Back To 1995

   Chapter 663 Double Standard

"The latest news in Silicon Valley, AOL and Netscape reached an acquisition agreement, with a total acquisition scale of more than 4.7 billion dollars, becoming the largest transaction in the history of the Internet industry. AOL and Netscape completed a one-for-one stock exchange, and paid the Netscape board of directors. 1.5 billion in cash!

  After the acquisition is completed, AOL will acquire all of Netscape's industries, including brands, technologies, and R&D personnel.

Netscape has the world's best Internet technology, a new generation of Raptor browser, known as the world's top browser, in addition, Netscape also owns instant messaging, portal websites, web servers and other businesses, which will fill AOL's There is a technical vacancy, and AOL's stock price rose more than 6% today due to this news..."

On the    TV station, the news of AOL was reported. At the airport, Case and Lyonsis smiled and waved to the media and reporters, ready to take the business jet purchased by AOL and head to San Jose to sign a contract with Netscape.

   From a group of opponents, to defeat Microsoft, Yahoo, ICQ and other rivals, and **** Netscape, AOL this time can be said to shine, let the entire technology industry see AOL as a big head, no, it is the determination of the technology overlord!

Investors who bought AOL stock also agreed with Case's decision. The risk is so much bigger, but the exposure rate alone is not comparable to the previous one. When it came to technology companies, it was Microsoft, Yahoo, and ICQ. Class, and now AOL has finally entered this ranks.

   As a big brother in the Internet industry, he was acquired like this. Although it was acquired at a high price, when he saw the news, it still made many people in the industry feel sighed.

   On the plane, Lyonsis brought out a stack of newspapers to his boss, all of which were freshly released. Most of the reports on AOL's acquisition of Netscape were touted that AOL was bold and Casey acted decisively.

Of course, there are also some media who questioned that AOL is simply taking advantage of it. Netscape has lost much value. AOL claims to have 30 million users. device.

   Now the free browser is basically a loss. Microsoft's IE browser is now losing money and making a profit. If you don't believe that AOL acquired Netscape, you can earn it!

   "The Oakland Tribune, now it has become this kind of thing, I don't know how much PR fees Bruno Song gave it!"

Lyonsis picked up the Oakland Tribune, looked at it a few times, and said to Keith with disdain that since the birth of Hotmail a few years ago, several media in the Oakland Tribune have become die-hard supporters of Song Yang. As long as there are reports about Song Yang, that is to support Song Yang.

This time is no exception. The Oakland Tribune believes that Netscape should be acquired by ICQ. ICQ's 100 million users, coupled with Netscape's browser technology, can set off a second battle of browsers and kill Microsoft's IE browser. Down.

As for how to make money from browsers, the Oakland Tribune’s answer is very metaphysical. As long as Song Yang is there, browsers can make money, which is even more confident than Song Yang. As for AOL’s acquisition of Netscape, the Oakland Tribune kept complaining. , This is the bear breaking the stick, it is useless to buy it back!

  Case saw the long report of the Oakland Tribune, blowing ICQ to the sky, and summed it up in one sentence, this is Song Yang, so he is optimistic, and AOL is not Song Yang, then it is not pleasing to the eye.

  Although he was upset, Keyes still behaved very gracefully. After all, he is a winner now, how can a winner be jealous of a loser.

   "Time will prove everything. Some people always think they are right, but only time can prove that the truth is in the hands of a few people. I am looking forward to how the Oakland Tribune will report everything today!"

  Case said with a smile, his words were full of confidence, and he seemed to be sure to fight Microsoft IE and wipe out all doubts.

  Lyonses followed up with a tout of his own boss, and then said a piece of news that made Keyes excited, "Time Warner President Jerry Levin, agreed to meet with us to discuss the previously proposed project!"

  Case's face flushed. He knew that all this was not in vain. The acquisition of Netscape was indeed a demonstration of AOL's strength and courage to allies.

   "Netscape will be free!"

   In Microsoft headquarters, Bill Gates and a group of executives also watched the reports sent by frontline reporters in Seattle.

  Case, who just got off the plane, released the news when he went to Netscape headquarters, "After the acquisition by AOL, Netscape's latest generation browser Raptor will be completely free!"

The purpose is self-evident, but Bill Gates and others are not concerned about this. In the field of browsers, IE browser has the absolute upper hand, with a market share of close to 90%, and the bundled system. Big killer, what does AOL do to fight Microsoft.

   "For the antitrust lawsuit between Netscape and Microsoft..."

Hearing this, Bill Gates, Ballmer and other executives all raised their eyebrows. This is what they are concerned about. Microsoft hopes that AOL can withdraw the lawsuit. As long as there is no Netscape lawsuit, then Microsoft will face The antitrust lawsuit against the federal Department of Justice reduces the pressure by more than half.

