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

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

"Obviously, Japan intends to destroy our semiconductor industry so that they can become kings."

"It is with this in mind that we must marshal our resources and forces in response to this shameful offense."

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

...

Tang Huan solemnly wrote in the shorthand notebook with a gold pen, "Wisdom will be hurt, love will last forever, strength will be humiliated, a gentleman is modest, gentle as jade", and then pondered it for a while.

Seeing that Wayne Prosrow was still boasting there, Tang Huan no longer endured his clamor, knocked on the table with his fingers, and reminded: "Mr. Wayne Prosrow, this is not Congress. Please put away unnecessary Long story. So many people are wasting time here, every minute lost is difficult to assess. What we need is to get straight to the point and discuss the main points."

Amidst Jobs' yawn and the playful gazes of several other representatives of computer manufacturers, Wayne Proslo was stunned for a moment, blushing, and then said calmly: "As you wish, we will talk about the key points. "

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

"To be honest, I understand very well, and I am very willing to support your actions to save the nation." Tang Huan, a cat crying and a mouse, made his attitude clear in a fake and compassionate manner, and then changed the subject and said, "But, don't you think that asking us Computer manufacturers, don’t give up cheap sources of goods, and buy your memory with no advantages in quality and technology, but the price remains high. Is it against the law of the market? Fangyuan Computer is a public listed company. At that time, how will we benefit? A plainly damaged shareholder confession?"

Wayne Proslo was obviously prepared for such a question a long time ago, 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 for your own products, your interests will be seriously damaged by then."

"Then you have to explain clearly why the technology of the Japanese company that learned technology from the United States and obtained authorization has surpassed the master in the United States." Tang Huan stretched out his hand, "I want a large amount of 256kb DRAM now. Everyone here, except Motorola Besides, who else can supply me? Do you mean that the support you mentioned means letting me buy your outdated 16kb DRAMs and 64kb DRAMs with a low yield rate?"

Seeing the dumbfounded expression of the other party, Tang Huan sneered, and lazily concluded: "You don't have that ability! Instead of doing this, you might as well try to get the federal government to take action against Japan as soon as possible."

"You are sophistry." Wayne Proslo roared angrily, "I know that you have always been very close to those Japanese companies, and have been purchasing their products in large quantities for a long time. For your own immediate self-interest, 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 slammed the table heavily, and the nearby folders were shaken up by more than an inch.

He stared at Wayne Proslo, and said slowly: "I want to remind you to figure out what is duty and favor. It is duty not to buy your things, and it is favor to order you. No one is qualified to do this Pointing fingers, Fangyuan Computer Company has its own interest groups that must be considered."

Seeing that the atmosphere was so full of sparks, Robert Noyce endured the discomfort of ringing in his ears, and quickly stood up to persuade: "Everyone, please face the differences calmly."

Tang Huan snorted and said loudly: "I'm not boasting. Fangyuan Computer Company has already made great contributions to the development of the US semiconductor industry. When Fangyuan personal computer first came out, the memory capacity of the personal computer on the market was the highest. 64kb, but in about five years, Fangyuan personal computer has brought this level to the mainstream 512kb, the top 2mb or more. You must know the growth of your own memory shipments most clearly.”

"On Dex in the spring 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. It can use large memory and Extra space on the hard drive, copying the contents of the slow floppy in to get off the floppy temporarily."

"According to authoritative professional analysis, driven by this favorable condition, the market demand for memory 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, you should use your brains and how to seize this business opportunity."

Regardless of the different complexions of the people, Tang Huan put away the gold pen, got up and said goodbye, "Everyone, I have other things to do, so I won't accompany you."

Before going out, Tang Huan told John Chambers grandly, "Since mostek is so hostile to us, then don't buy its products in the future, including the 256kb dynamic random access memory that may be developed."

Hearing that Tang Huan issued the banning order, Wayne Proslo turned pale with anger, "You are a bully, you are a provocation to our alliance..."

Jobs also stood up, yawned, and muttered dissatisfiedly: "It's so boring, if I knew it would be like this, I wouldn't be here, and I have to go on a business trip."

Other computer manufacturers, including Compaq, didn't even bother to say hello, and retreated in groups. Even semiconductor manufacturers such as Micron and Motorola found an excuse to slip away.

Looking around the deserted conference room, Robert Noyce said in his heart: "I knew that if you press too tightly, it will be counterproductive."

Wayne Proslo asked, "Should this meeting continue?"

Robert Noyce waved his hand, "From now on, I will only be in charge of public relations with the federal government, and don't come to me for other matters."

After dropping this sentence, Robert Noyce also left. The previous closed-door consultation meeting, which was full of enthusiasm and excitement, was completely fruitless and broke up in a crowd.

Seeing this scene, Wayne Proslo could not help but feel dejected. My wishful thinking was completely in vain, and I also offended Fangyuan Computer Company, how can I explain to the board of directors when I go back?

Thinking about how high-spirited mostek was when it was the dominant position in the industry, it is really not reconciled to be pointed at by Tang Huan now! (To be continued.)

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