"You're serious about this for such a reason!" Our boss Huang never lies.
"Alright, fine!" Ni Guangnan gave Huang He a look of helplessness and then said, "So, your main purpose in developing chips is to build servers?"
"Yes!" Huang He replied.
"Then this is actually a bit simpler!" Ni Guangnan mused for a moment, a smile appearing on his face.
"Really? Aren't servers considered more complex than computers? Why are server chips simpler than computer chips?" Huang He asked, confused.
"Because currently, there isn't a single computer chip that can run the Windows system!" Ni Guangnan sighed, a look of utter helplessness on his face. "Computer chips aren't just about meeting the computational needs; they need to be paired with a control system to perform perfectly.
"Currently, except for Apple, 99.99% of computers worldwide use Microsoft's Windows system. Therefore, all computer chips must be compatible with the Windows system, and their design must revolve around Windows.
"Windows has always been tied to Intel chips, incorporating many of Intel's technical patents. This means that to design a chip that perfectly matches the Windows system, one must find ways to bypass Intel's technical patents. Every step is a minefield. If I were to truly accomplish this, it would likely take my entire lifetime!"
"If we can't bypass Intel's patents, then let's bypass the Windows system!" Huang He chuckled.
"Yes, that's what I thought initially, which led to the collaboration with Fangzhou Company!" Ni Guangnan's expression became even more dejected. "At the time, Fangzhou Company was a contract manufacturer for IBM and Intel. They possessed chip production and manufacturing technology, along with dozens of relevant engineers. In essence, their development foundation was excellent. Later, IBM and Intel stopped using them as a contract manufacturer and opted for TSMC in Taiwan. Consequently, their business was cut off. To survive, they approached me to collaborate on producing new computer chips.
"Coincidentally, I encountered the Linux system around that time. It's an open-source system from abroad. Although it's very rudimentary compared to the Windows system, it has immense potential and strong expandability. Based on this system, a complete system comparable to Windows could be developed!
"Therefore, I believed it was the great savior of China's chip industry. We could design an embedded chip entirely around the Linux system, which would significantly reduce the difficulty of chip design and patent traps.
"As it turned out, my idea was correct. Fangzhou No. 1 was born in just two years. However, after only half a year, Fangzhou No. 1 completely withdrew from all markets. Not a single enterprise or unit was willing to purchase our computers anymore. Do you know why?" Ni Guangnan asked.
"I suspect it's because there aren't many usable software applications on Linux!" Huang He pondered. He hadn't specifically investigated the reasons for Fangzhou No. 1's failure, but without relying on future knowledge, it was obvious where Linux fell short: its software library was virtually nonexistent.
Setting aside other issues, consider a typical office worker. They would need at least a WPS office suite for their computer. Depending on their profession, they might also require Photoshop, financial management software, medical software, and a plethora of other specialized applications.
However, the Linux system at the time lacked even a basic application to open Office files. The number of compatible software applications for the entire system was minuscule, and no software companies produced applications specifically for it. All the available software were open-source applications created by individual computer enthusiasts through self-reliance.
This was a system born entirely out of passion and enthusiasm, but passion and enthusiasm ultimately cannot overcome capital. Without the mass entry of capital, the Linux system would forever remain a toy for hobbyists.
By 2021, the Linux system had indeed seen significant development and possessed many of its own applications. At least the WPS suite could be opened. But to challenge the Windows system, or even to capture a 1% market share, was still an impossibility.
Conversely, the strictly closed Apple system had genuinely penetrated the market. However, Apple's sales strategy also dictated its market share, making it impossible to shake Windows' dominant position.
"You are very intelligent, so I believe you understand why I said that server chips are easier to design than computer chips," Ni Guangnan countered.
"I think I understand," Huang He nodded. Servers require large-scale data storage, transmission, and calculation. They don't need a vast array of specialized software, only a custom control program designed specifically for servers.
Therefore, servers don't need the Windows system at all, not even the Linux system. A basic DOS system would suffice.
This makes server chip architecture and design much simpler, even easier than the previous Fangzhou No. 1 chip.
"Yes, but server chips are, after all, designed to serve servers. Therefore, our chips can be specifically designed to cater to the characteristics of servers. This can eliminate a lot of unnecessary design, maximize computational power, or enhance storage capacity," Ni Guangnan smiled. "If you can find qualified chip manufacturing partners and assemble a team, I am confident I can design the server chips for you within a year.
