Cloud computing is an extremely broad concept that no one can define in just a few short sentences. This is why, for a long time after the concept was introduced, many people treated it as just a buzzword.
However, before Simon's rebirth, cloud computing had already become deeply integrated into society and was ubiquitous.
For many end users years later, cloud services like online storage, cloud documents, mini programs, and streaming media are all specific applications of cloud computing.
For businesses, cloud computing means maximizing the efficient use of computer hardware and software resources through large-scale distributed parallel computing.
Ordinary people often associate cloud computing with website hosting and server leasing, but in reality, these are just the most basic services that cloud computing can provide. Moreover, the true essence of cloud computing in providing these basic services is quite different from traditional hosting and leasing services.
In traditional hosting, users specify server space, and that batch of servers is then exclusively available to those users. Even if a user's website has zero traffic at certain times, the server must still be kept running, often leading to a tremendous waste of resources.
Cloud computing, on the other hand, offers highly flexible virtual server space. Users do not need to specify particular servers; instead, the cloud computing system automatically allocates them, and users can purchase services on a per-need basis. This means that a single server can serve multiple users at once, avoiding severe underutilization.
For instance, if a user normally needs only 10GB of network space, they rent just that much. But during certain periods, such as when traffic spikes, a business might suddenly need to increase their server space to 100GB. In a traditional hosting scenario, this situation would be a disaster. Businesses would typically have to buy 100GB of space outright to avoid disaster, leading to dramatically increased costs and significant resource wastage. With cloud computing, however, businesses can simply perform an online expansion with ease, and after the peak period, quickly return to a 10GB pay-as-you-go model.
Because cloud computing can maximize the efficient use of hardware and software resources, the storage and computing power provided by the same volume of basic hardware can be more than ten times that of traditional server usage modes. Likewise, this means significantly lower costs compared to traditional models.
San Francisco, Palo Alto.
On September 17th, Simon, while mediating a dispute between Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz, spent several days with the three executives from Igneel discussing Carol Bartz's one-stop website solution plan based on cloud computing concepts. This business plan evolved through repeated discussions.
The internet industry has long passed its infancy, but this sapling is still very fragile.
Due to the powerful practical applications of HTTP and HTML technologies, the World Wide Web has expanded more rapidly in recent months than Simon had imagined. However, many functionalities of these technologies are still under development.
Simon has always been aware of this and thus has not adopted overly aggressive promotion strategies.
Currently, a major limiting factor in the development of the internet industry is the insufficient computational and storage capabilities of computer hardware. Advancing the popularity and application of cloud computing could largely resolve this issue.
Igneel's West Coast data center is located in a large building near the Igneel headquarters in Palo Alto.
It's now September 21st, a Friday.
Simon has been here several times recently. After several days of discussions, he entered the data center again with Tim Berners-Lee, Jeff Bezos, and Carol Bartz, and everyone looked somewhat disapprovingly at the expensive minicomputers installed in server racks around them.
However, the server arrays present represent the very traditional data center model of this era.
Compared to the large server clusters built in cold regions near water sources, which directly expose various hard-tech hardware Simon remembers, the current data center is not only costly but also inefficient.
Because each minicomputer is an individual entity, any malfunction could impact Igneel's network services, making routine maintenance of the data center costly.
The first step in Igneel's cloud computing plan is to virtualize the existing data center, which will require about a year to develop specialized cloud computing control software.
The team will also establish a hardware research department to buy hardware directly from chip, motherboard, and storage manufacturers. Based on the plan confirmed in recent days and in conjunction with the cloud computing software technology team, they will develop an integrated server-cluster-style data center.
A data center is a whole entity, or when connected with other data centers, the entire Igneel data system becomes one giant, highly capable supercomputer.
In memory, many enterprises' ultimate goal for cloud computing is to eventually have only one or a few 'computers' in the world.
Currently, server leasing is mainly aimed at mature business users, which greatly restricts the development of internet sites, as small or individual enterprises simply cannot afford the costs of server purchasing, leasing, or maintenance. Simon has been considering offering inexpensive or even free online space
to developers to build their websites to promote the rapid expansion of World Wide Web technology.
Once Igneel's cloud computing plan is completed, just using Igneel's surplus server resources can quickly promote this initiative.
Listening to professional technicians' advice and discussing the data center's renovation plans, details of cloud computing development pass quickly in an afternoon.
Leaving the data center in the evening, Simon dismissed other accompanying employees and took only Igneel's three executives to a nearby restaurant.
Once seated and having ordered their meals, Simon told Bezos and Bartz, "This morning, Tim signed a stock transfer agreement, and I am now the 100% shareholder of Igneel."
Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz instinctively looked at Tim Berners-Lee, who simply smiled and nodded slightly.
They turned back to Simon, waiting for him to continue.
Simon's previous investments had always taken Tim Berners-Lee's interests into account due to the necessity of clear financial allocations. Disputes between Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz over a recent $50 million allocation made Simon realize he had to resolve Tim Berners-Lee's shareholding issues to more freely manage Igneel's finances.
Yesterday at noon, Simon invited Tim Berners-Lee to lunch, during which he proposed buying the 2.5% of shares Lee held.
Simon candidly explained his intentions and offered a high price of $5 million, double the valuation of Lee's shares at the time of Simon's last investment. Tim Berners-Lee understood that Igneel needed continuous substantial financial input for rapid growth and agreed without much hesitation.
