PDLP Chapter 89 Microsoft Takes Action
Chapter 89 Microsoft Takes Action
Li Mo practically stormed into Ling Yun's office, clutching several newly printed articles and industry newsletters, his face slightly flushed with anger and anxiety.
"Lingyun! Look at this!" He slammed the stack of papers onto Lingyun's desk with a "thud." "They've started! Microsoft has begun their dirty tricks!"
Ling Yun looked up from a technical architecture diagram, his expression calm. He picked up the top document, an excerpt from the latest electronic issue of a well-known technology magazine, which included a commentary article signed by a highly respected analyst in the industry, with a striking title: "Opportunities and Concerns of Emerging Operating Systems: Examining Several Core Issues of the Star System."
The article lacked vehement criticism; its tone even appeared quite "objective" and "cautious." However, Li Mo had highlighted several paragraphs heavily in red pen:
"...The Starry Sky system is built on an open-source kernel, and its development speed is impressive. However, an unavoidable question is whether its codebase is absolutely 'clean' during such rapid iteration? Are there potential risks of improperly handled third-party open-source licenses, i.e., the so-called 'open-source license pollution'? This could pose unpredictable legal risks for enterprise users, especially customers with strict requirements for intellectual property compliance."
"...Another noteworthy point is that the core developers of the Starry Sky system are Chinese, and its main funding also comes from Chinese sources. In today's era of increasing data security awareness, corporate decision-makers must consider: Is the data flow and back-end management mechanism of an operating system led by a non-domestic company transparent enough? Can it meet, for example, the stringent requirements of financial or government institutions regarding data sovereignty and security?"
"...Finally, we must rationally assess StarCraft's long-term viability. The operating system market has extremely high barriers to entry, with Microsoft Windows holding an absolute dominant position. Can a startup, no matter how innovative its technological concept, gain sufficient market share and financial support to continue operating under the crushing competitive pressure of giants? Enterprise procurement is a long-term investment, and the sustainability of the platform is crucial."
Several other analyst briefings and industry communications from different sources also contained similar arguments, with perhaps slight differences in wording, but the core message was highly consistent: legal risks, security concerns, and insufficient viability.
"This is just the beginning!" Li Mo's voice trembled. "I received several tactful calls from potential clients I'd previously contacted, saying they 'need to reassess the risks internally.' Two independent developers, with whom I had good discussions, emailed me asking about the specific details of our open-source license compliance, their tone full of skepticism! They're shaking our foundations!"
He slammed his fist on the table: "Is this Microsoft's tactic? They don't dare to confront us directly, so they resort to these underhanded methods, spreading rumors behind our backs!"
Ling Yun put down the article, leaned back in his chair, and instead of the anger or tension Li Mo had expected, he revealed an enigmatic smile.
"That makes a lot of sense," Ling Yun even commented lightly.
Li Mo was stunned, thinking he had misheard: "Makes sense? Ling Yun, this is clearly slander! It's a frame-up! Our code review process is extremely rigorous; there's absolutely no protocol contamination! Our data security architecture is also transparent..."
Ling Yun raised his hand, interrupting his impassioned explanation: "I know. But look at the questions they raised. Aren't they all the kinds of questions that would instinctively pop into the minds of decision-makers at companies like IBM, Citibank, or the Ministry of Education's procurement department when they hear the name 'Star System'?"
Li Mo opened his mouth, but couldn't answer immediately.
"Legal risks, data security, company survival... these are the most sensitive and fundamental evaluation dimensions for corporate procurement, especially for large enterprises," Ling Yun said slowly, his eyes calm. "Microsoft is just asking these questions out loud in a seemingly 'objective and rational' way."
He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the traffic on the street below: "Back when the Star System was only being discussed by geeks on BBS forums, how many corporate executives knew that such a system existed in this world?"
He turned to look at Li Mo: "Now, things are different. Microsoft has used the top media outlets and industry analysts it controls to promote us. While spreading these doubts, they've also forced the name 'Star System' into the ears of corporate decision-makers who would never have paid attention to us before."
"Being controversial is still being famous," Ling Yun concluded with certainty. "Before, our reputation was limited to the tech and geek circles. Now, Microsoft is pushing our name into the wider business world. Although it comes with skepticism, our brand awareness has definitely increased."
The anxiety on Li Mo's face hadn't completely dissipated, but he seemed to have been led astray by Ling Yun's perspective: "But... these doubts will scare away customers!"
"It will scare away customers who are already biased towards Microsoft or unwilling to take any risks," Ling Yun admitted. "But at the same time, it will also arouse the curiosity of another group of people. They will wonder, what is so special about a system that Microsoft would go to such lengths to suppress, using public opinion as a means? How much of a threat does it actually pose to Microsoft?"
He walked back to the table and pointed to the article: "Microsoft made a mistake. They tried to treat us the way they treated Netscape, but they forgot that Netscape was already a behemoth, while we were still very small. The more they suppressed us, the more insecure they seemed, and the more it highlighted our status as 'challengers.' This status itself carried a sense of pathos and allure."
"Then what do we do? Issue a statement to refute it?" Li Mo asked.
"No," Ling Yun shook his head. "If we jump in now and engage in a war of words with them, we'll play right into their hands. We'll get caught up in the issues they've set, running ourselves ragged trying to prove our innocence. It'll never end."
He pondered for a moment and then issued the following instructions: "First, the legal department should prepare a formal statement and legal opinion regarding the compliance of the Starry Sky System's open-source license. The wording should be rigorous, and the statement should be placed in a prominent position on the official website, but it should not be actively promoted until someone inquires about it. Second, the technical blog should publish a series of articles that provide in-depth explanations of the Starry Sky System's security architecture and data management strategies, using technical details to address technical questions, and targeting those who are knowledgeable in the field."
He looked at Li Mo, his eyes sharp: "Microsoft is used to using underhanded tactics like FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) to create a fog of confusion. We'll use solid technology to dispel that fog. They want to wage a psychological war, so we'll wage a head-on technological war. Microsoft chooses to start a war, but we can choose the battlefield. Let's see in the end whether doubts are more convincing, or better products and more choices are more appealing to the market."
Li Mo took a deep breath and finally nodded slowly. Ling Yun's calmness and contrarian thinking were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing some of his anxiety, but also making him feel an even heavier pressure. This was not a simple technological competition, but a multi-dimensional and brutal business war. And Microsoft had already thrown the first poisoned dagger.