Microsoft Looks To SMB For New Wireless Networking Hardware Line

Officials at Microsoft declined to comment on specific product configurations, beyond saying the line would be based on the popular Wi-Fi 802.11b networking standard and aim to significantly simplify the installation process.

"The goal behind the product is to make an easier installation experience for users," a Microsoft spokeswoman said.

Although Microsoft executives were unavailable for comment at press time, the spokeswoman confirmed that the Redmond, Wash.-based company plans to use the SMB VAR and retail channel to distribute the product.

Bradley Morse, vice president of marketing at D-Link, a networking hardware manufacturer in Irvine, Calif., that has a strong presence in the SMB and retail space, said the company is unconcerned about Microsoft's most recent foray into wireless networking.

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"Microsoft tends to build user interfaces that step users through the installation process," he said. "Is that what VARs need? No."

Morse noted that Microsoft's recognizable brand name in the wireless space will help boost the wireless networking category among consumers, particularly in mass market chains, such as Wal-Mart and Target.

But in small business, Morse believes the real barrier to wireless networking is the lack of DSL coverage in regional locations. "Wireless networking follows the broadband connection," he said.

Microsoft has been demonstrating an interest in wireless networking since at least 1999. That was the year the company proposed plug-and-play standards to simplify home networking. Later that year, Microsoft joined with 3-Com to announce a line of PCI and USB networking cards and a wireless networking line based on the HomePNA standard.

Microsoft did not disclose any manufacturing partners for the forthcoming Wi-Fi products.