Cisco and Intel Extend Wireless Partnership

Intel and Cisco have announced an extended partnership aimed at enhancing wireless network access, VoIP capabilities and security.

Called "Business Class Wireless Suite," the collaboration draws on Cisco’s Unified Wireless Architecture and Intel Centrino mobile technology. The Suite includes optimal access point selection technology, which the companies say will enable Centrino-based clients to scan for the best AP for "faster, more reliable and efficient roaming within a business wireless LAN."

The suite, expected to be made available in the first quarter of 2006, will also provide enhanced VoIP quality of service technology to improve the clarity and reliability of voice communications from laptops.

The two companies will also be joining key initiatives launched by each. Intel is joining Cisco's Network Admission Control (NAC) program, and Cisco will join the Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) program. The companies said joint participation in each initiative will help the companies improve network security and enhance network administrators' ability to remediate compromised client systems.

The companies announced that customers can expect Cisco NAC and Intel AMT to be compatible in the fourth quarter of this year.