Extraordinary GeniusExtraordinary Genius
Sun Zhengyi quickly contact Ballmer, but Ballmer refused to speak to him. Microsoft is used to be overbearing and will never give Softbank face.
Although Softbank is Microsoft’s partner in Japan, they can also manage on their own. They will not suffer heavy losses without Softbank.
This is also another opportunity to show other IT companies who’s the boss in this industry!
Sun Zhengyi called Bill Gates, but Bill Gates told him that Ballmer is managing the company now.
Sun Zhengyi is furious. Microsoft might be strong, but Softbank is not a pushover either. At its peak, Softbank’s value is not lower than them.
Microsoft’s products are also Softbank’s competitors. Since you are so arrogant, we will work with other companies.
Softbank started to contact other companies, especially those European IT corporations, to attack the North American market. But another problem arises in Japan.
…….
“Manager Sun, Sony, Panasonic, and many electronic companies had contacted us, questioning us why are we helping AIWA.”
“Help AIWA? What are they saying? We did not participate in AIWA’s product developments. Where did this accusation come from?” Sun Zhengyi is puzzled.
AIWA is a consumer electronics company and focused on music-related electronic products. What has Softbank got to do with them?
Did AIWA start to produce PCs? AIWA’s Heitaro Nakajima had approached him for investment in the past. Still, he did not invest because he did not see any future in AIWA.
“AIWA has just launched a new Music mobile phone and is advertising aggressively. They had engaged a popular singer to endorse it, and it is selling well.”
“What do you mean? What has their mobile phone got to do with us? Also, what is a Music mobile phone?”
“The phone can play MP3 and has good music quality. More importantly, AIWA is a subsidiary of Wind and Rain Holding.”
“Wind and Rain Holding? Are you saying this is related to Director Kameda?” Sun Zhengyi understood what happened.
“That’s right. This is related to Director Kameda. He had bought AIWA’s mobile phone technology from Aiwa Mobile, and our software companies develop the phone’s operating system and some application software.”
Sun Zhengyi is getting frustrated. What’s wrong with our companies supplying the operating system and software to other companies? Are Sony and those companies saying that we can only work with them?
Sony can work with Ericsson. Why can’t we work with AIWA?
Furthermore, what can this mobile phone do? Japan has so many mobile phone manufacturers, and this is AIWA’s first mobile phone. How good can it be? Sony and those companies are only upset because they feel AIWA is taking away their market share.
“Tell them that this is just a normal commercial activity. Also, contact Director Kameda… never mind. I will call him.”
Sun Zhengyi rubbed his nose bridge. He felt exhausted as he picks up his phone to call Kameda Masao. “Director Kameda, are you in Tokyo? If you are free, can you come to my office? I have something to discuss with you.”
Kameda Masao arrives at Sun Zhengyi’s office in the afternoon.
“Manager Sun, what is it?” Kameda Masao asked.
“Director Kameda, I heard AIWA had just launched a mobile phone. Congratulations.”
“Yes. It’s just a new revenue source for the company. Furthermore, we had just started and didn’t even know if we can profit from it.”
Although this is the first phone, Heitaro Nakajima had tested it. All of them felt this phone is suitable for the younger adults and female market. This phone includes all the MP3 player’s features and is not expensive. It is also available in bright colors.
AIWA is a strong brand in the music electronic product industry. There’s nothing wrong with them calling their phone a Music phone. AIWA’s fans will surely buy this phone. With their aggressive advertising, their sales will not be too bad.
Heitaro Nakajima had always wanted to develop a mobile phone, but Feng Yu and Kameda Masao disagreed. Now, they agreed and designed a model that suits the AIWA brand. If this phone cannot sell, AIWA will give up on mobile phones in the future.
That’s why Heitaro Nakajima is using all ways to increase AIWA’s Music phone sales.
“Director Kameda, are AIWA’s phone operating system and application software are developed by our Softbank’s subsidiaries?”
“Of course. I am Softbank’s director. Why would I let other companies do it? What’s wrong? Am I wrong? I was under tremendous pressure when I made this decision. Tai Hua Holding’s Zhong Qingxian was questioning me why I did not use Lenovo Kingsoft’s operating system.” Kameda Masao replied with an annoyed tone.
“No. You misunderstood me. I am very happy about this. As for Softbank Directors, we should work together. For example, our employees’ uniform is all Uniqlo, and Yahoo is handling our online marketing. We can be stronger when we work together.”
“I also think so. Should Softbank order a batch of phones for our employees as gifts? Oh, I still have not thanked you for helping my cousin to enter the Government. I have bought a nice bottle of red wine from Europe. I will bring it over another time.” Kameda Masao smiled.
Kameda Masao is laughing in his heart. This phone is not considered a smartphone, and other than its operating system, it has very little application software. It is also very cheap, and Wind and Rain Holdings will profit if it sells well.
Sun Zhengyi hesitated for a moment. But when he thinks he still needs Kameda Masao’s help, he nodded. “Alright. We will purchase 10,000 units. But it must be the latest model.”
“Of course. I will not trash AIWA’s reputation.”
“You mentioned that our Yahoo’s browser is better than IE, and it had caused cracks in our cooperation with Microsoft.”
“I am not lying. I am using Yahoo’s browser, and it is much better than Microsoft. Am I wrong to promote Yahoo’s browser? Just ignore those online comments. I don’t have any grudges with Microsoft, except with that Paul Allen. I just dislike him. Did what I said affected Softbank? Do you want to explain?”
Sun Zhengyi smiled. “It’s fine. You don’t need to do any explanation.”
Softbank had fallen out with Microsoft, and there’s nothing to explain anymore. Also, an explanation will give the impression that they are afraid of Microsoft.
Suddenly, Sun Zhengyi’s secretary entered the office. He whispered something to him, and his face changed.