IHT: The End User: Bluetooth now lives up to hype

PARIS When I first heard the word Bluetooth in 1998, the page-one editor of this newspaper asked for my studied opinion as to whether it was "a big deal."
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With little to go on besides what Ericsson was foisting on us that day about this oddly named wireless thing, I eventually decided that, yes, actually, it did have the potential to be a very big deal. The article ended up at the top of page one, with a headline that dangerously called Bluetooth a "breakthrough."
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It was more than a year before Bluetooth saw more than a passing mention in this newspaper again, and the phrase "typical technology hype" did certainly cross my mind in that time (as did "a sucker is born every minute").
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Six years later, you can't get away from Bluetooth. It is built into laptop computers, mobile phones, digital pens, car systems, medical scanners, bar-code readers, headphones, photo kiosks and even a pedometer.
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Even nongadget folks are vaguely aware that it is better to buy an electronic device with Bluetooth than without it, and that somehow it helps eliminate a wire somewhere.
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In fact, global shipments of Bluetooth equipment now exceed three million units per week, and this just three months after hitting the two million units per week threshold, according to IMS Research, an electronics researcher in Britain.
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It was a long time coming, from promise to product. And it will be another long time before Bluetooth is truly pervasive. Among all my gadgets today, not one is Bluetooth-enabled. I did buy a Bluetooth adapter a couple of years ago for my laptop computer, but I still have no accessories with which to link it. That is sure to change as I replace each device with the next version.
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In this case, being a laggard adopter will serve me well. Bluetooth was not exactly fault-free when it emerged, and complaints about quirkiness or "interoperability" - working seamlessly between devices of different brands - are still common, even into the second and third generations of the technology.
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In another sign of its widespread acceptance - besides the fact that more than 3,000 companies use and support Bluetooth technology in their products - its dark side has emerged: A Bluetooth-transmitted computer virus has been identified, and theft of data by Bluetooth goes by the nickname "bluejacking."
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Yet Ericsson itself is so certain of Bluetooth's maturity that late last month it disbanded its 125-worker Bluetooth team that designed and developed new Bluetooth solutions for the semiconductor industry.
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"The very success of Bluetooth and its widespread market adoption have driven prices down, bringing intense competition among software and hardware providers, and tough market conditions," Johan Akesson, vice president for marketing at Ericsson Technology Licensing, said in a statement. "From a strictly objective point of view, the business case to continue as we are today is not solid enough."
.
Much of the old Bluetooth team is being integrated into another unit that supports Ericsson's mobile phone customers, Ericsson said, calling the move "a pragmatic and sensible reaction to changing market conditions."
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For the future, RF Micro Devices last week announced a product with the latest version of Bluetooth, which can send information up to three times faster than Bluetooth version 1.2. Its so-called "Bluetooth system on a chip" will be geared toward use on sophisticated second- and third-generation mobile phones.
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And the funny name? That came from engineers at Ericsson and Intel, who named the technology after King Harald Bluetooth, ruler of Denmark from 940 to 985, who unified the country. A worldwide standard offering seamless integration was one of Bluetooth's goals.
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If funny names are any guarantee of future success, a new wireless standard called ZigBee - designed largely for remote control devices and appliances - could be the next Bluetooth. But I'm not going to call it a "breakthrough" just yet.
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com. PARIS When I first heard the word Bluetooth in 1998, the page-one editor of this newspaper asked for my studied opinion as to whether it was "a big deal."
.
With little to go on besides what Ericsson was foisting on us that day about this oddly named wireless thing, I eventually decided that, yes, actually, it did have the potential to be a very big deal. The article ended up at the top of page one, with a headline that dangerously called Bluetooth a "breakthrough."

