Intel targets wireless LANs

From...

February 22, 2000
Web posted at: 9:00 a.m. EST (1400 GMT)

by James Niccolai

(IDG) -- Intel and Symbol Technologies have forged a multiyear pact to codevelop products for use in high-speed wireless networks. Intel also says it plans to invest $100 million in the smaller firm.

The fruits of the effort should allow mobile, handheld and desktop computers to communicate with corporate networks and the Internet without requiring a direct wire connection.

Specifically, the companies plan to develop silicon chips, network adapters and "access points" - devices that will serve as base stations or gateways to wireless networks - for use in high-speed LANs.

Intel also plans to sell the underlying silicon chips for building these capabilities into other products, the company says.

The products developed will be based on an emerging standard called IEEE 802.11 and will include 2.4-GHz and 5.2-GHz wireless LAN products. The partnership will draw on Symbol's experience in developing wireless LAN products and Intel's expertise in silicon chip design. The effort could help to increase employee productivity and reduce expenses associated with hardwiring new networks.

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Intel's $100 million investment in Symbol, equaling about 1.4 million shares, will give it an ownership stake of about 1.5%, the company says. The deal also includes an option for Intel to purchase a portion of Symbol's Wireless division. Specific financial terms of the accord were not disclosed.

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Symbol Technologies wireless products page
Intel

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