Looking at the words on the fax paper and thinking for a moment, Bill Gates said: "Wintel, Simon, you mean Microsoft and Intel?"
Simon nodded and said: "That's right."
Bill Gates suddenly showed a disinterested expression and said: "Simon, Microsoft and Intel have been very good partners since 1981. You don't need to remind you of this."
"Of course I know. But, just like IBM forced Intel to license the X86 architecture patent to other manufacturers. Next, if IBM also feels that Microsoft is threatening its own initiative and introduces other operating systems to divert Microsoft's market share, then you What are you going to do?”
In the late 1970s, Intel launched a powerful X86 architecture processor. In order to prevent Intel from becoming dominant, IBM forced Intel to license its X86 patents to more than a dozen companies. As a result, although Intel has been able to produce the best-performing processors in recent years, its market share does not have much advantage in the field of processor chips.
Thinking of IBM, a behemoth with a market capitalization of over US$70 billion after the stock market crash, Gates was a little silent for a while. Even Microsoft and Intel combined have a current market value of less than $5 billion. If IBM really takes measures to restrict Microsoft, it won't have much power to fight back against IBM.
Seeing Gates' silence, Simon continued: "So, just being a simple partner will definitely not work. Microsoft and Intel must be closely integrated into a technology alliance that advances and retreats together, so that as long as users choose one of them, they must choose the other at the same time." . Graphical interface operating systems are destined to be the future development trend of PCs, and Microsoft has already taken a certain advantage. After all, the core patent of X86 is still in the hands of Intel. Compared with other chip manufacturers, it also has many advantages. If you two are strong United, in a few years, even in front of IBM, we should have a fighting chance."
Bill Gates said: "This may be a good approach, but Intel is not necessarily willing to tie itself to Microsoft."
Simon shrugged and said: "This is your business. I am not Microsoft's largest shareholder."
Bill Gates thought for a moment and then said: "Even if your idea can be realized, no one is a fool. If Microsoft and Intel do this, IBM and other manufacturers are likely to kick both of us out."
Simon said: "This goes back to the products of the two of you. Intel's processors are definitely the best on the market, and this company holds core patents, so the possibility of being completely excluded from the market is very low. In comparison, Microsoft's foundation is indeed too shallow, and the operating interface of the Windows system is still imitating Apple's Macintosh system. If Apple suddenly changes its position, there may not be Windows 3.0 in the future."
Hearing Simon's words implying that Windows copied the Apple computer operating system, Bill Gates' expression was a little uncomfortable, but he still said: "Can you solve this problem?"
Simon smiled and said: "It just so happens that I also bought 4.9% of Apple's shares. See, this is the benefit of having a lot of money. If there is friction between Apple and Microsoft, I think I can still help mediate it. .”
Although he is also a billionaire, more than 95% of Gates' net worth is now owned by Microsoft stocks, and he only has a few million dollars in funds at his disposal. In addition to the inevitable jealousy of Simon's huge wealth, Gates even felt a little ridiculous.
A young man who is not yet twenty years old has earned wealth in one year that is difficult for others to achieve in several lifetimes.
What happened to this world
Is there a BUG like the operating system
After struggling for a moment, Gates spoke again: "Simon, if you insist, I can agree to your joining the Microsoft board of directors personally, not to some unknown lawyer in New York."
"I'm very busy and don't have time to fly to Seattle to attend various Microsoft meetings." Simon shook his head decisively and said, "Bill, James is my spokesperson. I will keep abreast of Microsoft's operating conditions through him and propose my own suggestions.”
"You have to make sure he doesn't wantonly interfere with Microsoft's corporate decisions."
"Of course, even I won't," Simon nodded and said, "Actually, I'm happy to provide advice, but I don't really like to persuade someone to agree with my point of view. For Microsoft, I express my personal intentions most directly. The way is to buy or sell stocks, it's that simple. If you need it, I can even transfer the voting rights of the stocks held by Westeros Company to you."
Bill Gates was not polite at all: "Really?"
"Of course it's true, but in exchange, how about selling me some more of the stocks you hold, 5%, 10% off the market price? Bill, you are already a billionaire, and you definitely need more cash. Right? A public sale will be restricted by the SEC's shareholding reduction, and a private transfer will be no problem. At that time, I will authorize you the voting rights for 10% of Westeros Company's shares."
Bill Gates looked at a certain guy who looked like a wolf grandma, and almost subconsciously shook his head and said: "Sorry, Simon, I have no plans to sell stocks for the time being. If you want more, you can absorb it from the open market."