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Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology Reaches Three Million Shipments Per Week Milestone
Tuesday September 7, 6:19 pm ET
Manufacturer Support and Consumer Demand Drive Bluetooth Product Availability in New and Existing Markets


OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- According to IMS Research, Bluetooth technology shipment figures now exceed three million units per week. This news comes just three months after the technology met the two million units per week milestone. This shows that the Bluetooth market is experiencing a continued period of significant growth.
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Bluetooth wireless technology is supported and used in products by over 3000 companies including BMW, IBM, HP, Logitech, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, PalmOne, Sony Ericsson and Toyota. The short-range wireless technology has made its way into products with strong, household brands such as the wireless photo kiosk available in Eckerd and CVS stores across the globe, and the wireless MP3/pedometer by Nike and Philips. This month, Ford Motor Company selected the US carrier Sprint to provide Bluetooth enabled phones to work with hands-free systems in its North American automobiles.

"Bluetooth wireless technology is and will continue to be an integral part and a key enabling technology for Sony Ericsson's three key application areas; imaging, entertainment and connectivity. We have one of the widest portfolios of Bluetooth enabled mobile phones and accessories on the market and strongly believe that the technology can provide easy-to-use applications and solutions," says Jan Wareby, corporate executive vice president and head of sales & marketing at Sony Ericsson.

Bluetooth wireless technology is also included in less obvious, peripheral applications. It serves as a trusted wireless connection in critical medical devices such as Nonin Medical's pulse oximetry system. Bluetooth technology is used to scan bar codes with the Baracoda Pencil and keep UPS logistics running smoothly across the globe.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the trade association responsible for the development of the short-range wireless technology, attributes increased Bluetooth technology adoption to improved interoperability in second and third generation products as well as innovative applications such as hands-free in the automobile and wireless headsets that have increased consumer awareness and demand.

"Bluetooth technology has allowed Toyota to offer an integrated hands-free calling solution at a much lower price than ever before. Prior to Bluetooth technology, an integrated system would cost well over $1500 and would require dealer installation. Now we offer Bluetooth technology as part of our navigation system at no extra cost to our customers. We plan to expand the number of vehicles with Bluetooth technology in the future," said John McLaughlin, national manager, Net Car Team, Toyota.

"We've experienced great success with our Bluetooth headsets in Europe, and now they're rapidly gaining traction in the U.S. market as well," said Beth Johnson, senior director of product marketing, Plantronics. "More people are realizing the benefits of wireless freedom in the office and on the road, and they recognize Bluetooth technology as a great way to achieve that mobility. As mainstream Bluetooth adoption continues, we'll see the emergence of a truly wireless lifestyle enabled by innovative, stylish products."

"Bluetooth technology will capture new markets and stay ahead of emerging wireless technologies by continually adapting and improving the specification in areas of power, performance, security and quality of service, among others. Through cooperation and competition between our members, Bluetooth technology will deliver on the ever-increasing needs of the consumer electronics and IT markets," said Dr. Michael Foley, executive and technical director for the Bluetooth SIG.

"Despite initial challenges in the face of public opinion, Bluetooth technology is gaining momentum throughout the world of mobile devices. As education, awareness, and solutions improve, Bluetooth technology will quickly find broad acceptance from vendors and users alike," said Alex Slawsby, IDC, senior analyst, Mobile Devices.

Joyce Putscher of In-Stat/MDR reported that, "Bluetooth chipset revenue in 2004 is expected to approach $1 billion in 2005, rising to a forecasted $1.7 billion by 2008."

"CSR's Bluetooth chipset revenues reflect that optimism is well-founded, coming in at $95M for the first six months of 2004, versus $67M for the entire calendar year of 2003. In August of 2004, CSR shipped its 50 millionth Bluetooth chip," said Eric Janson, vice president, CSR North America.

Later this year, the Bluetooth SIG expects the latest version of the specification to date, Enhanced Data Rate, to be ratified by the organization's Board of Directors. Enhanced Data Rate will speed file transfers and open doors for the technology in new markets including imaging and high-fidelity audio. The SIG is currently outlining technology enhancements for the coming years, and plans to release this roadmap in Q4 2004.

