U.S. Robotics is mounting a three-pronged campaign for the emerging wireless data industry.
The Skokie, Ill.-based company’s Mobile Communications division is a leader in PC Card modem technology with its Megahertz brand modem for circuit-switched cellular and packet radio networks. The company now wants to expand from that base into infrastructure products and wireless-enabled client devices.
The Network Systems division is introducing a new Wireless Access System to support carrier data services including Internet and Intranet access, file transfer and e-mail, beginning in the third quarter.
The new access system is based on the company’s Total Control Enterprise Network Hub platform, which integrates local and wide area networks.
U.S. Robotics claims its hub technology has 80 percent of the Internet service provider market and a strong track record in supporting dial-up access for enterprise networks, giving it an advantage entering the wireless data market.
“It’s a natural progression for us to move into the wireless space. 1996 and 1997 are going to be critical years for wireless data and untethered communications. We see tremendous growth over the next three to 10 years,” said Product Marketing Manager Bill Cole.
The Wireless Access System is based on Robotics’ modem pool technology, which includes four high speed data transmission protocols.
Cole noted that modem pools have accounted for a small percentage of mobile data traffic thus far but, as the technology becomes more robust, carriers are seeing that they can sell more services on top of that infrastructure.
“The carrier is going to become more of a service vendor and the Internet is going to be a big driver,” he said.
Data services also are important in the new competitive landscape brought about by the emergence of personal communications services.
“Carriers are going to need to differentiate themselves, and data is a key to that differentiation. They can’t wait 10 to 12 years like cellular did. We view data as one of the strongest differentiators,” Cole said.
The company said it plans to develop both infrastructure and client products for current and emerging wireless technologies including Global System for Mobile communications, Code Division Multiple Access, Time Division Multiple Access, Cellular Digital Packet Data and RAM Mobile Data.
Robotics’ third division, Palm Computing, has developed a personal digital assistant called the Pilot that has achieved breakthroughs with its form factor and handwriting recognition technology.
The device is not currently wireless-enabled but the company is reportedly planning to introduce a wireless version early next year.
“We’re serious on offering both network-side and client-side products,” Cole said.
