Ski, I agree with you. Does AOL talk to Hambrect & Quist when both are brothers? I bet they do.
Have you read the report on AOL and Alcatel's internet device. It makes me glad that Westell and Alcatel have a relationship.
Message 8982035
AOL to Unveil Online Devices That Shake the Need for PCs
By THOMAS E. WEBER and KEVIN J. DELANEY
Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
America Online Inc. plans to unveil its first wave of Internet-friendly devices that don't require personal computers.
The country's largest online service is expected to introduce a variety of gadgets, including a screen phone, in the next several weeks, according to people familiar with the company's plans.
The goal: to make AOL a pervasive presence in consumers' lives, cementing member loyalty and expanding revenue opportunities for advertising and electronic commerce. These gadgets would offer AOL members quick access to electronic mail and Web pages via a sleek, streamlined device about the size of a dictionary. Screen phones look much like a standard desk telephone, but include a screenand a small keyboard.
Alcatel SA, the French telecommunications concern, is seen as a likely partner in the screen-phone effort. ...
Alcatel confirmed that it plans to market its WebTouch screen phone in partnership with U.S. companies but declined to discuss specific partners. "There will be some announcements in coming weeks," said Patrick Liot, president of Alcatel's consumer and professional division. As for any deal with AOL, "Ask Barry Schuler," Mr. Liot said, referring to AOL's No. 3 executive and the architect of its consumer-device strategy. Mr. Schuler was unavailable for comment.
AOL's backing would give Alcatel the Internet's most powerful brand in its effort to sell screen phones in the U.S. If the devices catch on, they would underscore how the industry landscape could shift if surfing moves away from PCs. Alcatel's phone, like several other Web gadgets in the works at various manufacturers, doesn't use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system. Instead, it uses Java software from Sun Microsystems Inc. -- AOL's new partner in an alliance formed around AOL's Netscape purchase.
They may not need PC's but they will need high speed access. Only further shifting the market to bandwidth concerns.
Go Westell and Go Alcatel
Michael
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