Chapter 883
The World's First USB Flash Drive
The sunlight on the top floor of the Century Tower seems purer than elsewhere, streaming through huge floor-to-ceiling windows and casting bright spots of light on expensive mahogany desks and polished floors.
In the office, the small black cube that revolutionized mobile storage, the world's first USB flash drive, lay quietly in Lu Yang's palm.
It is extremely light, no bigger than a thumb, and weighs only a few grams.
But in Lu Yang's eyes, it weighed a ton.
This not only means acquiring an 80% controlling stake in Netac, but also represents a future influx of patent revenue and a disruptive new era in storage technology.
Flash memory technology is not a new thing that appeared out of nowhere.
Its theoretical foundation can be traced back to 1967.
At Bell Labs in New Jersey, North America, two Asian scientists, Min Shih and Dayuan Jiang, were like pioneers who ignited the flame of civilization in the midst of chaos. They invented the floating-gate MOSFET, also known as the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor.
This seemingly profound basic research laid a solid foundation for a magnificent building, setting the stage for the later development of flash memory chips.
The seeds of technology began to sprout in the island nation of Japan in 1984.
Dr. Fujio Masuoka of Toshiba Corporation first proposed a new semiconductor memory technology based on the concept of floating gate, and gave it a catchy and descriptive name - "Flash Memory".
The name comes from its ability to erase data in an instant, like a flash of light.
Four years later, in 1988, tech giant Intel took the theory to commercial reality and launched the world's first commercial NOR flash memory chip, marking the official departure of flash memory technology from the ivory tower of the laboratory and into the vast world of practical applications.
However, at this point in 1999, early NOR and later NAND flash memory, despite being used in specific areas such as motherboard BIOS, printer cartridge chips, and small embedded devices, never managed to shake the mainstream mobile storage landscape at the time.
Zip and MO (magneto-optical) technologies remain the mainstream favorites in the market due to their relatively large capacity and fairly stable performance.
They are bulky, have slow read and write speeds, and are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. For example, MO drives require dedicated drives and are susceptible to magnetism and shock. However, they do temporarily meet users' pain points regarding the need for large-capacity mobile storage.
The real revolution began with the small USB flash drive in the hands of Cheng Xiaohua and Deng Guoshun.
Upon its inception, it surpassed its predecessor, the floppy disk, in several key dimensions, and even posed a fatal threat to Zip and MO disks in terms of portability, ease of use, and durability.
First, the capacity has increased dramatically. The initial 8MB capacity far exceeded that of the 1.44MB floppy disk, and its future development potential is even greater.
Secondly, it is revolutionary in portability. It is the size of a thumb, light as a feather, and requires no additional protective case. It can be easily put into a pocket or wallet, eliminating the fragility of floppy disks and the bulkiness of Zip/MO disks.
Finally, Plug-and-Play: a revolutionary USB interface that requires no dedicated drivers (as system support evolves) and no bulky external power supply. Simply plug it into your computer's USB port, and it instantly transforms into a standalone disk drive.
Moreover, it is robust and durable, with chip storage, no mechanical parts, and its shock resistance, anti-magnetic properties, and temperature resistance far surpass those of floppy disks, Zip disks, and MO disks that rely on magnetic media.
It is also highly efficient at reading and writing, with read and write speeds far exceeding those of floppy disks and superior to those of earlier Zip disks.
It can also be erased and rewritten indefinitely. The characteristics of flash memory give it a theoretically almost unlimited erase and rewrite life (although there were limitations in the early days, it was still better than floppy disks).
In conclusion, it will completely end the era of floppy disks and become a major factor in the collapse of the Zip and MO markets, allowing users to enjoy large-capacity storage while completely getting rid of the heavy burden of carrying a dedicated drive.
The universality of the USB interface has laid the foundation for it to become the absolute leader in mobile storage for decades to come.
