Intel links devices
Blue Tooth group pushes radio spec
By Dan Briody and Ephraim Schwartz
In an attempt to standardize data synchronization between disparate PC devices, Intel and Microsoft are establishing a major industry consortium that includes IBM, Toshiba, Ericsson, Nokia, and Puma Technology.
Code-named Blue Tooth for the 10th century Danish king who unified Denmark, the companies will create a single synchronization protocol to address end-user problems arising from the proliferation of various mobile devices -- including smart phones, smart pagers, handheld PCs, and notebooks -- that need to keep data consistent from one device to another.
The proposed solution would automatically synchronize mobile devices when end-users enter their offices. Intel is designing the sending and receiving radio frequency chip set.
Although the consortium boasts many of the key players to address this issue, the idea is not without its skeptics.
"If every conceivable device you could have supported this solution, that would be great, but as long as there are PalmPilots and Newtons around, there will be products that won't support it," said Peter Glaskowsky, an analyst at MicroDesign Resources, in Sunnyvale, Calif. "I think it's a great idea, but it has to be universally accepted."
The proposed solution is expected to be announced in June, according to industry sources, and implemented early in 1999.
Vendors choosing to participate would include Intel's chip set in their devices, enabling the devices to to identify themselves and transfer data using "proximity-based synchronization." The range at which devices could synchronize has not yet been agreed on, according to sources.
The plan piqued the interest of one information technology manager, but concerns remain regarding how it is implemented.
"If it is all automated, you're going to save big time in the initial configuration and setup," said Dennis P. Parker, director of the telecommunications division at UTISI International, a gas, oil, and network management consulting company in Friendswood, Texas. "Plus, if you can get different application databases to have one standard for syncing up with each other, it would save a lot of time. There are a lot of support benefits, but only if it's done right."
However, one possible snag for any device that transmits a radio-frequency signal is the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations on airplane use, according to one analyst.
"[The FAA] gets nervous when you get a device that broadcasts [radio frequency] on a plane," said Rob Enderle, a senior analyst at the Giga Information Group, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Intel Corp., in Santa Clara, Calif., can be reached at intel.com. Microsoft Corp., in Redmond, Wash., can be reached at microsoft.com.
Copyright (c) 1998 InfoWorld Media Group Inc. |
