Wi-Fi Clearly in the MainstreamWi-Fi Clearly in the Mainstream

A billion is a very large number, one that illustrates how widespread an IT technology has become. Wi-Fi chipsets are well on the way to meeting that mark, so small and medium businesses need to examine how that technology can enhance their businesses.ABIResearch projects that in 2011 vendors will ship more than 1 billion Wi-Fi chipsets. One year later more than 5 billion will have been delivered since the market research firm began tracking the technology in 2000. Those are some very big numbers.

A couple of factors are fueling the rise. Increasingly, employees are becoming more mobile. Executives spending 30%-40% of their time on the road has become quite common and they need easy access to the companys network. In addition, Wi-Fi capabilities are being integrated into a growing array of devices. ABI Research expects more than 100 million smartphones will include Wi-Fi capabilities this year. The growing popularity of netbooks will only further expand the number of Wi-Fi chipsets delivered. The wireless features are also being integrated into consumer devices, such as cameras.

As the wireless networking option continues to gain favor, small and medium businesses need to be on the lookout for ways to take advantage of the technology. In some cases, it may make sense for companies to outfit their employees with Wi-Fi enabled cell phones and dump the companys wired connections. Such a change could improve productivity and reduce a firms operating costs. More and more companies are expected to take such steps as Wi-Fi product shipments increase.