About the Bluetooth SIG

Bluetooth® wireless technology is revolutionizing the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter group companies Agere, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, and thousands of Associate and Adopter member companies. The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. headquarters are located in Overland Park, Kansas, U.S.A. For more information please visit http://www.Bluetooth.com .

The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.




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Source: Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

UMTS Prospects Looking Up


Portelligent Study Reveals Substantial Cost and Complexity Improvements in 2004 3G UMTS Handsets
September 2004 (Newstream) -- Portelligent, Inc., has released a study of third-generation (3G) UMTS handsets which indicates that handset designers have substantially reduced the average complexity and manufacturing costs of UMTS cellular phones over the past year. The first generation of UMTS handsets, which support both the conventional GSM and high-speed W-CDMA protocols for wireless communications, were plagued by high system complexity and high cost when they were introduced in Europe and Asia in 2003, as well as by consumer complaints about product size and battery life.

According to the findings of "product teardown" analyses conducted by Portelligent on 11 UMTS handsets introduced over the past 18 months, products that have appeared in the marketplace since the beginning of 2004 reduce the average number of electronic components found in the handsets by over 25 percent. The average number of high-value integrated circuits (ICs) in the 2004 products - which are a strong driver of overall manufacturing cost - has declined almost 50 percent, as handset makers achieve more integrated designs, and as semiconductor makers come to provide more mature chipsets and technology platforms for UMTS phones.

In addition to the progress demonstrated in the transition from first-generation to second-generation UMTS handsets, 2004 UMTS products are much more competitive across a broad spectrum of system complexity metrics with handsets that support other so-called "3G" protocols, such as CDMA2000 and the W-CDMA "FOMA" (Freedom of Multimedia Access) phones offered in Japan by NTT DoCoMo.

As can be seen in the attached table, while UMTS phones introduced in 2003 substantially exceeded W-CDMA/FOMA and high-end CDMA2000 products in average IC count and total electronic component count, 2004 UMTS handsets bring overall component count to a much more comparable level, and have actually lowered average IC count below that of the feature-rich FOMA phones that NTT DoCoMo has introduced in Japan this year.

"In 2003, detailed product teardown analysis of the electronics BOM (bill-of-materials) and component technologies painted a bleak picture for UMTS," notes Howard Curtis, Portelligent vice president. "Given the very high estimated cost-of-goods sold numbers we were finding in the first-generation products, on top of the huge investments carriers made in acquiring spectrum, we just didn't see how they were going to be successful in jumpstarting the 3G market. The NEC e-606, for instance, which contained 108 ICs, was the most complex cell phone Portelligent has ever encountered. But the second-generation products demonstrate higher levels of system integration and design maturity. On balance, we have gone from downright pessimism concerning the business prospects of UMTS, to a guarded optimism."

The 11 handsets analyzed in Portelligent's UMTS study include models from NEC, Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and LG. These 11 include examples of four of the five primary communication platforms that have emerged in the 3G UMTS market to date, involving chipsets from NEC/Agere, Motorola SPS (now Freescale), STMicroelectronics/TI, and Ericsson Mobile Platforms and its partners. Portelligent is currently conducting product teardown analyses of the Sanyo V801sa and the Samsung SGH-Z105, which are based upon chipsets from the fifth important provider of a chipset and communication platform - Qualcomm.

For more information on the Portelligent study of 3G UMTS handsets, please contact Howard Curtis (hcurtis@teardown.com; Tel. 1-512-338-3792).

Portelligent, Inc., located in Austin, Texas, USA, offers reports and analyses that are generated through a rigorous "product-teardown" methodology to the electronics, wireless, semiconductor, and financial sectors. Portelligent is a spin-out of the MCC research consortium, where underlying analytical methods and cost models were developed.

For additional information about Portelligent's product teardown analyses and other analytical offerings, in the U.S. contact Don Stroud (dstroud@teardown.com; Tel. 1-512-338-3600). In Europe contact Niels Kellerhoff (niels@teardown.com; Tel. +49-(0)211-467-998).

