NEWS
Wind River Software Available for Fast Growing Wi-Fi Market
Wind River's new WindNet™ 802.11b Device Driver Kit provides source code support for 802.11b hardware, with enhanced support for Intersil's market-share leading PRISM® II Wi-Fi™ WLAN chipset. Using the WindNet Device Driver Kit, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can design WLAN capabilities into a wide variety of embedded devices, from industrial automation products and medical monitoring equipment to consumer networking gear.
In addition, when combined with Wind River's Tornado for Home Gateways platform, the kit facilitates the development of wireless access points and other WLAN-enabled gateway equipment for the home and small office. Wind River will continue to support new WLAN technology as IEEE 802.11 standards evolve, providing the benefit of increased bandwidth, improved security, and quality-of-service support for Wind River customers.
Wi-Fi WLAN Market Growth Driven By Connected Smart Devices The WLAN chipset market is expected to exceed $1.2 billion by 2005, with the residential market representing the fastest growing segment of the WLAN business, according to industry analyst firm Cahners In-Stat Group. By 2005, total enterprise WLAN end-use revenues is expected to reach $4.6 billion.
The driving force in the WLAN market will be low-cost, interoperable 802.11b products with Wi-Fi certification, a mark of compatibility issued by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. The demand for these connected smart devices outside of North America will continue to be a boon for the industry. In 2002, the WLAN growth rate will increase as high-performance, interference free, multimedia capable and interoperable 5 GHz 802.11a products are introduced into the home, enterprise, and automotive markets.
Integration From Industry Leaders Shortens Development Time Intersil's PRISM technology, designed to comply with the IEEE's 802.11b standard, takes the complexity out of the design of wireless systems including wireless local area network links, handheld transceivers, and point-to-point microwave communications systems. PRISM® II WLAN chip set provides a complete solution from antenna-to-computer™ bus for 11Mbps WLAN systems.
"The integration of leading edge software and hardware from companies dedicated to keeping up with industry standards will enable our customers to focus on innovation and fast development cycles," said Dave Fraser, group vice president and general manager of Wind River's Networks business unit. "We see the support of PRISM technology as an opportunity to continue to provide our wireless customers with leading edge technologies and enhanced solution level products like our Tornado for Home Gateways platform."
"The level of integration in the WindNet 802.11b Device Driver Kit and Tornado for Home Gateways platform raises the bar, driving innovation to a new level," said Larry Ciaccia, Intersil vice president and general manger, Wireless Networking. "Wind River's selection of the Wi-Fi standard and Intersil's PRISM chipset for its innovative product is further evidence of our common goal to meet the challenges of this rapidly expanding market."
About Wind River
Wind River is a worldwide leader in embedded software and services for creating connected smart devices. Wind River provides software development tools, real-time operating systems, and advanced connectivity for use in products throughout the Internet, telecommunications and data communications, digital imaging, digital consumer electronics, networking, medical, computer peripherals, automotive, industrial automation and control, and aerospace/defense markets. Wind River is How Smart Things Think™. Founded in 1983, Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations worldwide.
Wind River Systems, the Wind River Systems logo, Tornado, VxWorks, WindNet, and HOW SMART THINGS THINK are registered trademarks or trademarks of Wind River Systems, Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.
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Jessica Miller
Global Corporate Communications