hunt hollywood

After the completion of the Time Warner merger at the beginning of this year, due to internal management struggles, the deterioration of the external economic situation, and the substantial increase in corporate debt, the synergy effect that was expected by all parties before the merger of Time Company and Warner Bros. It didn't happen, and Time Warner's stock price fell all the way.

As of now, Time Warner, a media juggernaut with total assets close to US$250 billion, has a market value of just over US$80 billion and debts of more than US$100 billion.Compared with before the merger, when Paramount Communications tried to cut off the acquisition, it only asked Time Inc. for 107 billion US dollars.

In recent months, some media outlets have compared the Time Warner merger to the Reynolds-Nabisco merger the year before.

Frankly speaking, because the internal situation of Time Warner is too complicated, even if Steve Ross is willing to sell the company, Simon will not take it easily.

After two tumultuous weeks, Simon left New York again on September 9, flying to San Francisco on the west coast.

A few days ago, he used Larry Ellison's control over Oracle as a bargaining chip in exchange for a seat on the company's board of directors, and let Igret's Carol Bartz, who is in charge of the software business, serve as a bargaining chip. Not aimlessly.

The use of database software on Internet sites is very extensive. Letting Carol Bartz serve as the director of Oracle can further strengthen the association and cooperation between Oracle database software and Eaglet's World Wide Web technology.

On the other hand, Oracle's upcoming layoffs will mainly focus on the software sales department.It just so happened that Carol Bartz was building Igret's software sales network, and this time he could poach a group of available sales department employees from Oracle 'nearby'.

Although Oracle has made major mistakes in its sales strategy in the past two years, its rapid growth is undoubted, which is largely due to the Oracle software sales team.

In addition, Carol Bartz was inspired by the memo left by Simon on the concept of 'cloud computing' in Eaglet, hoping to build Eaglet's software department into a one-stop web-based A technology-based Internet site technical support company provides a complete set of solutions involving software and hardware for users who want to build a website, rather than simply selling related software products.

Different from the original time and space, Igret almost monopolizes technology patents related to the World Wide Web at this time.

Although Simon tries to maintain an open and authorized attitude as much as possible, considering the explosive growth of websites based on World Wide Web technology in the next few years, just thinking about it, Simon realizes that if Carol Bartz's vision is realized, it will mean What a huge benefit.

Moreover, this is definitely not something that the Igret family can accomplish. It must combine all the resources of new technology companies under the Westeros Corporation.

Of course, this plan cannot be accomplished overnight.

Simon rushed to San Francisco. In addition to listening to Carol Bartz's business plan, he had to mediate the dispute between Carol Bartz and Jeff Bezos again.

The last time Simon injected $5000 million into Igret, most of the $3500 million was distributed to the network department. Carol Bartz believes that his software department is the most important at this stage and should be distributed To get more funds, so after Simon left last time, he and Jeff Bezos 'argued', wanting to split the funds equally.

Both Carol Bartz and Jeff Bezos are very strong personalities, and they have even marginalized Tim Berners-Lee, the CEO, to the position of Chief Technology Officer within a few months of joining the company. official status.

Tim Berners-Lee is a technical nerd character similar to Apple founder Steve Wozniak. When he found that he really couldn't control his two nominal subordinates, he was very straightforward. He did not participate in the dispute between the two, but only focused on the research and development of the World Wide Web technology project that he was responsible for.

第369章 云计算（修）

Cloud computing is a very broad concept, and no one can define it in a few short sentences, which is why the concept of cloud computing has been regarded as a gimmick by many people for a long time after it was proposed.

However, before Simon's rebirth, cloud computing has been deeply rooted in people's hearts and is ubiquitous.

For end users many years later, network disks, cloud documents, applets, streaming media, etc. are all specific applications of cloud computing.

For enterprises, cloud computing is to maximize the efficient use of computer hardware and software resources through large-scale distributed parallel computing.