For additional information about Portelligent, visit the Portelligent Web site at www.portelligent.com or contact the company directly at Tel. 512-338-3600 (E-mail: info@portelligent.com).

---------------

Produced for Portelligent

Contacts:
Don Stroud
Tel. 1-512-338-3600
Niels Kellerhoff
Tel. +49-(0)211-467-998

Mobile Edge Joins Fight Against Breast Cancer

Innovative Laptop Case Designer Launches "The Caring Case" Collection to Benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
September 2004 (Newstream) - Mobile Edge, the premier designer of innovative and stylish cases for your portable computer, announced that it is proud to be joining the fight against breast cancer by partnering with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. Mobile Edge has created a highly fashionable, unique set of pink-ribbon inspired computer tote bags for women, entitled "The Caring Case Collection," with a portion of sales going to the charity.

For over twenty years, the Komen Foundation has raised money and awareness to educate women, promote research and ultimately eradicate the disease. With nearly a quarter of a million new cases of breast cancer expected this year1, Mobile Edge recognized the need and urgency to join the alliance to fight breast cancer. The Mobile Edge Caring Case Collection was designed especially for women, by women, for the benefit of women. Through this partnership, Mobile Edge is pleased to make an initial donation of $5,000.00, up to a minimum of $15,000.00, as well as donate 10% of all proceeds from the sale of the custom designed bags for the upcoming year.

"We greatly admire the Komen Foundation for its incredible efforts in the ongoing fight against breast cancer and strongly believe that supporting the advancement of research will one day eliminate this devastating disease," said David Cartwright, President and CEO of Mobile Edge. "We are aware that this is a very important issue for our customers and are thrilled about partnering with such a worthy cause through the launch of The Caring Case Collection."

The pink ribbon symbol has been widely publicized since its inception in 1991 in recognition of breast cancer awareness. Both of the Mobile Edge custom designed computer tote bags will launch this week and incorporate either pink leather or suede details and stitching, as well as feature a pink ribbon charm dangling from the bag handles. In keeping with Mobile Edge's commitment to functionality, the tote bags will also integrate SafetyCellTM computer protection, removable computer and cosmetic pouches and come with a lifetime warranty. The cases will be available through the Mobile Edge website, as well as retailers such as Best Buy for $129.99 and $199.99 dependant upon the style chosen. "A key to our success at the Komen Foundation is that we collaborate with a variety of organizations to provide creative ways for people to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer," said Cindy Schneible, vice president of cause-related marketing and sponsorship at the Komen Foundation. "We are proud to have the opportunity to partner with Mobile Edge to increase breast cancer awareness and allow technology lovers nationwide to make a valuable contribution to breast cancer research and community outreach programs."

Mobile Edge has been increasingly recognized for expanding the carrying case category for both men and women by offering new, innovative and fresh designs that fuse fashion trends with form and function, creating a brand that makes a statement about today's business and lifestyle consumers.

For more information about Mobile Edge's computer carrying cases and other products designed for the mobile lifestyle, please visit the company online at www.mobileedge.com.

1 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2004. www.komen.org .

__________________________


Produced for Mobile Edge

Contact:

Shaila Arora
Thinkbig Media
949-330-6065
shaila@thinkbigmedia.com

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Satisfaction with Wireless Service Providers Increases Significantly as Customers Report Higher Ratings in Call Quality and Cost-Related Attributes


T-Mobile Receives Highest Rankings In All Six Regions
September 2004 (Newstream) -- Overall satisfaction performance with wireless service providers has increased 5 percent over 2003, the first time a significant increase has been achieved on a year-to-year basis in three years, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 U.S. Wireless Regional Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) StudySM released on September the 9th.

