Intel links Centrino with Linksys

By Alun Williams

Posted on 22 Jul 2003 at 12:35

Intel has announced a joint technology and marketing program with Linksys, the maker of consumer wireless and Ethernet products.

The avowed intent is to simplify the use of Centrino technology - Intel's brand for its combination of mobile processor, chipset and WLAN adaptor - with Linksys wireless routers and access points.

Specifically, the two will launch joint engineering and co-marketing activities. This will lead to 'Verified with Intel Centrino Mobile Technology' labels appearing on Linksys products to identify a new Centrino seal of approval.

Intel states the process is already underway and that verified Linksys products will be available this month at retail stores in the States and Canada.

The two companies also say they are 'committed to work on new ways to maximize wireless performance and enhance wireless connectivity'. This includes an idea for Centrino-based laptops to scan and identify the presence of Linksys kit, and then to auto-configure - bidding to take the manual configuration out of wireless networking. This technology, however, won't appear until 2004.

'The rapid adoption of Intel Centrino mobile technology shows that mobile users support Intel's vision of mobile computing and faster, simpler access to the Internet,' said Paul Otellini, Intel president and chief operating officer. 'Intel Centrino mobile technology and Linksys wireless products are a powerful combination in the effort to broaden the use of wireless broadband.'

Linksys, note, is a Cisco-owned company - so two giants are moving closer together in the wireless market.

'I truly believe that partnerships are one of the keys to the future success of the networking industry - benefiting not just partner companies, but the end customer with quicker access to technologies, greater innovation and ease of use,' said John Chambers, Cisco president and chief executive officer. 'The combination of Intel, Linksys and Cisco technologies helps to fuel wireless adoption in the home and enterprise markets, which are major areas of growth for the industry.'

Other vendors of wireless networking products must be looking on somewhat nervously. The 'verified with Centrino' label could quite easily become a market must-have. The weight of Intel, and the strength of the Centrino brand already, is not to be underestimated.