Linux wireless driver

Intersil Teams Up with AbsoluteValue Software to Deliver Wireless Connectivity to Linux Operating System Users - Company Business and Marketing

AbsoluteValue Software, Inc., a software development services company specializing in embedded and wireless systems, has collaborated with Intersil to develop Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) driver software that enables Linux operating systems to communicate with Intersil's PRISM-based WLAN cards.

Demonstrated last fall at the 1999 Linux Showcase in Atlanta, Ga., AbsoluteValue's driver software, known as the Linux WLAN package, opens the door for standards-compliant, wireless network connectivity for users of the open-source GNU/Linux Operating System.

"Our collaboration with AbsoluteValue Software underscores our commitment to make wireless network connectivity a reality for all types of computing devices and platforms," said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of PRISM Wireless Products at Intersil. "Open source platforms are being increasingly deployed in a variety of computing systems. It's critical that driver software be made available that can make wireless networking technology a reality for open source and other non-Windows-based computing environments."

AbsoluteValue's wireless LAN software solution includes a Linux device driver for IEEE 802.11 wireless network interface cards and access points, portal software and user mode utility software.

"Our software driver support for Intersil's PRISM technology enables a complete, standards-based, wireless LAN system for users of the GNU/Linux operating system," said Mark Matthews, co-owner of AbsoluteValue Software. "We look forward to an ongoing collaboration with Intersil to bring the merits of high-speed wireless network connectivity to the Linux system."

Adoption of PRISM WLAN Technology

Since introducing the PRISM WLAN chip set in 1996, over fifty companies have incorporated PRISM chips in more than 100 product designs. PRISM technology is designed to comply with the IEEE's 802.11 global standard, and Intersil is a founding sponsor of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). Intersil has a continuing program to rapidly introduce better performing, more highly integrated generations of PRISM. PRISM chips are used in WLAN systems from industry leading companies including 3Com, Aironet/Cisco, Dell Computer, Nokia, Nortel, Samsung, Compaq, Siemens, SpectraLink and Zoom Telephonics.

Innovative software solutions have been the driving force behind AbsoluteValue Software since the company was founded in 1993. Staffed entirely with degreed computer science professionals, AbsoluteValue Software has a solid foundation in computer science and software engineering principles for the development of software solutions. AbsoluteValue Software has served customers in a variety of industries, including computer manufacturing, telecommunications, automotive, accounting and finance, retail, steel manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, military, education and U.S. government. For more information about the company, visit www.absoval.com.

Intersil Corporation uses semiconductor expertise to enable highly integrated voice, data and video communications. Intersil's integrated communications portfolio includes PRISM Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) chip sets that enable mobile connectivity products for the home and office; analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband access to wireless and wired Wide Area Networks (WANs); and power management products that enable 24x7 reliability in network servers, next generation PCs and information appliances. For more information about Intersil, visit the company's Internet homepage at www.intersil.com.