God of Money

Chapter 53: <Seattle, New York, and Silicone Valley>

 

Woosung looked around to observe the audience. He checked not only their names and expertise but also their cell phones.

“Could everyone raise their phones?”

One by one, they did.

They were developers. As developers, they took technology with sheer seriousness. As expected, many were early adopters.

More than half were using iPhones with IOS. Less than 10% were using PDAs with Window Mobile.

“That’s what I thought. Now, you can put down your phones. As all of you can see, iPhone is taking over the world. I believe that Window mobile needs to follow a similar outlook.” Woosung continued in a flash. “In the PC market, Apple can’t win against Microsoft, but in the mobile industry, it’s a different story.”

Woosung was no longer one of the audiences. People paid close attention to him as if he was the expert speaker.

“So far, Windows has provided great desktop service and products to many users, including myself. However, the world of cell phones is different, unfortunately. So how could this be fixed? I have thought about this for a long time.”

Woosung then chose to be dramatic.

“There is only one answer to this problem.” He then dropped the PDA. After it hit the floor with a thud, Woosung continued. “There is no way.”

Then he quoted Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft.

“Hit refresh.”

Many murmured amongst themselves. Some frowned at Woosung. He now had everyone’s attention. Now it was time to make him look likable.

---

Many raised their hands. The actual seminar speaker seemed flustered at his loss of control over the audience. Woosung calmly pointed at one of the people.

“I will take your question.”

“My name is Brian from Canada. I don’t believe the number of users is proportional to the quality of the product. Don’t you think you’re being too extreme when you say to start from scratch?”

“Then I will give you another good reason. Windows is too arrogant.”

“…what?”

“Currently, Windows owns the personal computer industry. It is unbeatable.” Many nodded. Woosung continued calmly. “But it forgot about one important thing. MS thinks the same model that succeeded in the computer business will be effective in the cell phone world too. For example, it is focusing on how to make it easy for the Microsoft desktop services to be used on cell phones.”

This was true. MS concentrated on making desktop services useable on cell phones rather than making the phones themselves great. Woosung waved his iPhone to make sure people were paying attention.

“iPhone is different. It created something new. Just like this, MS also needs to recognize that desktops are different than cell phones.” Woosung didn’t forget that this was a Microsoft convention. He knew he had to compliment MS at least a little bit. “Just like MS was the first to create the Window that was perfect for personal uses.”

Many nodded. Woosung continued carefully.

“MS needs to think differently. Don’t try to put the desktop into the phone. Make the phone into something that can replace the desktop.” This was the future. Woosung looked around. “Now, I can answer the next question.”

Many again raised their hands. Woosung pointed at one person. “What is your opinion on Google’s Android project?”

“It is amazing. When Google announced its plan for the Android platform, it chose JAVA. Why do you think that is?” Woosung answered quickly.

Someone from the crowd answered. “There were probably many reasons, but I think the biggest reason was probably because it is the most common language used by the developers.”

Woosung asked the next question.

“And why would that be an important reason? Why is it crucial to use a language that is used by many developers?”

“Apps?”

“Exactly. Next month, Apple will open its app store. Numerous developers will start making apps to upload. Why? Because it will be profitable. What do you think will happen next? The number of contents will increase.”

Apple’s app store was to open on July 11, 2008. The number of available apps was expected to increase rapidly. This will make iPhones even more popular.

“Contents. This will be what makes iPhone successful. As I said earlier, this small device will replace the desktops in the future.” Woosung added.

The room became silent. Many were fascinated by Woosung.

Go Sangjun looked at him in amazement.

‘W…who is this guy?’

Woosung’s English was impeccable. His knowledge was even more impressive. Woosung looked around.

‘I think I did it.’

Most were looking at him in curiosity. Many continued to raise their hands. Woosung sat down slowly and stated.

“I think I took up too much of the speaker’s time. If anyone has any questions for me, please find me after the seminar.”

Finally, the speaker took the microphone. “By the way, what’s your name sir?”

“My name is Aaron Kang.”

“Thank you. Well, I guess that’s the end of this seminar.”

Many approached Woosung immediately. It was a while before Woosung could leave the conference room.

---

By dinner time, Woosung had a handful of business cards.

Apple.

Google.

Oracle.

Microsoft.

Sun Microsystems, which developed JAVA.

Woosung had so many talented names to choose from.

‘Now I need to figure out the best of the best. Good thing I met someone from Google too. I will be able to ask questions about the Android.’

Woosung and Go Sangjun walked to the restaurant. Sangjun was clearly fascinated by Woosung, which worked on Woosung’s advantage.

There were only about 100 Microsoft MVPs in Korea. This meant Go Sangjun was a talented developer. He’s most likely was a key developer in Daeyang System.

Go Sangjun asked as soon as he had the chance.

“Are you sure your specialty is Visual Studio? It looked like you know mobile better than I do.”

It was a great compliment. Woosung shook his head and answered.

“No way. I have an interest in it so I studied it a bit.”

“You definitely know a lot about it. Are you by chance working on something that uses Android Beta SDK?”

“I had a quick look at the codes, but no more. You are the one who is in the development field, so you must know much more about it.”

“Well, that doesn’t mean anything. I basically do what the company tells me to do.”

“I heard Amor is to be released soon. It uses Window Mobile, right? Daeyang must have more confidence in Window than Android?”

“Well, Window is a proven OS. It will be released in Singapore at the end of June.”

Woosung already knew everything about it, but he still pretended to be ignorant.

“I am excited about it.”

“Don’t be. I know as well as you do that Window Mobile is not going to work.”

“Oh…”

“Gosh! I told them we need to make an Android phone, but they wouldn’t listen.”

“I…I see.”

“What you said today was my exact thought.”

While they chatted, another Korean appeared.

“Sangjun, you should’ve told me you’re coming!”

They seemed to know each other. Go Sangjun introduced the stranger to Woosung.

“This is Lee Younghan. We met at a Korean MVP meeting before.”

“Oh! You’re Korean too. Nice to meet you. My name is Lee Younghan.”

“Nice to meet you too. My name is Woosung.”

Lee Younghan asked quickly.

“Did you hear, Sangjun? Someone badmouthed MS at the Window Mobile seminar today!”

Go Sangjun laughed awkwardly. “Oh?”

“I heard that same developer said MS would fail.”

Woosung replied sneakily.

“It’s all true.”

“What?”

“MS will really fail.”

“Oh…Haha, I see.”

Yoon Gihwan.

Jang Gwangchul.

Shin Semi.

Hong Soobum.

Just like the way they looked at him, Go Sangjun had the same look of awe. Woosung knew he had him now. He stood up.

“Well, I’m tired. I should get going.”

Lee Younghan whispered to Go Sangjun.

“Who is he?”

“It’s that guy!”

“W…what?”

“I’m tired too. I need to get going.”

Go Sangjun finished the last bite of his dinner and followed Woosung quickly.