LONDON-This year represents a turning point for Wi-Fi technology, according to recent research from Ovum.
During 2003, Wi-Fi has transitioned from being seen as a niche technology to a commercial proposition for business and consumer users. Wi-Fi initiatives from vendors like Cisco and Intel, as well as wireless and wireline telecom operators, provide evidence of this transition, according to Ovum.
Wi-Fi was met with some doubt during 2003, with naysayers questioning ROI potential from hot-spot networks. Ovum believes that as services mature and Wi-Fi devices are introduced in 2004, the technology’s potential will be more clear.
Ovum expects further consolidation in the Wi-Fi infrastructure vendor space in 2004. The analyst firm also believes the arrival of 802.11i for enhanced security and the 802.11e MAC enhancement for multimedia will be crucial to the future development of Wi-Fi.