Simon believed Bezos and Bartz were smart enough to understand his intentions and didn't beat around the bush, quickly continuing, "So, from now on, regarding financial issues, I can assure you that you will have as much as you can spend, but on the condition that you produce satisfactory results."
Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz nodded, their gazes inadvertently meeting Tim Berners-Lee's.
Noticing their looks, Simon said, "Tim will remain CEO of Igneel, as neither of you are currently fit to run the company."
Carol Bartz couldn't help but say, "But Simon, I think the company should have a leader."
"Yes, Tim will act as a buffer between you two. As for leadership," Simon said, pointing to himself with a smile, "I will take personal responsibility."
Carol Bartz was still reluctant, "If you could always be in San Francisco, that would be ideal, but you hardly visit once a month. I think it would be best if I ran the company, with Tim handling research and Jeff focusing on his network division."
Simon shook his head again, saying, "Carol, you must understand that the network and software divisions are equally important at Igneel. Honestly, I have even higher expectations for the network division. Without support from the network division, without sufficient World Wide Web content resources, there would be no demand for our underlying application technologies like browsers, which couldn't be sold."
Carol Bartz persisted, "World Wide Web technology has a very broad application prospect on existing corporate local network data platforms, and we have a considerable customer base in this area. We could focus primarily on this field."
Simon, resigned, simply gave up reasoning with Carol Bartz, his expression turning serious, "Carol, I believe we've had mature discussions about Igneel's direction. Your next task is to quickly establish a comprehensive software sales network, Tim's task is technology research, and Jeff is responsible for operating the network division. Meanwhile, you three must work together, as every business unit in Igneel fundamentally complements the others. This time I've resolved the issue of financial allocation for you, but from now on, you must operate the company according to my plans as the boss, or else you can look elsewhere. Understood?"
Carol Bartz, sensing Simon's uncompromising tone, glanced at the others, paused, and finally nodded, "Alright, Simon."
Simon then looked at Jeff Bezos.
Jeff Bezos also nodded, "I have no issues either."
"Then, let's discuss compensation," Simon's tone softened, "You should be aware of the recent article in 'Forbes' magazine about the Westeros system's billion-dollar executives club."
The three nodded slightly.
Simon continued, "I don't want to repeat how I'm not a stingy person. You three joined Igneel somewhat hastily, and the compensation terms weren't perfect. Therefore, I've recently had James draft a new five-year contract. If you meet certain performance targets within these five years, you will receive long-term stock awards. The catch is that these awards can only be redeemed after five years; if you leave or are fired within that time, the corresponding awards will be retracted at the contract price. Roughly, within five years, each of you could receive about 5% of Igneel's shares."
Pausing briefly, Simon added, "
As for the value of these shares, Daenerys went from a shell to a recent 'Forbes' magazine valuation of $10 billion in just four years. Cersei Capital also made over $10 billion in the past two years. And in Europe, Melisandre's shares in the Gucci company tripled in value in one year. Igneel is Westeros's 'fourth lady,' and I believe she won't be inferior to the first three. Ultimately, whether this company reaches $1 billion, $10 billion, or more largely depends on you."
After handling Igneel's affairs, Simon flew back to Los Angeles after dinner.
If Jeff Bezos and Carol Bartz still can't get along, Simon wouldn't hesitate to dismiss them. He won't allow his plans in the internet industry to be hindered by personnel issues.
Sophia Feixi contacted him a few days ago; the British Union Lyon Company, which owns the French Latour vineyard, plans to sell this vineyard soon.
Simon believes that owning a national treasure-level vineyard is more worthwhile than any piece of art, and Janet has always wanted to buy a top-tier vineyard. Previously, due to the lack of suitable targets, she had built a small vineyard in Tasmania, Australia, as a hobby.
Since the other four of France's top five vineyards are basically non-sale items, and Union Lyon plans to sell Latour, Janet flew to Europe on Wednesday.
Although the recent plans for two large acquisitions require substantial funds, Simon isn't about to compromise on spending. He doesn't have Warren Buffett's mindset of saving a billion dollars to invest for a multiple return in a few years; enjoying the present is most important.
In the villa on the west side of Cape Dume.
Simon arrived home at around 9 p.m.
Considering the time difference, it was five in the morning in London, so he didn't call.
After a bath, he sat in a small living room next to the living room, facing the sea, flipping through documents from Daenerys Entertainment delivered overnight. Without drawing the curtains, the deep night outside the floor-to-ceiling windows provided a serene atmosphere he enjoyed.
The documents concerned the recently concluded Venice Film Festival in Italy.
This year, Daenerys Entertainment had two films competing in the main competition: Robert Altman's "Crossroads of Life" and Jane Campion's "The Angel at My Table."
At yesterday's closing ceremony, "Crossroads of Life" not only won the Venice Film Festival's highest honor, the Golden Lion, but also took three additional awards. Perhaps to balance, "The Angel at My Table," which was also well-received by the media during the festival, won nothing.
Of course, it was still a cause for celebration, and the company had already planned a celebration party at Daenerys Cinema tomorrow.
Besides "Crossroads of Life" and "The Angel at My Table," Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" also competed in the main category and won Best Director.
At the end of the documents, Simon found a clipping about "Goodfellas'" actress Renee Russo, naturally praising her.
Simon just smiled and casually set the clipping aside.
Some women, after all, are just passersby.
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