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Updated: January 29, 1998
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The Mobile Data Initiative (MDI) is an affiliation of leading technology
companies including mobile phone network operators,
telecommunications vendors, and mobile PC hardware and software
manufacturers. Intel established and leads the MDI with a goal of
enabling mobile users to stay connected via a simple, cost-effective
wireless connection to data networks.
MDI endorses GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
technology as the best way to exchange data wirelessly today. GSM
is secure, reliable and has the most extensive global coverage of all
digital networks. In fact, GSM is used by over 50 million people
throughout the world today. PCS1900, an adaptation of the GSM
standard for North America, is compatible with GSM networks in
Europe and elsewhere around the world. MDI will also endorse other
digital wireless telephony technologies as soon as they become
business-ready.
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Wireless mobile computing makes users more productive by making
it possible for business travelers to stay connected when and where
they need to.
By simply connecting a digital wireless telephone to a notebook
computer, business travelers can remotely gain secure access to all
of the resources they have while in the office: e-mail, fax, corporate
LAN and Internet/intranet. So the downtime that travelers often
experience, whether waiting for a flight, in a cab or on a train can now
become productive work time.
Wireless data also makes sure time-critical data reaches travelers.
There's no need to wait for a hotel fax or even a phone jack. So
last-minute changes to presentations or pricing information can be
downloaded right from the customer's lobby.
Best of all, it's easy. The technology leverages notebook PCs and
mobile phones, both powerful tools that business travelers already
use. So there's no need to learn to use a new device or to carry extra
equipment along—the same phone business travelers use to talk can
also be used to transmit data.
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Intel continues to spearhead the Mobile Data Initiative by
bringing industry leaders together with a commitment to
delivering seamless, integrated solutions. One major Intel
deliverable is the periodic hosting of "PlugFest"
interoperability workshops. Manufacturers who participate
in these events gain access to a forum where their products
can be tested for interoperability, and where they can meet
with other industry leaders interested in developing the
market for mobile data.
Intel and the MDI are also working to raise the awareness
of this technology and its benefits. These efforts are
designed to help spur customer demand for all the
components of wireless mobile computing solutions:
notebook PCs, wireless phones, PCMCIA adapter cards,
access to digital wireless networks, communications
software, and their distribution channels.
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MDI Membership Expands
The Mobile Data Initiative is a cross-industry effort of
industry leaders. The growth in our ranks reflects a broad
endorsement of the PC model of wireless communications.
PCs are the preferred platform for mobile data because in
addition to communications capabilities, they also enable all
the other applications users need for a complete mobile
office. Expanding membership also indicates the wide range
of options users have when selecting mobile wireless data
solutions.
Since its launch in October 1996, the European MDI has
grown to 41 members. MDI membership in North America
has expanded rapidly to 29 members since its launch in
August 1997. The current North American MDI members
are the following:
- Notebook PC Manufacturers*
- IBM
- Toshiba
- Acer
- AST
- Fujitsu PC
- Hitachi PC
- Packard Bell/NEC
- Transmonde
- Software Vendors*
- Microsoft
- Oracle
- Paragon
- Symantec
- Channel*
- Inacom
- MicroAge
- Wireless Operators*
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- Aerial Communications
- Bell South Mobility
- Microcell
- Omnipoint
- Pacific Bell
- Powertel
- Western Wireless/Cook Inlet
- PC/Phone Interface*
- Psion Dacom
- TDK Systems
- Xircom
- Infrastructure*
- Ericsson
- Nokia
- Cisco Systems
- Nortel
- Motorola
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Fifth Interoperability Workshop Focuses on Global
Roaming
Intel held its fifth MDI interoperability workshop, or
"PlugFest", December 10-11 in Oklahoma City. The focus
of this event was global roaming: ensuring that when users
are traveling outside of their home coverage areas, they can
continue to send and receive wireless data communications.
The emergence of "Internet roaming enabler" companies is
making such communications much more cost-effective,
allowing travelers to call local phone numbers around the
world when accessing their home Internet Service
Providers.
Intel hosts periodic interoperability workshops to help fulfill
its mission of ensuring that a wide variety of seamless,
easy-to-use solutions are available for business users. As
new wireless products and technologies come into the
mainstream, future PlugFests will continue to ensure their
interoperability with horizontal solutions.
This event was held in conjunction with a Strategy and
Marketing Meeting, in which MDI members planned
activities for 1998 that will help develop the market for
wireless data.
Resellers Join MDI to Ensure Complete Solution
Availability
Resellers represent a new category of membership in the
Mobile Data Initiative. Intel has brought resellers into the
initiative because they play an important role in the delivery
of computing solutions to users. Through consulting,
configuration, and support services, resellers are in a
unique position to evaluate and fulfill the needs of business
customers. Because of this, the MDI is working to make
complete wireless computing solutions—notebook PCs,
digital wireless phones, and wireless data
modems—available in the reseller channel.
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If you would like more information about the Mobile Data Initiative, or
would like to participate in the future "PlugFests" please complete a form
at one of the following web sites:
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To get more information about the Mobile Data Initiative,
visit the North American MDI web site
or the European MDI web site
Intel's Mobile Computing/Wireless Data Communications
site also provides a broader view on wireless mobile
computing issues and implementation in the U.S. as well as
Europe
If you're not familiar with the initiative's origins, get some
background on the history of MDI
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* Legal Information © 1998 Intel Corporation
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