"However, I can only produce mid-to-low-end chips. We have no foundation for high-end chips; don't expect an overnight success!"
"While these chips might be somewhat useless for personal computers, they are perfectly adequate for servers. Servers can be designed with multiple chips connected in series, so they don't require extremely high-end chips. As long as you connect enough servers in a cluster, low-end chips can achieve the effect of high-end chips. This is what is meant by 'many hands make light work.'
"For instance, supercomputers, which are being promoted both internationally and domestically, are touted for their immense computational power, seemingly showcasing the advanced state of our country's computer technology.
"In reality, these are simply thousands upon thousands of CPUs connected together for computation, which is quite straightforward.
"Furthermore, your network company's servers are primarily for storing and transmitting data, with less emphasis on computational requirements and a higher demand for storage capabilities. They can simply be connected in series.
"Excellent!" Huang He nodded vigorously. Professor Ni Guangnan was indeed the right person to consult. Within moments, he had cleared Huang He's doubts and illuminated a path forward.
This path was somewhat opportunistic. For example, if one needed to lift a hundred-ton stone, the advanced international standard would be to design a crane capable of lifting it single-handedly.
However, Ni Guangnan's approach was to design ten cranes that could work together to lift the stone. While it might seem like a clever workaround, the effect was the same.
Moreover, as the saying goes, the more intricate something is, the more prone it is to damage. Simpler things are often more robust in use.
"So, Teacher Ni, would you be willing to lead a team to collaborate with us on this endeavor?" Huang He asked excitedly.
"Me? Perhaps not." To Huang He's surprise, Ni Guangnan shook his head. "This matter doesn't require my reputation. I have a student who is very capable and can handle these issues for you."
Ni Guangnan's underlying implication was clear: Huang He's server chip design was too simplistic and lacked breakthroughs, which didn't pique the professor's interest.
"Teacher, that's not right," Huang He quickly responded. "Although server chips are somewhat simpler than computer chips, they are still chips that our country doesn't possess. Without an experienced master like you to guide us, how can we possibly succeed? Besides, server chips are just the first step. Once we master servers, we will definitely move into more advanced servers in the future. Moreover, we currently have an opportunity to leapfrog and surpass the Windows system!"
"Surpass the Windows system?" Ni Guangnan looked at Huang He with the expression one might reserve for an idiot. "Child, I know you are in great need, but please don't say such foolish things that even a layman wouldn't believe. It won't make you appear smart or ambitious."
"We definitely can't surpass it on computers, at least not within the next twenty years!" Huang He chuckled and nodded. "But if we switch platforms, then the outcome is uncertain."
"Switch platforms? What platform? Is there any platform in this world that demands chips more than computers do?" Ni Guangnan asked, astonished.
"This!" Huang He took his Tianxing mobile phone from his waist.
—
"That old guy didn't even invite me to stay for dinner!" It wasn't until 8 PM that Huang He emerged from Ni Guangnan's room. Although Ni Guangnan hadn't immediately agreed to help, he had promised to accompany Huang He to Cao County and Wenzhou the following week to inspect Jiangnan Group's actual situation and prepare more detailed proposals and plans.
In other words, as long as Ni Guangnan believed that Huang He was genuinely committed to developing servers and chips, he would come out of retirement for the third time to assist our boss Huang, which made Huang He very happy.
However, the fact that Ni Guangnan didn't offer him a meal left Huang He feeling quite frustrated. He was extremely hungry now.
"Zhiwen, you're still waiting for me here!" As Huang He exited the apartment building, he saw a young girl standing at the base of the building, staring blankly at a bare tree.
"Oh no! I forgot about her!" Huang He smacked his forehead. He had brought Leng Zhiwen along, but then he thought that bringing his female secretary like Leng Zhiwen might seem somewhat frivolous, so he went up alone. However, he forgot to tell Leng Zhiwen to go home.
Well, to be fair, Huang He hadn't expected that he would end up chatting from 3 PM until 8 PM, a full five hours. Leng Zhiwen had likely been waiting downstairs for those same five hours.
"It's nothing. It's part of my duties as a secretary." Leng Zhiwen replied with a neutral expression. However, when a girl wears such an expression, it typically signifies that she is upset.
[PS: I've been writing at a high intensity all week and am quite exhausted. Tomorrow and the day after, I'll be taking a two-day break, so there won't be any extra updates. I'll maintain the normal update schedule of two chapters per day. Starting from August 1st, I will make up for the promised extra updates!]