Ordinary people often associate cloud computing with concepts such as website hosting and server leasing. In fact, this is only the most basic service that cloud computing can provide.Moreover, the basic services such as website hosting and server leasing provided by real cloud computing are still very different from traditional hosting leasing services.

In traditional hosting leasing, the user specifies the server space, and these servers are completely open only to dedicated users.Even if the number of visits to the user's website is zero during certain periods of time, the server must keep running, which often results in a great waste of resources.

Cloud computing provides highly elastic virtual server space. Users do not need to specify a specific server, but are automatically allocated by the cloud computing system and can be purchased on demand.This also means that a server can provide services to multiple users at the same time, and there will be no serious resource vacancy.

For example, if a user usually only needs 10G of network space, he only needs to rent 10G of space. However, in certain periods of time, due to the increase in user visits, the enterprise suddenly needs to increase the server space to 100G. Traditional hosting rental services , Encountering this kind of situation is basically a disaster. In order to avoid disasters, enterprises often can only purchase 100G space at one time, which causes a sharp increase in costs and a great waste of resources.For cloud computing, only a very simple online expansion operation is required, and the 100G capacity does not need to be rented all the time. After the peak period, the 10G hourly payment standard can be quickly restored.

Because it can maximize the efficient use of software and hardware resources, and the same basic hardware scale, cloud computing can provide storage and computing capabilities that can even reach more than ten times that of traditional server application models.Likewise, this also means a cost advantage over traditional server application models.

San Francisco, Palo Alto.

Came here on September 9th, while mediating the dispute between Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz, Simon has been pulling the three executives of Eaglet to discuss Carol Bartz for several days. Ci proposed a one-stop website solution plan based on the concept of cloud computing. This business plan has also evolved through repeated discussions.

The Internet industry has already passed the embryonic period, but this seedling is still very weak.

Because of the powerful practical application functions of HTTP and HTML technology, the expansion of World Wide Web technology in recent months has been much faster than Simon imagined. However, many functions of related technologies are actually still under continuous development.

Simon has never forgotten this, so he has not adopted too aggressive promotion strategies.

Now, he even has a draft of the 'Information Superhighway Plan' that the current Senator Albert Gore Jr. has been trying to promote these years. With Simon's current status, it is completely easy to build momentum for this plan. But in order to give Eaglet more time to gradually accumulate technical background, he did not do so.

For now, a major factor restricting the development of the Internet industry is the lack of computing and storage capabilities of computer hardware.The popularization and application of cloud computing in advance can solve this problem to a large extent.

Eagletec's West Coast data center is in a building near Eagletec's headquarters in Palo Alto.

It's Friday, October 9th.

This is not the first time Simon has come here recently. After several days of discussions, he brought Tim Berners-Lee, Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz into this data building again. In the center, looking at the expensive minicomputers worth tens of thousands of dollars installed on the server cabinets around, everyone's eyes were a little more disgusted.

However, the serious server array in front of us is a very traditional data center model in this era.

Compared with the large server clusters in Simon's memory, which were built next to water sources in cold regions and directly exposed various hardware and technology, the data center in front of him was not only expensive but also inefficient.

Because each minicomputer is an individual, once a failure occurs, the maintenance of the machine is secondary, and the most critical thing may even affect the network service of Eaglet Corporation, therefore, the daily maintenance of the data center also costs Not cheap.

Next, the first step of Eaglet's cloud computing plan is to virtualize the existing data center. Of course, this cannot be done overnight. It will take about a year to develop dedicated cloud computing control software.

At the same time, the team will also set up a hardware research and development department to directly purchase hardware from the underlying chips, motherboards, and storage vendors. According to the plans you have determined in recent days, cooperate with the cloud computing software technology team to develop an integrated server cluster data center.

A data center is a whole, or, when connected to other data centers, the entire Eaglet data system is a whole, a supercomputer with super computing and storage capabilities.