Since the study was launched in 1995, overall wireless satisfaction performance has fluctuated in a downward trend based on a number of industry changes such as competitive expansion, mergers and key regulatory programs. These forces have made it difficult for carriers to meet customer expectations as wireless service gained mass appeal. Carriers may be finally catching up with customer expectations, particularly in areas where the industry as been concentrating most of its financial resources. For example, the call quality area receives the largest reported increase in satisfaction ratings over 2003 (increasing 7%), with coverage attributes such as "making calls outside local calling area" and "geographic size of local calling area" experiencing the biggest positive changes. Satisfaction with the cost of service has also risen significantly, mainly based on a strong increase in "fairness in roaming charges."

"It's encouraging to see that industry-wide network improvements, especially in expanded coverage and aggressive service plan options that have lowered the average reported per-minute cost to 14 cents, have resulted in a more positive overall wireless service experience," said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, consumer expectations will continue to rise as cell phone users increasingly rely on the communication functions of their cell phones beyond voice calling."

The study measures customer satisfaction based on 42 specific service-related measures grouped into six key factors that impact overall wireless carrier performance. These are (in order of importance): call performance and reliability (26%); customer service (17%); service plan options (17%); brand image (14%); cost of service (14%); and billing (12%). Carriers are ranked across six regions in the United States.

T-Mobile performs particularly well in the study, ranking highest in all six regions (including four ties), largely by demonstrating a competitive advantage in customer service, service plan options, cost of service and billing. Verizon Wireless also ranks highest in a tie in four regions: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North Central and West. Nextel is the only other provider to rank highest, tying with Verizon and T-Mobile in the North Central region.

The study finds several key wireless service usage patterns:

Overall wireless household penetration has increased 5.4 percent from 2003, to 59 percent. The Northeast region has the highest household penetration with 62 percent, while the North Central region has the lowest penetration with 57 percent.
Users report spending $55 per month on wireless service, a full $3 increase over 2003, marking the first spending increase since the study was launched.
The average minutes included in a typical monthly service plan is 1,583. Only 60 percent of the total minutes in a typical service plan are used, on average.
Thirty-two percent of wireless households say they have at least two or more family members sharing service plan minutes-a year-over-year increase of 52 percent.
Wireless subscribers report receiving an average of 19 voice mail and 13 text messages per month-an increase from 2003 of 27 percent and 44 percent, respectively.
The 2004 U.S. Wireless Regional CSI Study is based on responses from 21,700 households.

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Media e-mail contact: michael.greywitt@jdpa.com or john.tews@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com

---------------

Produced for J.D. Power and Associates

Contacts:

Michael Greywitt
West Coast
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(248) 267-6800

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Atheros Communications' Wireless LAN Products Receive Wi-Fi Certification for WMM(TM) and Featured in the New WMM Test Bed


Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) for WMM Program Tests Products for QoS Interoperability

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atheros
Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless
LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that two of its WLAN reference designs
have been Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Atheros' Dual-Band Access Point and Universal 802.11a/b/g Wireless Network
Adapter reference designs have also been chosen for inclusion in the WMM
certification test bed. WMM is the Wi-Fi Alliance's new program that's based
on a subset of the 802.11e standard, which provides Quality of Service (QoS)
for wireless networks. The Wi-Fi Alliance began Wi-Fi certification for WMM on
September 8.
"WMM is a core technology for interoperable Quality of Service and support
for enhanced multimedia capabilities. Organizations like Atheros that support
this initiative are clearly committed to standards that benefit the industry.
We look forward to their support in further deploying WMM solutions," said
Wi-Fi Alliance Managing Director, Frank Hanzlik.
Atheros' 802.11a/b/g client and access point reference designs will be
used to test 802.11b, 802.11b/g, or 802.11a/b/g products that are submitted
for certification of WMM. The Wi-Fi Alliance will indicate which products pass
the interoperability tests. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for WMM products ensure the
ability to support high-bandwidth video, voice and data applications on the
same wireless network. Additionally, these products transparently optimize the
way shared network resources are allocated among two or more competing
applications.
"We believe the Wi-Fi Alliance is laying an important foundation for the
wireless industry to ensure QoS interoperability between different vendors'
products," said Colin Macnab, vice president of marketing and business
development of Atheros Communications. "By certifying products, the Wi-Fi
Alliance will help people find wireless products that offer interoperable
capabilities for audio and video delivery. Atheros fully supports the latest
QoS features and the company will continue to innovate in areas that help us
to deliver a better wireless user experience."
Atheros already supports advanced video and audio features across its
portfolio of high performance and low-power WLAN chipsets. The company has
extended this capability with its recently introduced Atheros AR5005VA
chipset, which includes MPEG support, hardware jitter control and
quality-of-service capabilities that ensure high-quality video and audio
delivery.
For more information about WMM please visit
http://www.wi-fi.org/opensection/wmm.asp.

