Lack of applications holding back Bluetooth uptake

NEWS Bluetooth short-range wireless connectivity has the potential to dominate other wireless technologies, provided end users are made aware of how it can fulfil their business needs. That's according to participants in silicon.com's Wirefree Debate, part of a Networks-telecom2000 Special. (www.silicon.com/networks-telecom2000 ) Since the establishment of the standard two years ago by giants Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba, the roll out of Bluetooth-enabled devices has since been slow. But despite the promise of hassle-free connection for devices such as laptops, mobile phones, printers and PDAs, businesses must first understand the benefits of the technology. John Vaccaro, VP mobile and wireless systems EMEA at Symbol Technologies, said: "Ultimately there needs to be a business need to drive data application deployment because without an application to address a business need the data doesn't give any benefit from a consumer perspective." All the panellists agreed there is a big need to move beyond merely touting high-tech advancements - at all levels of the wireless infrastructure - and communicate what the technologies can do. Richard Harris, MD of Cognito, said: "Technology doesn't trigger growth in the market, it's the applications." Provided this is accomplished the panel was confident the technology will be adopted. Andy Wilton, director of research for Motorola GSM Products, said: "The revolution will be in the role Bluetooth will play. Devices with integrated Bluetooth will allow a seamless transfer of services." Personal area connectivity will also be complemented by the user's ability to transfer from wide area to public cellular networks, he added. The full Wirefree Debate can be viewed in the Wirefree Channel of silicon.com's Networks-telecom 2000 site, the definitive resource for anyone interested in networking, telecoms and the Internet. (http://www.silicon.com/networks-telecom2000 )