Technology Rivals Link on Wi-Fi

Yahoo | at | by Mike

Although still committed to a rival technology known as Bluetooth, Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corp. are putting their muscle behind 802.11b, or Wi-Fi, which also enables short-range wireless links between computers and other devices. The two technology powerhouses are joining the board of directors at the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, or WECA, an industry group pushing Wi-Fi as a universal platform for small wireless networks. WECA was announcing the addition of Microsoft to its board on Wednesday. The moves by Microsoft and Intel - both prominent among Bluetooth backers - provide another boost to the unexpected momentum building behind Wi-Fi.