American History 1988
Chapter 337 - 326: The Qualification to Hang Up the Phone

Chapter 337: Chapter 326: The Qualification to Hang Up the Phone

Netscape’s word in English is Netscape, so the newly developed email suffix domain name is @net.com;

Look, this is a good name, easy to remember.

Dean clicked on an envelope-style icon at the top right corner of the browser, and a login window popped up first.

Because it was a test account, the password and ID had already been set up.

He lightly clicked on the login button, and the browser automatically loaded a brand-new page.

On the left half was the NetMail logo, followed immediately below by a row of function buttons such as Write Mail, Contacts, Inbox, Drafts, etc.

Dean clicked on the "Write Mail" section, and the right side of the page automatically jumped to the editing area.

Just like most email services in later generations, it had sections for the recipient, subject of the mail, and the main text.

Even according to his requirements, NetScape’s email had added commonly used features like sending attachments, emoticons, and images.

At the bottom of the page, in the send button area, there were also options for send now, schedule send, and save as draft.

It could be said that it already bore no difference from the email services of the future, after all, this doesn’t require any profound IT technology.

After experiencing the inbox reading features for a while longer, Dean was satisfied and put down the mouse.

Simple and easy to use was his assessment of NetScape’s email, and this was also its biggest highlight.

None of those flashy features were included, not even advertisements.

Clark and his team had faithfully executed Dean’s original development requirements: to make NetScape’s email service as clean as stationery!

The UI interface was simple and refreshing, which to some extent could even bring users a sense of joy.

This was an effective method to attract and retain users.

As a web browser, Explorer needed an account to maintain contact with users.

After Dean closed the email page, next to the envelope icon on the top right of the browser, an ID name appeared.

This signified that the browser had completed the account login, and all subsequent favorites, bookmarks, browsing records, etc., would be synchronized and saved.

This was considered an added feature after registering for an email account, everything existed to attract and retain users.

Dean didn’t know how much loyalty it could exchange for in the face of the more intense competition in the future.

But at least they were building their own moat, and this was just the beginning.

As Explorer browser would receive further updates, more and more features would be added.

However, speaking of the newly developed email service, Dean still had some questions that needed confirmation.

"How do we ensure the security of the email service? This relates to user privacy issues."

Clark answered without hesitation, "We have developed the SSL security protocol."

"Hmm?" Dean was surprised, "The SSL security protocol?"

"Exactly, I was just about to talk to you about this." It was apparent Netscape had made complete preparations.

"It is a secure transmission protocol, its main functions being data encryption and identity verification.

In the future, Netscape will provide certificates to some trustworthy websites, and then establish a secure encrypted communication channel with them.

This channel mainly serves to verify the authenticity of websites. If users encounter fake or phishing websites, our browser will warn them.

Of course, our email service page has also deployed this protocol, and any access must be mutually authenticated by the system before being allowed.

There is a series of encryption algorithms between them, as well as dynamic shared key technology."

"Wait a minute!" Dean suddenly interrupted Clark’s technical explanation, "So these certificates can also become a business, right?"

"I knew I couldn’t hide it from you." Clark laughed proudly.

"The essence of Netscape’s products may be the browser, but some function plugins and various certificates are our value-added services.

Any company that needs to build its own website cannot do without these certificates and authorizations."

"I am delighted that our business scope is expanding." Dean was very satisfied with Netscape’s work achievements over this period.

They hadn’t put all their sales on the browser itself, which was undoubtedly a wise decision.

Dean guessed that Clark must have played a role in this, as a mature business person.

He knew the risks of single-product company and had already started early preparations before Netscape launched the commercial version of the browser.

"The greatest advantage of the SSL protocol is its simple deployment; it can be applied on the server side as well as integrated into the browser.

And no matter which method, it doesn’t require users to download any additional clients to load."

This was also the place where Clark felt most proud, as the SSL protocol was simple, yet surprisingly secure.

"I think when recommending the Explorer browser to enterprise users, our security protocol should also be a key selling point."

"We think alike, Dean~" Clark snapped his fingers.

These web certificates are usually categorized into several levels, from entry-level for personal use to the deluxe level for enterprise use, varying in price.

The cheaper ones cost a little more than a hundred US dollars, providing one year’s service. The most expensive, for enterprise-level, could be tens of thousands of dollars per year.

But as the sole security protocol on the World Wide Web at present, it’s almost an essential choice for business users.

"Can we officially roll out our Beta version next month?"

It is now July, and according to Dean’s original plan, they would officially start user testing for Explorer 2.0 in August.

The Beta version was in place for this reason, but those keen to try it out had to apply in advance.

Moreover, the testing scale was limited, with a testing period of only one month.

