Intel Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc. announced recently an expansion of their existing alliance to deliver new capabilities that enhance the reliability of wireless LANs and deliver higher-quality services, and allow enterprises to use computers and the network as a combined defense against security threats. 

Cisco and Intel have jointly produced a new set of features, called Business Class Wireless Suite, designed for companies using Cisco’s Unified Wireless Architecture and Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology. The Suite includes:

• Optimal access point (AP) selection technology to enable Intel Centrino mobile technology-based clients to scan for the best AP for faster, reliable and efficient roaming within a business wireless LAN.
• Enhanced Voice over IP (VoIP) quality of service (QoS) technology to improve the audio clarity and enable reliable voice communications for laptops.

Business Class Wireless Suite provides an enhanced set of capabilities that makes wireless LANs more robust for the enterprise, supporting enhanced roaming and business applications such as Voice over IP. Business Class Wireless Suite reinforces the previous efforts between Intel and Cisco with regard to the development of the Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) program for wireless LAN client interoperability. 

Business Class Wireless Suite features will be available from Cisco and Intel in the first quarter of 2006.  

Intel will join the Network Admission Control (NAC) program, an industry effort led by Cisco to help customers identify, prevent, and adapt to security threats, and Cisco will join the Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT) program. With Cisco NAC interoperating with Intel AMT, enterprises will be better able to defend against security threats, helping to maintain user and business productivity and reduce the cost of security attacks and improve system remediation 

Customers can expect Cisco NAC and Intel AMT to be compatible in the fourth quarter of this year. 

Through their global alliance, Cisco and Intel intend to enable organizations and consumers to improve the way they do business, interact and stay connected through innovative, standards-based solutions. Joint efforts include bringing end-to-end wireless solutions to enterprise customers, accelerating the transition to Gigabit Ethernet networks and simplifying the operation of secure home networks. For more information, please visit: http://www.ciscointelalliance.com