James and Farrell ran out on the excuse of going to the bathroom. Farrell asked nervously, "Head, what should I do?"

James sighed. He was a manager, a management talent, a businessman, but not a spy. The way he could think of was nothing more than business means, buying high and selling low, and doing more, which was somewhat beyond Microsoft's salary.

He had no choice but to say in frustration: "First follow the normal procedures, let's take a look."

Farrell shook his head and sighed listlessly, "I have to do this."

"James, Farrell, you are here, so it's easy for me to find!" Jessica walked over slowly.

James reorganized his spirits and asked, "Jessica, what are the results of the API test?"

Jessica tickled the hair in her ear and smiled, "It's not bad. Although it's not perfect, it's definitely qualified."

James nodded and said, "Okay, just when what we said last night doesn't exist, and in the next week, you two will write me a test report, and I will use this as a basis to negotiate with the week."

"OK."

"no problem."

Jessica and Farrell agreed.

When the three of them returned to the computer room, Zhou Shuo and the students had calmed down. They greeted the three of them with a smile. Even though they no longer needed their job, these people were still busy in front of the computer.

In the busy time, the golden autumn October quietly arrived, and Microsoft's software testing work gradually came to an end.

James carefully looked through the test documents of the ERP software, trying not to miss any details.

Until he looked at the full document, he looked at Farrell and Jessica, nodded slightly, and said to Zhou Shuo opposite him: "Overall, this ERP software meets our requirements. Microsoft hopes to purchase all its copyrights, with the purchase price of $1.2 million."

One million and two million US dollars were indeed a considerable wealth in 1994. Of course, this is insignificant for the social benefits that an excellent ERP software can generate. Just like a novelist who cannot sell books, the income from a novelist is the same as a royalty, at most 10% of the royalties. The publisher's production, channels, promotion, publicity, sales and after-sales service must constantly share profits.

This is even more true when it comes to the software industry. Professional commercial software like ERP has higher requirements for technical support. Similarly, without Microsoft's distribution channels and promotion efforts, even if it is really a good thing, it may not only not be able to sell at the price, or even at all. This is also the reason why Zhou Shuo still chooses them even if Microsoft has a lot of bad record in intellectual property rights in the future.

Not to mention $1.2 million, as long as it can make the reputation of Chinese software, he is willing to pay a price of $100,000.

This is indeed unpleasant, but this is the first step that Chinese software must go to the world.

Zhou Shuo was silent for a moment, nodded and agreed: "I can agree to one million and two million dollars. But I have a proposal, I hope Microsoft can consider it."

James asked curiously, "Oh" and said, "What is your suggestion, please tell me."

Zhou Shuo coughed and said seriously: "I hope we can become Microsoft's software outsourcing providers."

"Outsourcing?" James looked at Zhou Shuo in surprise. Software outsourcing is not an unfamiliar concept. With the development of the US economy, human resources costs are gradually rising. As an intellectual and labor-intensive industry, the software industry is its main development cost.

In the 1980s, the software industry in the United States began to outsource non-core businesses internationally. The characteristic of capital is to flow to places with lower costs. In the process of transferring the software outsourcing industry, the most profitable was the well-known Indian software industry. In the early 1990s, China's software outsourcing industry was almost influential.

James said in embarrassment: "This, Microsoft has no plans to outsource software for the time being..."

Zhou Shuo waved his hand and said, "It doesn't matter, isn't Microsoft enough to set up an outsourcing software plan?"

"Uh?" James looked at Zhou Shuo in amazement. Is this a modern interpretation of Chinese idiom cutting feet and walking on the feet?

At Zhou Shuo's righteous request, he even said a little embarrassedly: "This is impossible. Microsoft's work technology is very high and has sufficient staff, so there is no need for this."

Zhou Shuo took his laptop from the side, turned on the screen and started a software and said, "I have different opinions on this. I know that Mark Anderson, the founder of Mosaic browser who was a big success last year, is developing a brand new browser software."