If any bugs are encountered during this time, as long as users give feedback, Netscape will resolve them one by one.

After one month of Beta testing, 2.0 will be officially launched.

"We have completed most of the work, we should be able to go online on time in August."

Clark was now the commander at Netscape, staying here for over 10 hours a day on average.

"Excellent, who knows, maybe next year we’ll be walking on the Nasdaq~" Dean said with a smile as he patted his shoulder.

"No one is looking forward to this moment more than I am!" Clark clenched his fist in anticipation.

He had bet virtually all of his wealth on Netscape; he was determined to impress those guys at SGI.

"The source code..."

Beep beep beep...

Dean’s sentence was cut off as the Nokia in his pocket rang.

Ever since he had gotten this year’s new model, Dean had started to habitually shove it into his pocket.

It was significantly smaller than the previous Motorola and also more durable.

"Valentine?" Dean answered the call and immediately recognized the familiar voice.

"Dean, are we still friends?" Valentine was as direct as ever.

"Of course," Dean was puzzled by the question, wondering why he would ask that.

"But when it came time for investments, you didn’t come to me first.

I’ve told you before, Sequoia Capital is interested in any idea you have.

Now I feel like our friendship is being tested."

Valentine sounded completely serious, but Dean couldn’t help but want to laugh a little.

"Alright, Valentine, what made you think that?"

"Durell got the golden ticket, didn’t he?" Valentine’s tone was full of jealousy.

"Did he tell you that?" Dean raised an eyebrow.

"Come on, there are no secrets in Silicon Valley. Right now, countless venture capitalists are highly interested in Netscape.

I’ve been waiting for you to speak up, but instead you chose that guy Durell..."

Valentine’s tone was clearly jealous; he felt that Dean’s friendship with Durell surpassed their own relationship.

It was supposed to be him first; Sequoia Capital was indeed the top venture capitalist that invested first in Byte Company.

Despite Valentine’s vinegar-like tone, Dean was focused on something else.

"Valentine, you say Netscape is hot in Silicon Valley, why haven’t I received such calls?"

"Dean," Valentine’s voice took on a more serious tone, "you haven’t realized one thing yet."

"What’s that?"

"In your current status, not everyone has the privilege to call you.

Similarly, you have already earned the right to hang up on some calls."

Dean was taken aback, remembering something.

He didn’t know when it started, but his phone no longer rang as frequently as it used to.

"No one wants to leave a bad impression on the richest man in Silicon Valley; it’s not worth it."

Unless on equal footing, certain relationships are better not to be disturbed unnecessarily, except in crucial moments.

"Okay, Valentine. Netscape will indeed accept venture capital, but it’s a bit complicated.

We are actually not really in need of funds, I think you can understand that.

Furthermore, Explorer now has millions of users, so its valuation will be very high..."

"You can give me a quote right now, I assure you Redshirt will come up with an offer that satisfies you."

On hearing that Explorer had millions of users, Valentine couldn’t contain himself any longer.

Damn it! This was even more explosive than Byte had been!

So he didn’t want to listen to Dean’s explanations; he just wanted a final price because those details were no longer important.

"We haven’t set a valuation yet; probably in half a month, we’ll discuss this issue again.

But there’s something I need to make clear to you first, Valentine," Dean’s tone turned a bit more serious as well.

"I’m all ears," Valentine’s confident voice came through.

"Due to certain conditions, KeyPoint Ventures will become the lead investor for Netscape.

So Sequoia Capital can get involved, but the share will be limited."

"Is it decided already, Dean~"

"Yes, we’ve reached a verbal agreement.

But you know me, Valentine; I always keep my promises."

"Durell that lucky bastard!" Valentine hung up the phone, feeling very discontent.

He knew that this time, KeyPoint Ventures might just hit a grand slam.

Just like Sequoia Capital had with Byte Company, it was enough to make the history books of Silicon Valley venture capital.

Pocketing his phone, Dean shrugged nonchalantly.

Business was business, and he could only choose the one most beneficial to him.

But there were only a few top venture capitalists in Silicon Valley: if not you, then somebody else.

The two most famous ones were indeed Sequoia Capital and KeyPoint Ventures.

Others, such as Mayfield, Ye Investment, Axel, Sasson Venture Capital, Morgan Tailer and the like, were a step behind in resources.

After confirming things with Netscape and making the final preparations for Explorer 2.0, Dean could finally relax.

This was his most important project of the year, even putting Byte Company aside for the moment.

However, with Byte, he also wondered whether the Toktok project was proceeding smoothly.

But before he could return his focus to Byte, David Fero called Dean.

There were some things he needed Dean’s approval for.

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