Microsoft Readies Wireless ProvisioningMicrosoft Readies Wireless Provisioning

Microsoft plans to release software for Windows XP next year that could make it easier for service providers to log users on to Wi-Fi hot spots. Microsoft unveiled the technology, called wireless provisioning services, at this week's ITU Telecom World conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The client-side software is designed to give wireless computing service providers a means to consistently authenticate users who log on to their access points by delivering an XML-based user interface to Windows XP. A consistent log-on method also can increase the security of connections, says Jawad Khaki, a Microsoft corporate VP for Windows networking and communications technologies. Microsoft also includes server-side authentication software for Wi-Fi hot spots in Windows Server 2003.

The company plans to release the wireless enhancement as part of the second service pack for Windows XP, due in the first quarter of next year. It's testing the software with European network operators T-Mobile and Swisscom AG.