News & Events
Intersil to Demonstrate Wireless Connectivity to the Internet Infrastructure at Intel Developer Forum

PALM BAY, FL, August 30, 1999 – Intersil Corporation, the world’s leading developer of silicon technology for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), announced today it will demonstrate the use and interoperability of various wireless networking products at the 1999 Intel Developer Forum this week in Palm Springs, Calif. Products used in the demonstration incorporate Intersil’s advanced PRISM® WLAN Chip Set technology.

The Intel Developer Forum brings together the world’s leading software, hardware and chip developers to share technical insight on PC technologies, tools and training. This year’s conference, "Advancing the Internet", focuses on converting the challenges of the Internet into opportunities for growth through next generation computing designs.

"Networks will increasingly offer wireless on-ramps to the Internet’s Information Superhighway as people demand fast, mobile connections wherever they roam," said Chris Henningsen, vice president of PRISM Wireless Products at Intersil. "We’re thrilled with the opportunity to demonstrate the role of wireless networking in the Internet revolution to many of the leading developers in the IT and computing industry. We’re confident that PRISM will be one of the most significant silicon building blocks for the Internet infrastructure in the years to come."

Customer companies who have fielded PRISM-based wireless systems to date include Nokia, Compaq 3Com, Nortel, Samsung, Siemens, Zoom Telephonics, Aironet, and about 40 others.

At its booth, Intersil will demonstrate a wireless network for a small office/home office (SOHO) environment. The setup will feature a Nokia wireless Accent Point (AP) which bridges to the Internet through a modem and phone line. The Nokia AP then allows palmtop computers, laptop computers and other wireless appliances – such as WebPads or similar pen-based computers – the ability to communicate with each other, the network, or access the Internet through the modem/phone line. Each device uses a WLAN network interface card (NIC) for the wireless connection to the AP. Intersil will use NICs from Nokia, Aironet, Samsung and Celestica. In addition to the various platforms and NICs, several different OS systems are used to further demonstrate flexibility and interoperability

In addition to the demonstration, Intersil’s Jim Zyren, will address Forum participants on the issue of "Coexistence and Interoperability of Bluetooth, Home RF and other Wireless Connectivity Solutions," in a session scheduled for Tuesday, 2:30 – 4:30. Zyren is senior manager of Strategic Marketing for Intersil’s PRISM Wireless Products business and is actively involved in various standards and specifications organizations.

Intersil Corporation uses analog, mixed-signal, power and radiation-hardening technologies to develop advanced integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors for high-growth segments of the communications, power and space/defense markets. Intersil Corporation employs 5,800 worldwide and utilizes the rich intellectual property heritage from Harris, GE Solid State and RCA. The company’s worldwide web site is located at http://www.intersil.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Specific risks include worldwide demand and product pricing for integrated circuits, and reductions in the U.S. and worldwide defense and space budgets. In addition, Intersil cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends and events to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

PRISM is a registered trademark of Intersil Corporation.