Wireless technology has brought explosive change
to the IT industry, and will continue to affect businesses,
individuals, and society. Even in the everchanging
world of IT, it would be difficult to find a
more dynamic area than wireless technology.
With the growing popularity of 802.11, many
firms offer networking products, services, and
information. One of the most significant groups is the Wi-Fi Alliance, which maintains a
Web site at www.wi-fi.org. According to the site, the Alliance is a nonprofit international
association formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of wireless network products
based on IEEE 802.11 specifications. Products that meet the requirements are
certified as Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) compatible. Currently the Wi-Fi Alliance has over
300 member companies from around the world, and over 4,200 products have received
Wi-Fi certification. The stated goal of the Wi-Fi Alliance is to enhance the user experience
through product interoperability.