Intel and Linksys announced a partnership aimed at making it easier for consumers to use wireless networking technology, as the two companies look to gain a stronger foothold in the emerging market. Chipmaker Intel and Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, on Monday said the co-marketing and development program will improve the set-up and operation of Wi-Fi networks in homes and small offices between Linksys products and devices using Intel"s Centrino technology.
"We want to make sure that when an access point and end point are detected it will be a smooth experience for the consumer," Charlie Giancarlo, a senior vice president at Cisco, said during a conference call. "The initial set-up procedure will be easier."
The companies have a lot riding on the partnership. Intel has invested $300 million in marketing its Centrino bundle of chips, which include a Wi-Fi component. In the next five years, according to data from research firm Pyramid Research, 707 million people will be using Wi-Fi technology worldwide.