Ming,
I'll pass on arguing whether or not Cerent is worth less than Wi-Lan, as CSCO has already said it is worth more than $5 Billion of Cisco stock.
Wi-LAN's demo technology is faster than Apple's AirPort product, but at this time, Apple has announced and put into production a compact, versatile, aesthetically pleasing unit and at a good price. Previously Wi-LAN had indicated its technology was designed for high speed last-mile type distribution from external devices to fixed receivers at multiple sites. The announcement of the demo in Germany augments (changes?) the focus to internal home based line sharing which is closer to what the AirPort is designed to do.
There is no doubt, IMO, that speed rules when it comes to the internet, so in the longer term, IF Wi-LAN can make inexpensive reliable 20+ Mbps devices, their products will come to the fore, and in a big way. The BetaMax/VHS analogy doesn't seem appropriate here, the difference in TV images weren't readily apparent to the mass consumer; while 20-30 Mbps vs 11 Mpbs max, should be apparent when dealing with video motion or deploying larger networks. Also there are many other choices in this arena, while the VCR war was basically and either/or situation. IMO, Wi-LAN at this time remains a somewhat risky speculative hedge, and considerable timely developments are required to make it a screaming buy.
John
|