In my memory, the ultimate goal of cloud computing put forward by many companies is that there will only be one or a few 'computers' left in the world.

The current server leasing is mainly for mature enterprise users, which restricts the development of Internet sites to a large extent, because individual or small enterprises simply cannot pay for server purchase, lease or maintenance.Simon has recently been thinking about providing cheap or even free online space for developers to build their own web sites in order to promote faster expansion of World Wide Web technology.

Once Eaglet's cloud computing plan is completed, it only needs to use Eaglet's own redundant server resources to quickly promote this.

Listening to the advice of professional technicians, discussing the transformation plan of the data center, and confirming the details of cloud computing research and development, the time of the afternoon passed quickly without knowing it.

It was already evening when we left the data center.

After dismissing the other accompanying employees, Simon only took the three executives of Ygritte to a nearby restaurant.

The four sat down, and after ordering the meal, Simon said to Bezos and Bartz: "In the morning, Tim signed an equity transfer agreement, and I am now a 100% equity holder of Eaglet. .”

Jeff Bezos and Carol Butz looked at Tim Berners-Lee subconsciously when Simon mentioned this.

Tim Berners-Lee just smiled and nodded slightly.

The two turned to Simon again, waiting for him to continue.

Simon's previous capital injections took the interests of his partner, Tim Berners-Lee, into consideration, which is why all funds had to be allocated clearly.Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz had a dispute over the distribution of the last $5000 million, which made Simon realize that he must resolve the issue of Tim Berners-Lee's holdings so that he can be more free Allocate funds to Ygritte.

At noon yesterday, Simon invited Tim Berners-Lee alone for lunch, during which time he proposed to buy the 2.5% stake in Lee's hands.

Simon very frankly explained his intention to do so, and offered a high price of 500 million US dollars, which is equivalent to twice the valuation of Li's holdings when Simon injected capital a few days ago.Tim Berners-Lee also knew that if Eaglet Company wanted to grow rapidly, it needed to continuously invest a large amount of money, so he agreed without too much hesitation.

Simon believes that Bezos and Bartz are two smart people who know their intention to do this, and they don't go around the corner, and quickly continued: "So, from now on, regarding the issue of funds, I can assure you that you can spend I can give you as much as you lose, but the premise of all this is that you must produce results that satisfy me."

Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz nodded together and couldn't help but glance at Tim Berners-Lee together.

Simon noticed the gazes of the two, and said: "Tim will still be the CEO of Igret, and this will not change, because the two of you are not suitable to control this company for the time being."

Carol Bartz couldn't help but said: "But, Simon, I think the company should have a leader."

"Yeah, Tim will act as a buffer between the two of you. As for the lead," Simon pointed to himself with a smile, and said, "I will take charge personally."

Carol Bartz was still a little unwilling: "If you can stay in San Francisco all the time, it's a perfect fit, but you don't usually come here once a month, I think it's best for me to take charge of this company." Well, Tim is in charge of R&D and Jeff can focus on running his networking department."

Simon shook his head again, and said, "Carly, you have to understand that the status of the network department and the software department in Ygritte is completely equal. Frankly speaking, I have higher expectations for the network department. So , Eaglet's network and software departments must go hand in hand. I believe you also understand that without the support of the network department, without sufficient content resources of the World Wide Web, no one will rest on the underlying application technology of the World Wide Web, the browser we developed It is impossible to sell software such as devices.”

Carol Bartz insisted: "World Wide Web technology also has a very broad application prospect on the existing enterprise LAN data platform, and the customer base in this area is already very considerable, we can definitely focus on this field first."

Simon had no choice but to give up reasoning with Carol Bartz, his expression became serious, and said: "Carly, I believe that the results of everyone's discussions have been very mature in the direction of Ygritte's development. In the next stage, Your task is to establish a complete software sales network as soon as possible, Tim's task is technology research and development, and Jeff is responsible for the operation of the network department. At the same time, the three of you must work together, because any business of Eaglet, from Basically, they all complement each other. I will help you solve the problem of capital allocation this time, but then, you must run this company according to my boss's ideas, or you can find another way out, understand? ?”

