Intel opens third Wireless Competence Center in China

KUALA LUMPUR--Intel Corporation has opened its third Intel Wireless Competence Center in Beijing to promote the development of wireless Internet technology. Intel had established similar centers in Japan and Europe.

The giant chipmaker will also look into cooperating with leading companies in the Chinese cellular phone industry including handset Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Independent Content Providers (ICPs), telecom carriers and standard bodies, to provide competitive Intel building blocks and solutions for the next-generation cellular phone market.

Intel Vice President Ron Smith announced the opening of the center at the Asia Pacific Intel Developer Forum in China yesterday.

With the opening, the center will also provide a venue for Chinese companies to develop technologies enabling new content and services for broadband Internet connection via cellular phones.

"China is an important market for wireless Internet products, and this center will play a key role in helping Intel develop products and technologies that meet the specific needs of the Chinese market," said Intel China chief operating officer Wee Theng Tan in a statement.

Intel established its first Wireless Competence Center in Stockholm, Sweden, in November 1999 and its second was announced in February this year in Tsukuba, Japan.

The company's wireless direction includes building on core businesses, such as its flash memory technology, cellular chipsets, processors and digital signal processing activities.

Intel announced its commitment to wireless communications back in December 1999 with the formation of its Wireless Communications and Computing Group.