As the two chatted, lunch was quickly served.
After some exchanges, although it still felt a bit weird, Bill Gates unknowingly let down his guard against Simon, and the atmosphere of the subsequent conversation became more relaxed. Now that he has achieved his goal, Simon has appropriately revealed more ideas about the Wintel Alliance.
After lunch, Simon and Gates parted ways and returned to the company headquarters. It was already past two o'clock.
As soon as he entered the company's office building, Amy appeared in front of him with a script. When Simon saw the script handed over by Amy, a strange expression suddenly appeared on his face.
"rain Man".
Could it be.
It's yours, can't you run away
He was originally going to go directly to the editing room, but when he saw the script for "Rain Man", Simon took Amy and turned to his office. Sitting down behind the desk, Simon had already suppressed his surprise and opened the script to read with interest while waiting for Amy to take the initiative to explain.
Amy sat down across the desk and said, "Simon, this is what Michael Ovitz just sent over. It's a story about the brotherhood of autistic patients. He also called, but you're not here."
Simon asked: "He wants us to invest?"
Last Friday, Simon asked Amy to let out the news that the Westeros company planned to invest in film projects. This is obviously how "Rain Man" came to the door.
Amy nodded and said: "Actually, I have heard of this project a long time ago. Since last year, Ovitz has been promoting the project of "Rain Man". It is said that Ovitz was studying psychology in college. , had participated in charity activities to help autistic patients, and was very touched by this, so he liked the script very much, and also brought in Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to play the leading roles.”
Simon opened the script in his hand and asked: "There should be no shortage of investment for Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise's projects, right?"
Amy said: "The story lacks commercial selling points, and Hoffman and Cruise did not agree to reduce the salary. The budget cost is US$25 million. No one in Hollywood is optimistic about this project. Warner, Universal, Paramount and other companies all rejected it After taking over the script, several first-line directors also chose to withdraw. In the second half of the year, Spielberg had originally agreed to direct and helped raise funds. However, he also recently announced his withdrawal, with the public reason being that he wanted to direct "The Treasure Hunt" "Raiders 3", but I think Steven is also not optimistic about this project."
Simon smiled and said: "Then why did you bring it in front of me? Do you really treat me as a fat sheep?"
Amy also smiled and said: "Now United Artists has taken over this project, but they hope to find other investors to share the risks. Ovitz heard that we were interested in the copyright of "The Hobbit" in United Artists' hands, and he He said on the phone that if Daenerys Pictures was willing to shoulder the $10 million investment, he could help convince United Artists to transfer the rights to "The Hobbit" to us."
Simon glanced at Amy and said, "What do you mean?"
Amy shook her head and said: "The risk is too great, and I don't agree with investing. However, because it is related to "The Hobbit", I will show it to you. Now that Ovitz has said it, he must be sure to help us get it to the copyright of "The Hobbit". Moreover, there should be room for counter-offering for the investment share of US$10 million."
Because he was worried that he would be too successful in Hollywood, Simon originally planned to let "Rain Man", the 1988 North American box office champion in its original time and space, pass. but. Over the past year, what Simon has done in Hollywood and Wall Street can no longer be described as simply too aggressive, and there is no need to be too restrained now.
After making up his mind, Simon closed the script and said to Amy: "I will read the script tonight and reply to Ovitz tomorrow."
Amy nodded and talked about another thing, saying: "All the actresses you are interested in have rejected the invitation to "Instinct", Simon, then we can only choose the heroine from second- and third-tier actresses. ”
Since it is scheduled to be released next summer, "Basic Instinct" has been in intensive preparation during this period.
In addition to its own controversy and the theme gimmick of pornographic films, whether the female star who plays the leading role can create sparks with the male protagonist Michael Douglas and show the image of a strong, calm, and ruthless female writer will also determine whether "Basic Instinct" can Achieving box office success is crucial.
Simon had the selection of the heroine in hand from the beginning. The first one he chose was Michelle Pfeiffer. After the script was handed over, she was rejected because there were too many nude scenes. Then he carefully selected several popular actors. The actress sent out an invitation, but unexpectedly she was rejected.
Helplessly fingering the "Rain Man" script in his hand, Simon said: "In that case, let's choose from second- and third-tier actresses and ask the agency to send over a candidate list as soon as possible. The film will start filming in February next year. We don’t have much time.”
Amy agreed, and the two chatted about some more things, and then each began to busy with their afternoon work.