Carol Butz felt Simon's unquestionable tone, glanced at the other two, paused, and finally nodded, saying, "Okay, Simon."

Simon looked at Jeff Bezos again.

Jeff Bezos nodded too: "Me too."

"Then, let's talk about the remuneration." Simon slowed down his tone, and said, "I think you should know the article about the Westeros billion-dollar executive club in Forbes magazine. reported."

All three nodded slightly.

Simon continued: "I don't want to say that I am not a stingy person. The three of you joined Ygritte in a hurry, and the salary terms are not so perfect. Therefore, I am asking James to draw up a new one recently. A five-year contract. Within five years, as long as the corresponding performance goals are achieved, you can get a long-term equity reward. The restriction is that this reward can only be cashed after five years. If you If you resign or are fired by me, the corresponding rewards will be recovered at the agreed price in the salary clause. Roughly, within five years, the three of you can each obtain about 5% of Eaglet’s shares.”

Speaking of this, Simon paused for a moment and said: "As for the value of this batch of shares, I can only say that it only took four years for Daenerys to reach the recent Forbes magazine's valuation of 100 billion US dollars from an empty shell." .Cersei Capital has also earned more than 100 billion US dollars in the past two years. There is also Melisandre in Europe. The value of her shares in Gucci has tripled in one year. Igret, is West The "fourth woman" under the Luo company, I believe she is no worse than the first three. Of course, whether this company will eventually achieve 10 billion or 100 billion, or even higher, largely depends on you .”

After dealing with Ygritte's affairs, Simon flew back to Los Angeles after dinner.

If Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz still can't get along in harmony, Simon will not hesitate to drive them away. He will not allow his layout in the Internet industry to be hindered by personnel.

Sophia Feixi contacted here a few days ago, and the United Kingdom and Leon Company, which owns Chateau Latour in France, plans to sell the chateau in the near future.

Simon’s attitude is that collecting a national treasure winery is more cost-effective than any artwork, and Janet has always wanted to buy a top-level winery. Because she had no suitable target, she had to build one in Tasmania, Australia. The small winery is a ticket.

The other four of the top five wineries in France are basically not for sale. Now that United Leone intends to sell Latour, Janet flew to Europe on Wednesday.

Although the two large-scale acquisitions planned in the near future require huge funds, Simon does not intend to wrong himself when it comes to spending money. How many times will the idea be multiplied, and the most important thing is to live well now.

Inside the villa on the west side of Cape Dumei.

When Simon returned home, it was already past nine o'clock in the evening.

Counting the time difference, it was five o'clock in the morning in London, so there was no call.

After taking a shower, I sat in a small living room next to the living room by the sea and looked through the materials that Daenerys Entertainment delivered during the night. I didn’t draw the curtains, and there was a deep night outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. I really enjoyed this kind of alone The peaceful feeling of being alone.

The material is about the Italian Venice Film Festival that just ended yesterday.

Daenerys Entertainment has entered two main competition films this year, Robert Altman's "Intersection of Life" and Jane Campion's "Angel at My Table".

At yesterday's closing awards ceremony, "The Intersection of Life" not only won the Golden Lion Award, the highest honor of the Venice Film Festival, but also won three other awards.Probably for the sake of balance, "Angel at My Table", which was also well received by the media during the film festival, got nothing.

Of course, after all, it is something to be happy about, and the company has decided to hold a celebration party at Daenerys Studios tomorrow.

In addition to "Intersection of Life" and "Angels at My Table", Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" was also shortlisted for the main competition this time and won the best director award.

At the end of the page, Simon found that there was a clipping article of the heroine of "Goodfellas" Renee Russell in the information, which was naturally well received.

Simon just smiled and put the newspaper clipping aside.