At this moment, this core invention, which is destined to change the world, along with a series of key patents behind it, including core flash memory control technology and USB interface application patents, is firmly in Lu Yang's hands.
Future history will clearly record this scene:
Cheng Xiaohua and Deng Guoshun, two technical experts from China, were the first to accomplish this feat in a field that had failed to be broken through by countless top storage science institutions and giant companies around the world, and invented the world's first USB flash drive.
It was their achievements that laid the most solid and core foundation for flash memory technology to eventually replace all old storage media.
Lu Yang understood this tiny chip and the terrifying value of the patents it contained better than anyone else.
In its original trajectory, Netac Technology Co., Ltd. had limited management capabilities and was on the verge of bankruptcy several times. It was only by wielding the "USB flash drive patent" stick globally and collecting high patent licensing fees that it miraculously came back to life time and time again.
Patent licensing alone can bring Langke tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of RMB in stable revenue every year for more than ten years, making it a veritable "golden goose".
Now, this golden goose, along with all its future eggs, belongs entirely to Lu Yang.
But Lu Yang will never repeat the mistake of Lang Ke's predecessor, who "drained the pond to catch all the fish".
He knew that patent fees were only the basic income; the real goldmine lay in the in-depth development and widespread application of this technology, and in firmly controlling the key nodes of the entire industry chain.
"Dr. Cheng, Dr. Deng." Lu Yang's deep and powerful voice broke the silence of the office. He put down the USB drive and looked intently at the two core technical personnel who had not yet left the desk. "You don't need to go to the High-Tech Fair."
The two were slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.
The China Hi-Tech Fair was originally planned as an important platform to showcase achievements and attract financing.
"Take this ten million." Lu Yang pointed to the check on the table, a symbol of wealth, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Take this USB drive, which embodies your hard work, and return to the lab immediately. Your top priority is to continue your in-depth research!"
He held up two fingers, his goal crystal clear: "First, increase capacity. 8MB is just the starting point; I want 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB... even GB levels! Second, reduce size. While ensuring reliability, make it smaller, more refined, and more portable! This is your most important area of focus going forward."
Next, he clearly outlined the company's future structure: "Langke needs to expand rapidly. In addition to your core R&D department, I have decided to immediately acquire land nearby to build a brand new MP3 player production line!"
A light simultaneously shone in the eyes of Deng Guoshun and Cheng Xiaohua.
They certainly understood their boss's intentions.
We will apply the newly mastered flash memory technology to the upcoming popular consumer electronics products as soon as possible!
That move was both swift and precise!
"You two are top experts in the field of technology."
Lu Yang spoke with a confident tone, as if he knew how to appoint the right people: "Focus on your areas of expertise. I will assign a professional team to take over the company's specific operations and management. Your position will be: Chief Designer of Century Langke Storage Technology Laboratory."
Lu Yang looked at Deng Guoshun.
"Chief Framer of Storage Architecture at CenturyNet".
Lu Yang then looked at Cheng Xiaohua.
"At the same time, both of you will serve as the company's vice president of technology."
He paused, then offered an extremely attractive package: "Enjoy the company's highest annual salary, as well as the full rights corresponding to your 10% shareholding. All I need is for you to focus wholeheartedly on leading the team to bring flash memory technology to world-class levels! Continuously push the capacity and portability of USB drives to their limits!"
"Thank you, boss!" Deng Guoshun and Cheng Xiaohua said almost in unison, their voices filled with excitement and gratitude.
Being able to focus on their beloved technological research and development after acquiring enormous wealth, without being bothered by complicated management affairs, while enjoying top-notch treatment, the dividends of company development, and the prestige of a vice president, is simply the ideal state they dream of!
The two bowed respectfully to Lu Yang again, preparing to leave the office that symbolized power and the future.
As Cheng Xiaohua reached the door, she paused slightly, as if suddenly remembering something. She turned around, a perfectly measured respectful smile on her face, and said, "Boss, the company has been acquired by Century Group. So... how about changing the company name? Would you consider incorporating the 'Century' element?"
