owlsbooks Chapter 90 Microsoft Partner Program
Chapter 90 Microsoft Partner Program
Holding a newly received fax and several printed webpage screenshots, Li Mo walked into Ling Yun's office again. This time, his expression was even more grim than before, a mixture of anxiety and helplessness.
He placed the materials in front of Lingyun, "Microsoft's second punch has arrived. This time, it's aimed directly at the developers."
Lingyun picked up the fax. It was a beautifully worded and enticing overview of the "Microsoft Gold Partner Program".
The above clearly lists the generous conditions for software developers: priority access to the latest Windows beta versions and technical documentation, dedicated technical support channels, joint marketing resources, and—most strikingly—direct financial subsidies for "outstanding innovative applications".
Several other printed pages came from well-known developer forums and technology news websites. They quoted comments from a "senior figure in Microsoft's platform strategy department" in an informal setting, expressed with "concern" yet "objective" tone:
"We've noticed that some developers are exploring multi-platform strategies, which reflects the dynamism of technology. However, from a return on investment and risk management perspective, developers need to carefully assess the long-term value of investing resources in new platforms."
"Some platforms have not yet formed a stable user base and a clear technology roadmap, and there are certain compatibility risks and future uncertainties. Focusing core resources on the Windows platform, which has hundreds of millions of users and a mature ecosystem, is undoubtedly a more prudent business choice."
These comments are like invisible icicles, precisely piercing the most sensitive nerves of developers: Will the investment bring returns? Will the platform suddenly die?
"Several promising development teams we contacted just sent us emails," Li Mo said, his voice tinged with suppressed anger. "They were all very polite, saying they'd temporarily 'adjust development priorities' and focus on perfecting the Windows version first. There was also a small company that had previously promised to port our office software, but they directly said the project is 'indefinitely postponed.'"
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself: "They're creating a chilling effect. They don't need explicit threats; just mentioning 'risk' and 'uncertainty' is enough to deter most developers who rely on the market. This is cutting off our foundation! Without applications, the system is just an empty shell!"
Ling Yun listened silently, his fingers tapping lightly on the table unconsciously. Microsoft's move was indeed more ruthless and direct than their previous FUD tactics.
FUD (Fulfillment, Uncertainty, and Demand) affects corporate purchasing decision-makers, the market side; but this time, it targets the cornerstone of the ecosystem—developers, the supply side. This truly hits Xingchen's weakest and most critical link.
"Microsoft knows how to leverage its strengths." Ling Yun stood up and walked to the whiteboard in the office where the Star System development roadmap was written.
"They know that in the face of overwhelming numerical superiority, any talk of 'ideas' and 'future' sounds pale. Developers are pragmatic; they need to make a living, they need to see users, and they need to mitigate risks."
He turned to look at Li Mo: "But Li Mo, do you remember why we initially decided to develop our own browser?"
Li Mo paused for a moment: "Because... Netscape might not be reliable."
"That's right. You can't place all your hopes on others, especially when those 'others' are not in your fundamental interests."
Ling Yun's eyes sharpened. "Microsoft's punch was very accurate, but it also further proves the necessity for us to insist on having our own core technologies and ecosystem. The more they suppress us like this, the more it shows that they are afraid—afraid of another option emerging, afraid that developers will really be diverted."
He walked back to the table, his gaze sweeping over the "Gold Partner Program": "They can lure you with resources and money, they can threaten you with risks, but they can't completely stifle the needs of innovators, nor can they satisfy the ambitions of all developers. There will always be some developers who are tired of the fierce red ocean competition on the Windows platform, and there will always be some applications that are naturally suited to a more open and networked environment."
"What do you mean?" Li Mo seemed to have grasped a direction.
"Change strategy," Ling Yun said decisively.
"First, adjust our messaging. Take a direct, uncompromising stance!"
"Second, launch developer tools, which are available for free trial."
"Third, we will accelerate the development of our own core applications." Ling Yun paused, his tone exceptionally firm.
"Office suites, media players, and even some utility software—we can't always rely on third parties. We need a batch of killer applications from 'StarCraft' that can meet users' most basic needs and uphold the system's image."
"Another thing is that we need to create an explosive application. Only in this way can we give developers confidence and prove that the platform has the ability to retain users."
Li Mo listened and quickly took notes in his notebook. Ling Yun's ideas were clear, but each point required a huge investment of resources and energy, especially the development of proprietary applications, which almost meant rebuilding a streamlined version of the Microsoft application ecosystem in a short period of time.
"This... requires a lot of money and a lot of people," Li Mo reminded him.
"I know." Ling Yun nodded. "I'll figure out the funding problem. As for the personnel problem, we'll do a large-scale recruitment drive. The more Microsoft suppresses us, the more talented technical people who are dissatisfied with the status quo and have ideals will notice us. What we need to do is find them."
"You have plans for explosive applications now?" Li Mo asked, looking puzzled.
"Let me keep you in suspense for now. When the product comes out, it will definitely blow your mind," Ling Yun said with a mysterious smile.
He glanced at the calendar; there were still a few days until the joint launch event with AMD and Sun.
"Microsoft wants to shake our foundations before we reveal our allies. So we'll do just that at our launch event, not only showcasing our technology, but also proudly unveiling our 'Developer Incentive Program' to publicly demonstrate our commitment to building our ecosystem."
Lingyun is prepared to face this inevitable and arduous battle for the ecosystem with more flexible tactics and a more determined long-term commitment. He knows that this is only the beginning; a battle for developers' minds and loyalty has already begun.