   "I respect the wishes of Jim Clark and Anderson. As we all know, they gave everything for Netscape. AOL acquired Netscape and got everything from Netscape, including allies and opponents!"

  Case did not prove the answer, but his attitude showed everything. AOL inherited everything from Netscape, and naturally it also included the lawsuit between Netscape and Microsoft. He said it directly and would not withdraw the lawsuit against Microsoft.

   "I feel that Bruno Song is still too light on AOL!"

  Ballmer enlivened the atmosphere, "AOL's acquisition of Netscape basically drained its cash flow and borrowed a lot of money from Wall Street!"

  Cash flow doesn’t seem to be a big deal when it’s not a big deal. Banks, institutions, etc. are willing to give generously, but if something really happens, then the cash flow will be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Bill Gates took a deep breath and looked at Case who was looking forward to his self-improvement on the screen. He originally wanted to give AOL a way to live, and gave up part of the browser market to AOL. Bill Gates also knew that he couldn't do things. Absolutely.

   Just like the existence of Apple, as long as Apple still maintains that poor operating system share, Microsoft does not have to worry about being split, and for this reason, Microsoft is willing to pull Apple.

   For AOL, Bill Gates also has the same idea, but AOL obviously doesn't cherish it, and even wants to fight against Microsoft.

Putting out the plan to negotiate with AOL, Bill Gates told Ballmer and others, "Go to ICQ, double-click the company, and let them stop all cooperation with AOL, especially advertising, Bruno Song will understand. I mean!"

  Since he decided to do AOL, Bill Gates would not show mercy. He knew that Song Yang would definitely be on Microsoft's side this time.

Netscape has already been acquired. Double-click, ICQ, etc., do not need to act anymore. They have been advertising for Netscape. Coupled with this acquisition, ICQ and AOL have already torn their faces on the bright side. past.

   Now, it is naturally time for Microsoft and ICQ to join forces to kill AOL, at least not let AOL be idle!

  The night Case arrived in San Jose, Jim Clark held a grand banquet for Case. Major technology companies, lawmakers, celebrities, etc. in San Jose were present. Only Song Yang and ICQ had a "negative" future because of the failed acquisition.

   This was one of the pinnacles of Case's life, and he was the focal point of the banquet with countless people around him.

   In the past, Jim Clark and Anderson, who were the focus of the crowd wherever they went, stood in the corner of the banquet with former Netscape President Baxter, and there were quite a few people who didn't care. Anderson realized what it means to have a cold tea.

   It’s not like no one cares. There are many Wall Street institutions, investment companies, and small Internet companies that have not been established for a long time. They frequently gather around them.

The purpose of   , of course, is for the cash in Jim Clark’s hands. After all, it is $1.5 billion in cash, and there are billions of dollars in stock that can be cashed out at any time.

  Even though he was mentally prepared, looking at Case, who was so beautiful in the crowd, Anderson could not help but show unwillingness and helplessness in his eyes.

Of course Anderson knew that he was not at a loss. In just a few short years on the Internet, he had earned more than one billion US dollars, and obtained a worth that others could not get in a few lifetimes. However, when he thought about the popularity of the past, and then looked at the current situation, he was unavoidable. There will be gaps.

Jim Clark is quite open to it. He has already experienced it once. The last time was much more tragic than this time. He directly fell out with the board of directors and was swept out of the house. This time, he retreated completely, carrying several billion dollars. The knife has successfully retreated.

Glancing at Case, who was touted by the others to change the glass, Jim Clark raised the corner of his mouth and looked on with a bit of coldness, then turned his head and raised his glass to Anderson and Baxder in a low voice, "Respect Bruno Song!"

   Even if he was in a bad mood, Anderson still raised his glass when he heard this. If Song Yang's glass of wine was disrespected today, Anderson and the others probably wouldn't dare to open the table.

  Netscape sold for 4.7 billion US dollars, all of which were raised by ICQ. Before selling it, Anderson never dreamed that Netscape could be so valuable!

Jim Clark also felt boring without spending too much time at the banquet. America is a Vanity Fair, and Silicon Valley is not immune to the vulgarity. When the scenery is infinite, countless people come up to chase after it. Come step on both feet and grab another.

   When he left the banquet, Jim Clark couldn't help but look back with a bit of nostalgia, and finally left resolutely, Netscape no longer belonged to him!

Song Yang was following a few thousand miles to San Jose. In the backyard of the villa, while eating barbecue, he suddenly heard Jim Clark's arrival. Song Yang couldn't help but be puzzled. , Jim Clark even came to him.

   (end of this chapter)