About Atheros Communications, Inc.
Atheros Communications is a leading developer of semiconductor system
solutions for wireless communications products. Atheros combines its wireless
systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and
digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that
are manufacturable on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is being used by a broad
base of leading customers, including personal computer and networking
equipment manufacturers. For more information, http://www.atheros.com or send email
to info@atheros.com.

NOTE: Atheros and the Atheros logo are trademarks of Atheros
Communications, Inc. WMM(TM) and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) are trademarks of the Wi-
Fi Alliance. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the sole
property of their respective owners.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this press release, including statements regarding the use of
Atheros' products in the WMM test bed; the effectiveness of the 802.11e
standard and WMM in ensuring Quality of Service interoperability; and the
features, performance and benefits of Atheros' products, are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including,
but not limited to, the results of WMM testing procedures using Atheros'
products; whether the 802.11e standard and WMM is effective in ensuring QoS
interoperability and support for enhanced multimedia capabilities; our ability
and the ability of our competitors to continue to develop products that are
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for WMM, and other risks detailed in Atheros' Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as filed with the SEC and in
other reports filed with the SEC by Atheros from time to time. These forward-
looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Atheros disclaims any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.


SOURCE Atheros Communications, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.atheros.com

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LucidLink Wireless LAN Security for Small Businesses, Earns Security Assurance From ICSA Labs
Tuesday September 7, 8:32 am ET
Testing Confirms Effectiveness of Simple, Affordable Wireless Security Software


ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Interlink Networks announced today that its easy-to-use LucidLink(TM) Wireless Security solution for small businesses has passed a rigorous security assurance evaluation by ICSA Labs' Premier Services Group, a highly regarded independent testing and certification service for security products. Testers concluded that LucidLink software satisfies ICSA Labs' requirements for platform security, functional security, documentation and event logging.

According to the written report completed by ICSA Labs this month, LucidLink "achieves its stated goal of elevating the security of a wireless network in the small business or home environment to enterprise levels ... without introducing complicated or difficult-to-administer software, compromising client-side ease of use, or making security compromises."

LucidLink is designed to simplify Wi-Fi setup, security and administration for organizations with 5 to 250 employees while delivering the same level of wireless security as larger enterprises with far more expensive systems. It is the first 802.11 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) solution that enables non-technical users to install and configure wireless security in just 15 minutes, and it is affordable with pricing that begins at $449 for a 10-user license.

"When the WPA protocol was designed in the 802.11i committee, it was not expected that individuals could configure and use enterprise-level security without 802.1X expertise," said Al Potter, Premier Services Lab Manager and 802.11i Security Committee Member. "LucidLink changes those expectations by removing ease-of-use barriers and allowing enterprise security to be run on a personal level."

LucidLink's security strengths are founded in Interlink's 12 years of network security experience. The company's RADIUS technology is used to secure some of the largest networks in the world. KT uses 13 of Interlink's RAD-Series in its central office to secure access to 800,000 wireless LAN access points, DSL, ISDN and dial-up connections for 6.5 million users, for example.

Interlink delivers its security expertise to small businesses with LucidLink, which provides the same level of security found in its high end RADIUS products while simplifying the set-up and administration to a "Click. Click. Connect." experience. Small businesses can take advantage of the enterprise level security delivered by LucidLink with rapid out-of-the-box deployment.

