SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Whatnot who wrote (129243)5/24/2003 10:25:36 AM
From: Art Bechhoefer  Respond to of 152472
 
Re: "The Wi-Fi opportunity." I agree with John and others that it's real and it's going to succeed--but not as a substitute for wireless cellular.

Consider this: Any prewired office with places where you can connect a computer to either the phone lines or a server is outmoded from the point of view of management flexibility, or, I should say inflexibility. Modern management practice requires being able to make changes in personnel and job duties at minimum physical cost. Wi-Fi frees the typical office/campus/institutional setting from fixed work locations. The growth potential within such an institutional setting is more than enough to justify Intel's Centrino chip or Cysco's acquisition of one of the established companies in wireless networks.

In no way does Wi-Fi obviate the need for wireless coverage outside an institutional setting.

Art



To: Whatnot who wrote (129243)5/26/2003 1:35:39 PM
From: verdad  Respond to of 152472
 
"I think that its a player, but how big, how soon and how much is an open question."

I agree and might add, "exactly how" is still evolving. All of these questions will determine ultimate revenues. However, we can say with certainty that the data traffic over WiFi equipment detracts from a 100% CDMA vision.

"I just want a couple of metrics to convince me."

This is where the whole IT industry may be struggling. First of all, what is the *realistic* total market size and future potential for Internet access? Mobile Internet access? How will it all evolve in each region of the world for each technology? Build accurate forecasting models to answer these questions and you've replaced quite a few market research and consulting firms arguably getting paid too much (or that, in many cases, may have had conflicts of interest to help 'create' expectations for industry). There are probably a few good reports...the key is knowing which ones might be relatively 'good'.