This is clearly a gesture to show loyalty to the new owner.
Deng Guoshun, standing to the side, widened his eyes instantly, inwardly cursing, "You, Cheng Xiaohua! You look honest, but you're quick to flatter! How come I didn't think of that!"
He secretly pinched his thigh in frustration.
Upon hearing this, Lu Yang tapped his fingers lightly on the table and pondered for a moment.
He looked up at the booming skyline of Shenzhen outside the window, and a name came to mind. "No need for major changes." Lu Yang's voice carried a calmness that seemed to decide history. "The name will remain 'Langke.' Add 'Century' in front of it, and it will be 'Century Langke,' easy to pronounce and representing its new home and journey."
“'Century Langke'... What a great name!” Cheng Xiaohua replied almost immediately, her tone full of admiration.
"It's catchy and meaningful, boss is brilliant!" Deng Guoshun quickly followed up, his voice loud and clear, trying to make up for his earlier "slowness".
After they finished speaking, their eyes met briefly in mid-air. They both saw in each other's eyes a sense of contempt for the other's sycophancy, as well as a knowing understanding that they were "mutually opposed."
Immediately, the two quickly turned their heads, coughed to cover their embarrassment, and left the president's office one after the other.
The air seemed to still carry their silent rivalry and slight embarrassment.
The heavy wooden door to the office had just been closed when it was gently pushed open again a few minutes later.
Lu Nini led Wei Shu, the female president of Century Group, into the room.
Wei Shu walked briskly, her eyes sharp, holding a document in her hand, but her gaze immediately locked onto the small black USB drive on Lu Yang's desk.
"Where's the USB drive? Let me see." Wei Shu's voice carried a hint of eager curiosity as she walked to the table, her eyes burning with anticipation.
Lu Yang smiled and handed her the world-changing invention.
Wei Shu carefully took it, examined it closely in her palm, turning it over and over, feeling its smooth, cool outer shell with her fingertips, as if she were examining a rare treasure, with a hint of disbelief and doubt.
"Just... such a small gadget?" Wei Shu looked up, staring at Lu Yang, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. "You mean it can bring us at least billions in revenue in the future?"
Her tone was full of doubt.
This dark little cube doesn't look like it could turn lead into gold at all.
“Not the future,” Lu Yang corrected.
Looking at the female CEO in front of him, whom he had personally promoted and who had led the company for nearly ten years, Lu Yang said in a resolute tone: "It's the next few years, and very soon, our first heavyweight product using it will be launched on the market."
Wei Shu, with her keen insight, immediately grasped the key point: "You mean...MP3?"
The document in her hand was a progress report on the music copyright acquisition, and it all clicked instantly.
“Not bad!” Lu Yang stood up, walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the vibrant city below. His back view exuded confidence that he was in control of everything.
"I've decided to use the newly acquired Century Langke as a base, leveraging its core flash memory technology, to build a new MP3 production plant nearby. We're going to turn this flash memory chip into a weapon for conquering new territories, and insert it into our Century Group's first flagship MP3 player!"
A hint of worry flashed in Wei Shu's eyes: "Isn't this layout too aggressive? Flash memory costs, production line investment, market acceptance..."
"Don't worry." Lu Yang turned around, interrupting her concerns, with a confident smile on his face.
"I have ordered the intellectual property department to submit patent applications for the core technology of USB flash drives with the highest priority, utilizing all domestic and international resources and connections, covering major domestic and international markets. Soon, a patent barrier will be formed around this technology."
His tone carried an undeniable authority: "On our own turf, with patent moats, core technologies, and manufacturing capabilities, what is there to fear?"
"So, who will be the president of the new company?"
Lu Yang thought about it carefully, "How about you temporarily take on the role, Sister Wei Shu? Once the production line is up and running and the product is launched, we can promote an outstanding mid-level manager from within the group to take over your position as president of Century Langke?"