"The ICSA Labs assessment demonstrates that LucidLink's security is not compromised by its ease of use," said Mike Klein, president and CEO of Interlink Networks. "We've delivered on our product vision: giving small businesses effective enterprise-strength wireless security that can be implemented without technical expertise."

About Interlink Networks

Interlink Networks is a 12-year leader in RADIUS servers for secure Wi-Fi (802.11 wireless LAN) networks in large enterprises. The company's new signature software, LucidLink(TM) Wireless Security, awarded "Best in Show" at the 2004 Wi-Fi Planet Conference, offers high-level protection for wireless networks in small business, blocking unauthorized users and intentional hackers -- yet allows easy administration and access for authorized users, such as employees and guests. Interlink's technology has been recognized with industry acknowledgements such as COMNET New Product Achievement Award Finalist, Communication News Editors' Choice Award, and Network Computing Well-Connected Award Finalist. Interlink Networks is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, call (734) 821-1200 or visit http://www.LucidLink.com .

About ICSA Labs

ICSA Labs, a division of TruSecure Corporation, offers vendor-neutral testing and certification of security products. Hundreds of the world's top security vendors submit their products for testing and certification at ICSA Labs. The end-users of security technologies rely on ICSA Labs to authoritatively set and apply objective testing and certification criteria for measuring product compliance and reliability. The organization tests products in key technology categories such as anti-virus, firewall, IPSec VPN, cryptography, intrusion detection, PC firewall, content security, SSL-VPN and Wireless LAN. For more information about ICSA Labs, please visit: http://www.icsalabs.com .




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Interlink Networks

Universal Scientific Industrial Co. and Freescale Semiconductor Bring Ultra-Wideband to Market
Monday September 6, 8:00 pm ET
Industry's First UWB 1394 Module Enables High Speed, Wireless Streaming for Consumer Electronic Products


AUSTIN, Texas & NAN TOU, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2004-- Consumers soon will be able to leverage the wireless benefits of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for various video and data streaming applications in home connectivity and wireless access applications. Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL - News) and Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd. (USI) have collaborated on an Ultra-Wideband-enabled 1394 module and are the first to leverage the wireless benefits of UWB and the IEEE® 1394 standard. The module is expected to be sold by USI to leading consumer electronic manufacturers for integration into wireless applications, such as wireless LCD televisions and home media servers.


"Freescale offers a UWB solution with data rates of 110 Mbps--the fastest wireless solution available today," said Dr. Frank Wu, chief technology officer of USI. "By integrating this technology into a 1394 module, we are able to offer our customers, who are asking for UWB technology, an advanced solution for their wireless home connectivity products, from digital displays to laptops to DVD players."

The 1394 standard is a versatile, high-speed and inexpensive method of connecting computers, peripherals and consumer electronics products such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, PCs, TVs and digital cameras. The 1394 module uses Freescale's XS110, which recently received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification for commercial use, enabling commercial deployment of the technology.

"USI has a solid reputation for delivering innovative products and strong design services to their consumer electronics and enterprise OEM customers," said Franz Fink, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's wireless group. "With the addition of UWB to their module offerings, Freescale has provided USI the technology allowing them to work with customers on designing and delivering high-speed wireless capabilities for a new set of applications."

The XS110 utilizes the DS-UWB approach, which is currently a leading candidate for the IEEE 802.15.3 standard for high-speed wireless personal area networks (WPANs). Using DS-UWB, the chipset achieves over 110 megabits per second (Mbps) data rates and consumes minimal power, making it ideal for multimedia applications requiring wireless distribution of audio and video. Initial consumer applications are expected to include large screen displays (plasma and LCD), digital video recorders and set-top boxes. Mobile applications, such as portable hard drives and digital cameras, are expected to follow in 2005.

Availability

USI's 1394 module is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2004.

