Chapter 152 Internet Center
Starting from the initial EDA development group, Yuanxin had always leaned toward semiconductors, from EDA to CPUs to lithography machines, it was all the same. Even with a wireless communications department, it actually had little to do with the Internet.
As a student from Chengdu University of Electronic Science and Technology, Ding Lei had decisively enrolled in a postgraduate program after his internship at Yuanxin—thanks to the relationship between Yuanxin and the university, and the relevant policies, he was able to obtain a dual degree as an in-service graduate student—almost all students with an electronics background at Yuanxin were scrambling to upgrade their education.
After a year at Yuanxin, Ding Lei was just a small "team leader" under Tian Yaoming's group, responsible for the data forwarding module, not even considered middle management.
But this did not prevent him from understanding and contemplating the content Su Yuanshan conveyed during the "Internet Access Day" high-level meeting.
The spirit of the Internet.
However, what left Ding Lei somewhat puzzled and frustrated was that at Yuanxin, besides himself, there seemed to be few who truly understood what the Internet really meant.
In Ding Lei's understanding, the Internet was not just about websites, emails, or communication; it was a spirit—freedom, openness, equality, sharing, collaboration, speed.
He believed that only by grasping the spirit of the Internet could one possess Internet thinking.
Unfortunately, his insights had not resonated with many—his department was undergoing a major reform, and who had the time to consider the Internet—especially when the whole country's connection was just a 56K trickle to the West; what could really be achieved?
But now... Su Yuanshan wanted him to establish an Internet Research Center!
Was this like being promoted three ranks at once?
Without realizing it, Ding Lei clenched his fists, nervously watching Su Yuanshan.
Su Yuanshan looked at Ding Lei's reaction and jokingly said, "Senior Brother's heart has turned wild. You're not quite suited to developing communication protocols anymore."
Ding Lei froze, then became slightly embarrassed and defended himself, "Mainly because I see so much potential in the Internet, it just makes me itch with excitement."
Su Yuanshan clasped his fingers together, smiling as he looked at Ding Lei, "Hmm, then tell me, where would you start?"
Ding Lei adjusted his glasses, a serious expression appearing on his slightly chubby face.
Seeing Ding Lei deep in thought, Su Yuanshan stood up, smiling as he poured him a cup of hot water.
"What's Pony's specialty?" Ding Lei finally remembered that Su Yuanshan had assigned him a partner earlier.
"He works on pagers—he's come up with a very good idea: to develop an instant messaging software based on the Internet," Su Yuanshan introduced with a smile.
Ding Lei was stunned again, but after a few seconds of thought, he immediately grasped the significance of this software and clapped his hands, "This guy's brilliant! Communication is one of the Internet's fundamental needs!"
"Exactly, so, do you have any ideas?"
"I had originally thought about developing a public electronic mailbox."
Su Yuanshan coughed, "Well, that counts as a product... Besides the product, how do you plan to proceed? Future goals and direction?"
Ding Lei thought for a moment and said, "Since you want me to go to the Special Economic Zone to set up this Internet Research Center, there must be good reasons—being close to Hong Kong, they connected to the international Internet two years earlier than us. Plus, they are currently building a third-party Internet Exchange Center... It's almost complete, which is a huge advantage."
Su Yuanshan nodded with a smile.
HKIX, the earliest and largest exchange center in the Asia-Pacific region—anyone wanting to connect to the international Internet from within the country couldn't avoid it.
Unfortunately, Hong Kong was small and sparsely populated—Internet development there started mostly with local news sites, and population size ultimately determined the fate of websites.
Later, when the potential for broader Internet applications and services was realized, the world's layout was already set. Hong Kong became a barren land for the Internet.
Of course, it would still become barren now. Its only mission was to serve as a springboard for China's Internet ventures abroad.
"Currently, the domestic Internet market is almost negligible, so our focus should first be on surrounding regions and toward the West, stepping out into the world ahead of others." Ding Lei expanded his thinking and continued, "In semiconductors, we are behind; in computers, we are behind; even in software, few can compete... But the Internet is different—it's still a vast, unexplored frontier. If we realize this and don't rush out now, we might never get another chance."
"Yes! That's exactly right." Su Yuanshan nodded approvingly. "Prepare yourself—you'll be taking a maximum of eight people over—you'll be in charge overall, and you'll need to allocate a few people to assist Pony with instant messaging development. You'll also need to handle recruitment yourselves. Is that manageable?"
Ding Lei stood up excitedly, "No problem! When do we move?"
"I'll give you three days to prepare. Wait for President Chen's orders."
After seeing Ding Lei off, Su Yuanshan conveniently went to Chen Jing's office to inform her about the establishment of the Internet Research Center.
Chen Jing frowned, "Research center? Isn't that designation a bit too high?"
"Not really... This center will primarily focus on researching foundational Internet technologies in the future."
Thinking about Su Yuanshan's constant talk about the Internet, Chen Jing grew curious and asked, "If it's that important, why didn't you bring it up during the meeting?"
"Because... I was waiting." Su Yuanshan sighed and chuckled. "Waiting to see who is truly capable."
Chen Jing was momentarily stunned, then nodded, "Understood. Have him write a report for me to sign, and he can take it directly to your father afterward."
"Big sister Jing, you're the best!" Su Yuanshan grinned, "I knew you'd fully support me."
Chen Jing rolled her eyes at him but couldn't help laughing, "But don't go wasting money. You don't realize how expensive things are until you manage a household. This year we've already injected a lot of extra funding into research. If you ask for another hundred million, I really will have to object..."
"Haha! Don't worry. This phase mainly involves driving technology—it won't cost much... It's the market development that's expensive."
Leaving Chen Jing's office, Su Yuanshan returned to his own, and after checking the time, he dialed a number at the Jiangdu Building hotel.
Soon, the cheerful voice of Mr. Kutaragi Ken came through.
"Mr. Hisashiyuki, welcome back to the provincial capital."
"Little Su-san, why haven't I seen you yet?"
"Because I'm waiting for you at the Science and Technology Park," Su Yuanshan said, half-sitting on his office desk, smiling. "Are you free tomorrow morning? I sincerely invite you to visit the Science and Technology Park."
"It would be an honor."
"I look forward to it."
After hanging up the phone, Su Yuanshan lightly tapped his fingers rapidly on the desk.
Sony, in order to avenge a prior slight, had decided to launch its first-generation, groundbreaking PlayStation gaming console in October this year.
Nicknamed the PS.
To protect the secrecy of the console, Sony and Yuanxin had imposed strict confidentiality. Even their closest partners only knew that Sony was developing a console; no one knew its features or quality.
In other words, before its release, everything was in a state of superposition.
But Su Yuanshan knew: today's PS would not be like the one in his memories.
It was stronger. More professional.
It would be the most powerful 3D gaming console to date.
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