High Stakes, No Prisoners: How I Won My David and Goliath Battle in Silicon Valley

I'm currently involved in launching an Internet company right here in Des Moines, Iowa. One of the people we asked to sit on our board of directors said, "Read High Stakes, No Prisoners and then ask me." Whether he chooses to accept the board position or not, that was some of the most relevant business advice we've received. There are many parallels between what Charles Ferguson went through at the beginning of Vermeer and what our team is experiencing now.High Stakes points out any number of potential traps that start up companies can fall into from the development of concept to the actual product launch. Ferguson analyses what Vermeer did do and suggests how different and sometimes better outcomes would have been achieved if he and his team would have looked at issues from other angles. The book clearly spells out what to look for and what to avoid in areas like finding the right legal counsel, negotiating with venture capitalists and hiring executives. Sections covering these topics will be invaluable to anyone launching a company.Ferguson also offers some brilliant insight into the Microsoft/Netscape browser war. He clearly points out where Netscape stumbled and how Microsoft capitalized on Netscapes' for gone opportunities.I could have done without the last three chapters of the book covering Ferguson's opinions of the Microsoft antitrust case and the future of the Internet. He could have stopped at the point where Vermeer was acquired by Microsoft. However, the first 8 chapters of the book should be required reading for anyone seeking to launch an Internet company.

This is a thoughtful, comprehensive, and brutally frank treatise on everything to do with the Internet industry and the coming Internet economy. I have been involved with these subjects myself for more than 10 years, yet I learned something new with almost every page I read.From his backgrounder on the origins and evolution of the Internet itself, to the process of founding, funding, nurturing, and finally selling a software company, everything that Mr. Ferguson writes rings true. He brings a wealth of specific knowledge to his subject, and places it the broader context of Microsoft's monopoly control of the software industry today, Justice Department investigations, and the other major players in this game.I gained a personal appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of both Netscape Communications and Microsoft during the reading of the book. I have to admit it changed my impressions of both companies.In the final chapters of the book, Mr. Ferguson summarizes some of the important issues that will continue to require attention as the Internet hype of today turns into the Internet economy of tomorrow.Obviously an experienced writer and analyst, Mr. Ferguson has also allowed his own, often volatile personality to emerge throughout this book. I think that is important, as it breathes life and adds fire to what otherwise might be a fairly dry subject.In summary, this is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the Technology industry, and in today's world that should be everyone.

There are two levels of understanding the Internet economy. The first is through press releases and write-ups in the Wall Street Journal. This is great if you are only interested in the Pravda version, and really don't care what Internet players REALLY do behind closed doors or how (and why) deals really get struck. On this level, everyone in the Internet economy is nice, hardworking and their only fault is their overcompetitivness. The second is through real life personal experience of an Internet entrepreneur. It is only on this level that you can understand how the Internet economy really works, and how its players can be ruthless as any Shakespearean villian, how its wheelings and dealings can lead to exhiliration on one day and exasperation 24 hours later, how alliances get formed and broken, and how, despite all of its many faults, the Interent economy remains something quite, quite remarkable and a true source of competitive advantage for the U.S.High Stakes, No Prisoners, like Michael Wolff's Burn Rate, is written by someone who has lived through it all. Unlike Michael Wolff, however, Charles Ferguson succeeded and sold his company to Microsoft for a handsome amount. For anyone who has thought of entering into the Internet Economy, it is a must read.

The entire quote is, "I never, ever, thought that my idea of an interesting evening in bed with my girlfriend would be watching a video of Bill Gates. I doubt that it will ever happen again". This book is a treasure on many levels. Mr Ferguson is extremely bright, PHDS' are not given away at MIT, he has a wide range of experience from consulting at the Federal level, to being the founder of Vermeer (Now Frontpage) which is the dominant web authoring software on the planet. Unlike all the other, "My Days In The Valley Book", this is a book of great merit. It is well written, reads like a novel and the Author is never misunderstood. It's black it'a white it's nothing in between. He appraises people bluntly whether positive or negative, and he has one wickedly sharp sense of humor. Definition of a Venture Capitalist; "a heavyset guy who wears badly fitting suits..has no discernable personality, sense of humor, or compassion-ideal traits for a venture capitalist". I am involved in a start up, and this book offers more valuable insight than I have read, been told, or advised, as to what to do, and what not to do. He shares the victories, and he shares his mistakes no matter how bad they were. If you are in any business that is going to involve outside investors, Venture Capitalists, will require a "Professional CEO", or any of another 100 or so issues this book should go with you to every meeting. If we ever make it to IPO, or acquisition, he's getting stock as a thank you. This book is that good. If you are in business or are wondering if a start up is for you, pass this book of at your peril. Mr. Ferguson, my sincere thanks.

Mr. Ferguson's personal story brings to life difficult policy issues, complex technologies, and the implications of the Internet for everyone. His charm and wit make thinking about head-hurting problems a pleasure; his insights are unique. A must-read!