About USI

Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd. (USI), established in 1976, is a leading global company in the DMS industry. Integrating its core technologies of Computing, Wireless Communications and Video/Audio Processing, USI is devoted to develop main products covering 4C application fields including Computing, Communications, Consumer Electronics and Car Electronics. USI aims to become the best DMS partner for Global Brands in 4C industries. USI's main products cover computing, communication, consumer electronics and car electronics. USI focuses on product development and capability enhancement in the four above-mentioned 4C strategic areas, through its advanced automated facilities and professional manufacturing process technologies. USI continues to enhance its excellent engineering capabilities by talent recruitment, development and retention. Leveraging its expertise and experience in micro-electronic packaging technology, USI's unique competitive advantage contributes to providing the best total solution for high-quality, value-added, cost-competitive products, with high-quality service to its customers.

USI is a reliable long-term partner for worldwide OEMs. In 1999, USI became a member of the ASE Group. With ASE's competence and resource integration, USI is able to provide excellent solutions for its customers. For more information, please visit www.usi.com.tw.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL - News) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT - News). The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale Semiconductor's 2003 sales were $4.9 billion (US). For more information: www.freescale.com.

Freescale(TM) and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Freescale Semiconductor, Austin
North America:
Stephanie Sobotik, 512-895-3836
stephanie.sobotik@freescale.com
or
Asia Pacific:
Gloria Shiu, +852 2661 8237
gloria.shiu@freescale.com
or
Europe, Middle East and Africa:
Regina Cirmonova, +41-22-799-1258
regina.cirmonova@freescale.com
or
Latin America:
Ruth Ruiz, +1 (480) 814-4897
ruth.ruiz@freescale.com
or
USI
Charles C.T. Lin, +886-49-2325876, Ext.1610
or
Lynn Leu, +886-49-2350876, Ext.1604
pr@ms.usi.com.tw



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

WLAN Forum

W SEOUL LUXURY HOTEL DEPLOYS WIRELESS LAN IP TELEPHONY SOLUTION FROM NORTEL NETWORKS

Offers High-Quality Voice, Text Services for Management, Staff on the Move

The W Seoul Walkerhill Hotel has placed into service a voice over wireless local area network (VoWLAN) solution from Nortel Networks* (NYSE/TSX: NT) to enable high-quality mobile voice communications for hotel management and staff. ECS Telecom, a Nortel Networks `Channel Partner,' deployed the network.

"This is the first W Hotel in Asia and it represents a new pinnacle in Starwood's tradition of innovation and excellence," said Martin Jones, general manager, W Seoul Walkerhill. "It is only fitting that management and staff be provided with the latest in wireless mobile technology to support them in the prompt and efficient delivery of the very best quality of service to our guests, as well as enhance their availability to co-workers and suppliers."

"This is the first introduction of our VoWLAN technology in Korea," said Soo-jin Chung, managing director, Nortel Networks Korea. "We were selected to supply this WLAN Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solution because of its high voice quality, convenience of use and ability to support text messaging, as well as the future-proof scalability of our WLAN product portfolio. This means Starwood can easily expand to meet future telephony needs."

Wireless LAN

Wireless LAN

Payday Loans

Americas Network - Atheros Communications' Wireless LAN products selected for test

Atheros Communications' Wireless LAN products selected for test




Sep 1, 2004




Atheros Communications, Inc., a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced its WLAN products have been chosen by the Wi-Fi Alliance for inclusion in the WPA2(TM) (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2(TM)) certification test bed. Atheros' 802.11a/b/g client and access point reference designs will be used in testing wireless products that are submitted for WPA2 -- Personal or WPA2 -- Enterprise certification.

WPA2 is the next generation of Wi-Fi security, based on the final 802.11i standard. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ratified the 802.11i standard in June 2004, and the Wi-Fi Alliance today launched its WPA2 interoperability testing. Wireless products that are WPA2 CERTIFIED offer the strongest available security in the form of AES-level encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard). Additionally WPA2 CERTIFIED products offer enhancements that enable 802.1x authentication in either ad-hoc mode or in traditional infrastructure networks, and accelerate re-authentication using key caching and pre-authentication techniques.

Wireless LAN Resources
Wireless LAN