Wei Shu was silent for a moment, then nodded decisively: "Okay."
She did not hesitate, nor did she refuse. Wei Shu had a deep understanding and full confidence in the young boss's skill in navigating both domestic and international markets and his unfathomable network of connections.
From the lightning acquisition of Shenzhen Airlines to now possessing core patents that can leverage a future market worth billions and rapidly deploying global applications, everything demonstrates Lu Yang's precise planning and efficient execution.
Since he has decided to apply flash memory technology to the upcoming MP3 player and build a new factory around it, the position of president of "Century Netac" is a heavy responsibility, even though it is a temporary one.
With her personally overseeing the operation, the group's resources can be mobilized at the fastest speed to clear obstacles and ensure that the boss's strategic intentions are implemented without any deviation.
More importantly, the key to Lu Yang's second half of his sentence.
"Once the production line is in place and the product is launched, we will promote an outstanding middle-level manager from within the group."
This essentially means that the power to appoint the future head of the company has largely been handed over to her, the group president.
this means:
The selection process is limited to internal staff: eliminating the uncertainty associated with hiring outsiders or recommendations from external headhunters.
The power of selection is in her hands: she can select, examine, and recommend middle-level managers who she knows, approves of, and who are outstanding in ability.
Natural leadership authority: Whoever becomes the new president in the future, he must clearly recognize that his promotion is inseparable from President Wei's discerning eye and strong recommendation.
This "gratitude for recognizing and promoting" is a key link in maintaining the relationship between superiors and subordinates and ensuring that the will of the group headquarters is unimpeded in the new company.
She doesn't need the other person to be a so-called "close confidant and loyalist," but this affection and authority must exist.
Wei Shu understood the true nature of power.
Sitting as the president of Century Group, she leads a vast business empire with assets of nearly 10 billion, relying on far more than just the trust of her boss, Lu Yang.
The boss's trust is the foundation, but on top of that foundation, she needs to build her own network of management authority and influence.
If the heads of the numerous subsidiaries and branches under the group do not respect her, the "chief steward" of the group headquarters, and pay lip service to her instructions or significantly reduce them, then no matter how much the boss trusts her, her work will be impossible.
Over time, her prestige was eroded and her command became ineffective. Even if Lu Yang couldn't bear to replace her out of consideration for their past relationship, she herself would probably be too ashamed to remain in that position.
Lu Yang's decision to temporarily appoint her to the position and grant her the right to nominate candidates is both a testament to his utmost trust in her abilities and a strong support for consolidating her authority in managing the group.
This demonstrates Lu Yang's foresight and commitment to protecting her position, rather than simply appointing a new president or hiring a professional manager from outside at a high salary.
In the blink of an eye, Wei Shu had figured out all the key points. The heavy sense of responsibility in his heart was intertwined with a sense of security in controlling the situation.
“Understood, boss. I'll immediately begin integrating resources at Langke, simultaneously setting up the MP3 factory and advancing the patent application.” Wei Shu's eyes sharpened and focused again as she quickly got into work mode. “Also, regarding Director Wang's progress report on music copyright…”
“Have him bring the documents and come directly to my office.” Lu Yang interrupted her, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Music copyright is the ‘ammunition depot’ of MP3s, just as important as the ‘gun’ of flash memory chips. We can discuss it together.”
He looked at Wei Shu and added, "You should stay and listen too. The synergy between copyright operation and new hardware sales channels will require close collaboration between you and Wang Jin in the future."
Lu Yang's gaze swept over the small black USB drive on the table again, as if he could already see the huge market it was about to unlock.
Copyright empires and hardware giants are rapidly converging and merging atop the Century Tower.
Wei Shu took a deep breath and sat down quietly.
At the same time, Lu Yang gave his secretary, Lu Nini, who was waiting for instructions, a look, signaling her to go and call someone. (End of Chapter)