Zhou Shuo paused for a moment, saw James nodding in agreement, and then said: "I remember he once said this, 'Under the glory of the Internet, the operating system is just a set of device drivers with many vulnerabilities'. If the ambitious Mark Anderson succeeds, he may be likely to continue to develop a browser-based operating system. Are you confident that you have competed for them?"

Zhou Shuo pushed the notebook in front of James and said, "I have a plan to help Microsoft win the competition with them."

James looked at the computer screen, which was a web browser-like interface. He asked curiously: "Is this the web browser you developed? It's a bit similar to the ERP software client. However, Zhou, where do you have the confidence to be more popular than Mosaic?"

"Here." Zhou Shuo pointed to the top of the screen and said, "Please move the mouse here and take a look."

James moved the mouse to the top of the screen, and a drop-down column popped up slowly from above. He moved the mouse to the column, and icons appeared as the mouse passed by. He asked, "What is this column for?"

Zhou Shuo explained: "This is a communication software written using peer-to-peer network technology in ERP software. I took it out separately from the browser of the ERP software to make this software. In addition to being able to browse the network normally, its biggest feature is that it can conduct point-to-point network communication. The software server only needs to record the logical topology diagram of the account and does not need to forward communication data. This can greatly reduce the load pressure of network communication on the server."

Farrell's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he couldn't help but shouted: "So that's the case, so the stress test load on your server-side software will be so small!"

Zhou Shuo smiled and nodded slightly, looked at James and said, "This function can greatly increase the viscosity of the browser to users. Mosaic browser will never be its opponent. How about it? I can take out the peer-to-peer communication technology, Microsoft outsources the browser software work to us, or they can also establish a joint venture with us to operate this browser software."

James was ecstatic and before Zhou Shuo finished speaking, he quickly said: "Outsourcing, I'm sure Microsoft will outsource the browser software to you!"

He was shocked so much that Zhou Shuo once again showed him his genius insight. He discovered a solution to the instability of the operating system; he discovered the user's need for keyboard comfort; he discovered the key to the combination of modern enterprise and software management; now he discovered the fundamental requirement that has always been ignored in the online world - instant communication!

This is like a layer of window paper, which has nothing to do with technical issues, but whether people's minds are liberated. In the past, the Internet was a postman and an exhibition hall, and then suddenly one day the phone was born! Instant communication technology is the phone on the Internet. What is the prospect of this function? James is really clear as a member of Microsoft.

In the early days of the Internet, the need for discovery was endless and everywhere. Many people have created a wealth myth. Perhaps a teenage boy living in the attic in the middle-class American family would suddenly become a millionaire because of such an inspiration. Or maybe another Bill Gates was born because of a prank that posted a photo of the school beauty on the Internet...

This is the magic of creativity. When you see it for the first time, you will know that it is an amazing thing!

Zhou Shuo shrugged and said, "Okay, but in this case, Microsoft must pay me the patent usage fee..."

"Patent?!" James looked at Zhou Shuo for no reason. This was not the word he wanted to hear.

"Yes, patent." Zhou Shuo looked at James innocently and smiled in his heart: "The technology of transmitting instant communications through the international Internet and other digital networks, as well as online network monitoring technology, etc., has submitted applications in the United States and entered the patent protection period."

James said frustrated: "In this way, I have to communicate fully with Microsoft headquarters before I can give you a reply..."

Zhou Shuo smiled slightly and said calmly: "Then I will wait for Mr. James's good news."

James wiped the sweat from his head, thinking that the great joy and sorrow of his heart was too heavy. Next time, let others negotiate with him for the sake of his life.

He took a deep breath and turned the topic back in frustration and said, "Let's talk about the acquisition of ERP software first. If you have no objection to the bid of $1.2 million, we can sign the agreement now. Of course, as a joint agreement, Microsoft hopes that the OEM products of ergonomic keyboards can be put into production as soon as possible."

"No problem, then sign now." Zhou Shuo smiled like a winner, even though he was obviously suffering from the price.

ERP software is a stepping stone, knocking on Microsoft's door. What Zhou Shuo has to do is to replace Netscape. Compared with Netscape Communications Company that will be listed in the future, the browser with instant communication functions is more powerful, more convenient, and has a broader future.
Chapter completed!