Some women are just passers-by after all.

第370章 西雅图（修）

Simon returned to Los Angeles this time. The main work of the next week is to finalize the final plans of the two projects "The Flash" and "Wonder Woman" in the DC movie universe plan, including details such as scripts, main creators, and budgets.

In addition, after repeated consideration during this period, Simon also intends to re-plan the advancement speed of the DC movie universe.

Next year's two DC movie universe plans, "Batman: The Dark Knight" and "The Flash", have been confirmed, and "Wonder Woman" in the summer of 1992 is also a certainty.

These can no longer be changed.

However, Simon hopes to adjust "Superman", which was originally planned to be released at the end of 1992, to the summer of 1993. Other DC movie universe projects such as "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises", "Suicide Squad", and "Batman vs. Superman" are also planned. Appropriately delayed, the production rhythm of one film a year or three films in two years is finally formed, instead of the initial intensive two films a year.

In the original time and space, the 90s in Hollywood was an era of great movies.

By doing this, Simon can, on the one hand, prevent superhero movies from encroaching on the big screen prematurely, giving the once shining "Jurassic Park", "Independence Day", "Forrest Gump", "Men in Black", "Tornado" , "The Shawshank Redemption", "Scent of a Woman", "The Crying Game", etc., or commercial or literary excellent films retain enough market space to realize the flourishing of Hollywood.On the other hand, it can also give these superhero movies more preparation time in terms of scripts and special effects.

Especially special effects.

Because the Daenerys special effects company was established in advance and spared no effort in the research and development of CG technology, Daenerys Entertainment has accumulated enough special effects technology at this time to produce the technology of "Jurassic Park" in 1993 in the original time and space level.

In the first half of the year, after Daenerys Entertainment obtained the rights to adapt the unpublished Jurassic Park novel from Michael Crichton in advance, the special effects team of Daenerys, under Simon’s command, only took one month to complete the A piece of CG dinosaur clip that is enough to be faked is produced.

As for the special effects of the liquid metal robot in "The Terminator" that is being filmed, the team of Daenerys Special Effects Company can handle it more than enough.

However, the restarted version of "Superman" in Simon's plan hopes to refer to Zack Snyder's version of "Superman: Man of Steel" in memory, and wants to achieve the kind of devastating battle between Clark Kent and General Zod. Horror effects, Daenerys' special effects technology accumulation is far from enough.

The next best thing is that Simon hopes that the special effects of this version of "Superman" can reach the level of "Independence Day" in 1996 in the original time and space. To achieve this, it will take at least a year of targeted technology research and development.

I returned to Los Angeles after nine o'clock last night, and worked as usual on Saturday.

After a busy day, in the evening, the female assistant knocked on the door and entered Simon's office, carrying a black suit in her hand.The female assistant's female assistant followed behind the female assistant, holding a shoebox.

Simon raised his head from the project information of "Fighting Wits and Stars" in front of him, and said with a smile: "It's just a party, we can just go there after dinner, don't we need to change clothes?"

Jennifer asked the attendant to put down the shoe box and sent the other party out, saying: "A lot of people, and this is what Jennifer sent back from Europe yesterday. She said that if you wear it at a public event when she is away If it’s a joke, deduct my salary.”

Simon was only wearing a shirt. Seeing the female assistant take out the coat from the dust jacket and walk over, she stood up and stretched out her hand in cooperation, and said with a smile, "I seem to be paying your salary, right?"

"Yes," the female assistant nodded, unfolding the suit for the man to put on, and said, "Both of you are bullying me."

"..."

The female assistant virtuously helped Simon button the button, stepped back to look at it, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "Why don't you talk?"

"I'm thinking about how to bully you tonight."

The female assistant gave Simon a blank look, handed over the trousers, and said, "I have already told Neil and the others to get ready, and I will go to Seattle after the party. I really like the house on Mercer Island in Lake Washington. We will meet again on Monday." return."

"..."