Chapter 780 – Cooperation
Kirilenko paused for a while and said: “You are talking about the operating system for PC? Why not? Our country’s PC operating system is built by us.”
Feng Yu knew about this. But in his previous life, Russia’s software industry was taken over by US companies in the end. The Russian companies were taken over by those companies.
But Feng Yu forgot that the Russia software was still on par with the US in this era.
The former Soviet Union had been competing with the US in terms of weapons. The technologies developed by the Soviet Union were related to PC and telecommunications. That’s why Russia, which had inherited most of the Soviet Union’s assets, was very powerful now.
Mathematics and engineering were essential components in the development of software. Russia was famous for its strength in these two components. They were one of the most advanced in the world and much stronger than China.
After the Cold War ended, Russia’s software engineers no longer work for their government. Some of the top engineers were hired by big companies, and some went to work in Europe. Some had even started their own company.
Kirilenko was able to find these people in large numbers. They could develop the most advanced software for missiles, and operating system for PC should be a piece of cake for them.
“What about application software? This should not be a problem for your people, right?” Feng Yu felt he had almost missed this golden opportunity. This was the opportunity for China’s software to overtake western countries.
“Software is never a problem. Why? You thought of a new business venture?” Kirilenko saw Feng Yu’s expression and knew he would be able to make money again.
“Brother Ki, how about we set up a software company together? But I must take the lead in this venture. My side had already started the research and have some progress.” Feng Yu asked as he rubbed his chin.
“No problem. Just tell me what to do.” Feng Yu had become the biggest shareholder in their mineral venture, and Kirilenko did not mind, let alone this small software company.
“I have some shares in Lenovo company back in China. Lenovo is China’s leading PC manufacturer and has good results in software development. They also owned a good software company and had been researching software developments. But I think it is not enough. I want to become the world’s number one.”
Kirilenko replied excitedly. “Of course. If we are going to do it, we must be the best. Furthermore, if we cooperate, we have ready funds, technology, and creativity. We will surely be the best!”
Feng Yu glanced at Kirilenko. You seem to be more confident than me.
Kirilenko’s confidence was not from his country’s engineers. It was because this was suggested by Feng Yu. All the businesses suggested by Feng Yu were profitable!
Kirilenko had cooperated with Feng Yu in many businesses, and he had never made any losses.
“I am thinking of setting up a software company together with you, Lenovo and me. We will develop our own operating system, application software, and antivirus. We will only focus on software.”
Although just focusing on software might put them at the mercy of those hardware manufacturers, but Microsoft in Feng Yu’s previous life also enters the laptop and PC industry later on. This was because, without their own brand of PC, they would lose their number one seat. But temporary, focusing on just developing software was the best strategy. Anyway, Feng Yu still have Lenovo, a PC manufacturer.
Kirilenko frowned. “Why can’t you just buy over Lenovo? With both of us, we should be able to afford it.”
Feng Yu’s sweat rolled down his forehead. You are too ambitious. Lenovo belongs to the Chinese Government. I can’t even get the controlling shares, let alone letting a Russian owning share of this company.
“It is not about money. The company is controlled by the government. It’s the government’s asset. Do you understand?” Feng Yu explained.
Kirilenko thought for a while: “Government’s investment? Then who should we bribe?”
Feng Yu: “……” That is not Russia. It’s not about who you bribe, and you can buy over the company. Feng Yu suspects Kirilenko had used this method for his investments in Russia.
“It’s not about looking for who. Don’t even think about it. I can let Lenovo’s subsidiary software company separate from its parent company and cooperate with us to set up a new software company. This is the best I can do. Also, the market is critical. The Chinese market is as big as the US market. Do you understand?”
Feng Yu wants to let Kirilenko understand that this company can only be set up in China, and he is the only one who can lead the company. He does not want Kirilenko to bring this company to Russia.”
“I know China has a higher population. I agree with this. What then? How much should I come up with, and how many shares will I get?” Kirilenko trusted Feng Yu blindly.
“This would depend on how many engineers you can find. Also, your engineers do not understand Chinese, and our engineers do not speak Russian. There will be lots of problems with their communication.” Although the primary programming language used in this ear was C and JAVA, the engineers still need to speak to each other.
“This is not a problem. Your people will lead, and we will support them. We can just hire some translators. I can get you as many software engineers as you want. It’s just software engineers, and we have lots of them in Russia. Money can easily solve this issue.” Kirilenko waved his hand casually.
“Fine. We will discuss the investment among later. But I have to factor in the value of creativity. I hope you can understand.” Feng Yu said.
“We will invest the same amount, including the number of engineers. But you will get 10% more shares than me, is this alright for you?” Kirilenko replied.
Feng Yu did not have any more requests. Kirilenko was too direct and straightforward. Actually, in terms of capabilities, Russian software engineers were much better than the Chinese. Kirilenko had given in a lot to Feng Yu.
“Brother Ki, you are too kind. Don’t worry. The profits of this company will not disappoint you.” Feng Yu patted his chest.
Microsoft’s operating system will evolve from Wins 95, 98, 2000 to XP. But Feng Yu will want his software company to start developing WIN 7 operating system immediately. He might not be able to overthrow the operating systems in the market now, but his operating system will be very different.
The development of Feng Yu’s operating system will take a long time. But even if he were able to introduce his operating system 1 or 2 years ahead of Microsoft, it would also be a massive blow to them.
Of course. Feng Yu still want to develop Android. This was also very important. The earlier he launches his application software and antivirus software into the market, the more profits their company could make!
Kirilenko laughed. “I trust you!”