[Chapter 238: Information Highway Plan]
After completing the Thunderstorm Protection Array formation, Linton didn't linger long on the Anderson Farm. On the afternoon of the 20th, he spent time relaxing with Winnie around the farm. The next day, he flew back to Los Angeles on a business charter plane.
In the past few days, wanting to make up for lost time, Linton increased the amount of essence he gave her. After three days, Winnie became even more beautiful; her skin grew whiter, more tender and delicate, making her more captivated by him.
...
On the return flight, Linton saw major news in that day's newspaper. The U.S. government announced a new high-tech initiative -- the National Information Infrastructure (NII) -- aimed at building the information age's highway, the "information superhighway," based on the Internet. The goal was to allow all Americans to easily share massive information resources.
...
Back in Los Angeles, instead of heading to the film crew, Linton went with Winnie to the charity foundation office to discuss their next financial investment plan.
The plan to introduce the information superhighway would profoundly impact all industries across the country, especially computers and network communications, yielding huge returns. The Internet industry was on the verge of birth, ready to significantly change how people lived and society developed.
It would also bring enormous investment opportunities. As a reborn man, Linton knew well the Internet's investment potential. This was a new wealth hotspot that would create numerous billionaires and amass more wealth than any other industry. This trend was impossible to ignore.
...
Turning on the TV to financial news, they saw stocks in computer and network communications soar; Microsoft and Cisco both rose over 20%. Microsoft's market value even jumped to over $30 billion in a single day.
Linton's personal wealth also surged rapidly. Rough estimates showed his net worth exceeded $2 billion -- and this was just the start.
"My dear, this is fantastic. It feels like God is on our side."
"Yes, we're lucky to align with national policy. But once this policy released, related industries would thrive. What are your thoughts on our next investments?"
"With this policy, the prospects for computers and network communications grow immensely. More market opportunities will emerge. We should dig deeper into investments in these two fields."
"You're right; those are promising sectors. But you overlooked two key words."
"What two keywords?"
"The Internet and sharing."
"Is there something special about these?"
"Look closely: NII aims to build a broadband gigabit network connecting social institutions, organizations, and every household. It will offer rich, diverse information and advanced information services, meeting everyone's demands in work, life, and communication."
"So, the Internet and information services - you're saying there's major business potential here?"
"Exactly. The Internet and sharing represent the future. Imagine how convenient society will be if our work, life, and communication all happen online."
"If that happens, society will change dramatically."
"That's why the real opportunity lies in the Internet and related information services."
"Makes sense -- so what's our plan?"
"We've set up a special Internet investment fund with an initial $50 million to invest exclusively in Internet and information service companies."
"Good. Emerging tech companies typically use venture capital when starting out. Our fund will operate as a venture capital fund."
"Yes, this is a brand new yet risky industry. We need a broad approach, thorough vetting, and strong risk management. Let's build a professional venture capital team and recruit experts quickly."
"Agreed. Since you said 'cast a wide net,' maybe we can use our real estate company's resources."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Doesn't our real estate business hold seven properties in Silicon Valley?"
"That's right."
"Silicon Valley offers unique advantages. New Internet startups usually cluster here."
"Exactly."
"We can ask the property management teams to advertise our fund in the office spaces across all properties. That way, Internet professionals working there will quickly learn about us. Word-of-mouth among tenants will spread our name, and advertising at these locations builds credibility."
"I like it. I'll arrange for Edward to coordinate fully. Act fast. And don't abandon computer and network communication sectors -- don't miss any good deals."
"I will get started soon. Although after the last Microsoft purchase, the fund only has $14 million left."
"That's okay. When I renewed my contract with Universal some time ago, I got a $60 million signing bonus. After agency fees, I still have $56.4 million. I'll ask Henry to transfer $50 million soon."
"Wow, dear, you're incredible. Quickly diving into this emerging industry makes me confident we'll feast on the best rewards."
"The Internet covers many fields. To start, I think we should focus on three areas." Linton recalled three early Internet successes: Netscape Navigator, Yahoo Portal, and ICQ communication.
"What three areas?"
"First, the Internet is still largely an academic product. Operating a computer online is complicated for most -- they need specialized skills, limiting adoption. So, our first focus is developing a simple, user-friendly Internet interface."
"Right, that alone has huge market potential."
"The second is building a comprehensive information search service. NII's goal makes this achievable. It also naturally functions like media, attracts attention, and drives traffic."
"Isn't that just like putting newspapers online?"
"Somewhat, but it goes further: besides news, it offers various query and retrieval services."
"I see. And the third?"
"Enabling users to communicate peer-to-peer over the Internet."
"Is that even possible? That'd replace phones and mobile devices."
"Anything's possible. Just stay tuned."
*****
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