REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 22, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system leads the industry as the first platform to include native support for Wi-Fi networks and IEEE 802.1x wireless security standards. The move enhances the comprehensive support in Windows XP for wireless and mobile computing, giving people the best possible experience as they connect seamlessly and securely to their computer networks from home, work and on the road.
“Mobile computing delivers the anytime, anywhere data access that both corporate and home users demand — and Windows XP delivers mobile computing better than any other operating system,”
said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Platforms Group at Microsoft.
“We are pleased to deliver industry-leading support for wireless standards. People looking to stay connected while they’re on the go need look no further than Windows XP.”
“WECA commends Microsoft for including native support for Wi-Fi wireless LANs in Windows XP. Windows XP support of IEEE 802.1x also complements what many regard as the future direction of Wi-Fi wireless LAN security. This combination makes wireless networks more secure and easier to use — so everyone benefits,”
said David Cohen, chairman of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), the nonprofit organization that certifies interoperability of Wi-Fi wireless LAN products.
“People just want to show up and be connected. With native Wi-Fi support in Windows XP they can stay connected at their office, home, the airport or their hotel with little or no reconfiguration. This will undoubtedly contribute to broader consumer acceptance and further market growth of Wi-Fi wireless LANs.”
Wi-Fi certified technology allows users to connect to networks or to the Internet at fast (11 Mbps) Ethernet speeds, without the wires, headaches and download delays associated with slower, dial-up modem connections. Wi-Fi brings new flexibility to home and business users, allowing them to work or to hold impromptu meetings anywhere in a home or office and remain connected to the network.
Wireless Network Security Concerns Addressed With Windows XP
Security is a very important part of Wi-Fi wireless LAN, and Windows XP has taken a big step forward toward advancing wireless LAN security while making it easier to implement.
On Friday, Oct. 19, WECA announced the availability of a new report on Wi-Fi wireless LANs. Based on research commissioned by Microsoft, the report examines attitudes about Wi-Fi wireless LAN technology in organizations currently using this technology and in organizations that plan to deploy it. Security of wireless LANs has been a concern to many companies considering deployment. This report looks at end-user interest for several security solutions, including 802.1x, VPNs and RADIUS.
The reports show that 40 percent of the 180 respondents have deployed wireless networks, with another 31 percent planning to deploy them within 18 months. The most frequently used wireless networking technology is 802.11, and penetration should reach 88 percent in 18 months. Companies believe that an investment in wireless networking will enhance the working conditions and productivity of their employees, as well as eliminate the cost and effort associated with cabling or hard-wire installations. While security concerns are listed as the key barrier to deploying a wireless network, the three Windows XP features most closely tied to improved security are also rated as the most important: 802.1x security, VPN functionality and support, and RADIUS.
Industry Leaders Praise Windows XP as Solid, Easy Platform for Mobile Solutions
“Windows XP is a significant step forward for mobile wireless computing,”
said Cees Links, vice president of Wireless Computing and Networking at Agere Systems.
“By incorporating Zero Config and 802.1X into our ORiNOCO AP-2000 wireless networking systems, we are providing IT managers and end users with the ease of use and the enhanced security that they demand.”
“Microsoft has once again demonstrated tremendous openness and enthusiasm for working with the industry to deliver a solution that will make the end user sit up and take notice,”
said Jim Totton, vice president of software for the Client Products Group at Dell Computer Corp.
“Our customers are increasingly interested in the benefits of wireless computing, and Windows XP is another step in making this incredible productivity tool easy to use.”
Windows XP Helps Workers on the Go Stay Connected
Windows XP is the most advanced operating system ever created for laptops. The mobile computing improvements build on the flexibility of Windows 2000 Professional and allow users to accomplish as much on the road or at home as in the office. Features include the following:
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Remote desktop. Users of Windows XP can connect to the office computer remotely.
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Battery life enhancements. Windows XP extends battery life by managing the way the laptop uses power.
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Standby and hibernation. Standby gradually reduces power to parts of the system that are not in use — such as the hard drive and the monitor — saving power while keeping the computer available to start working again almost instantly.
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Multimonitor and DualView support. Multimonitor can help improve productivity by allowing the user to work on multiple screens. Multimonitor support allows the installation of multiple video cards in the computer and running two or more monitors with one system. With DualView in Windows XP Professional, two monitors can be attached to a computer on the same display adapter, and each monitor can be used to work on a different document.
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Offline files and folders. Offline files and folders allow the user to work with data and documents as if online when not connected to the Internet or the company network.
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Hot docking. Users can connect or disconnect a notebook computer to and from its docking station without changing hardware configuration or rebooting.
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Wireless networking. Windows XP Professional provides significant enhancements for wireless networking.
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Media sense. Windows XP detects signals from wireless devices within range, and notifies the user if the laptop is near a network access point, or even another Windows XP-based computer with which the user can share files and other resources using wireless transmission.
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Network location awareness. Windows XP allows the user to move between wired networks, such as a business network and home network, without reconfiguring the laptop.
Windows XP to Launch This Thursday
Microsoft will announce the worldwide availability of Windows XP on Thursday, Oct. 25, with a gala coming-out party in the business capital of the world, New York City, for an audience of 1,500 in Times Square’s Marriott Marquis Theatre. Joining Microsoft Chief Software Architect Bill Gates to help launch Windows XP will be leading industry leaders and key Microsoft executives.
Windows XP, the new Windows with a new look, builds on the momentum of the Internet and digital media with improvements that increase productivity and provide
both business and home users with an easy-to-use and exciting PC experience. Windows XP extends the personal computing experience by uniting PCs, devices and services and brings the solid foundation of Windows 2000 to home PC users, enhancing reliability, security and performance.
Customers interested in more information about Windows XP should visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/ .
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