Users of Microsoft Windows XP will soon be able to take
advantage of a software enhancement which is claimed to offer
faster, easier and more secure access to broadband wireless
networks.
With its Wireless Provisioning Services (WPS) technology,
Microsoft aims to help not only business and private users connect
to Wi-Fi hotspots more easily and securely, but also
telecommunication operators provision and manage these networks
more simply and cost efficiently, Microsoft announced at the
Telecom World 2003 conference and exhibition in Geneva. The event
is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an
arm of the United Nations.
WPS technology consists of two components: server software used
by telecommunication service providers in the backend; and client
server installed on notebooks or other mobile devices, according to
Shai Guday, group program manager of wireless and mobility at
Microsoft.
On the server side, the technology will be included in the first
service pack for Windows Server 2003, expected in the first quarter
of 2004. On the client side, it will be available as a downloadable
upgrade for both Windows XP Professional and Home, as early as the
fourth quarter.
"We already have an internal beta version of Windows Server 2003
Service Pack 1 available, so operators can begin testing this right
away," Guday said. "The same applies for the client side."
The WPS enhancements in both Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP
software products will be free to licensed users, he said.
The wireless enhancement builds upon other security features as
well, such as Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP)
and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). The Internet Authentication
Service (IAS), which Microsoft calls the RADIUS server, is included
in Windows Server 2003.
In addition to security, WPS allows service providers to send
Wi-Fi provisioning and configuration information directly to
notebook computers or mobile devices. This service spares users the
hassle of making connection adjustments, which often are difficult
and time consuming. As soon as users log on, for instance, the
network recognises them, automatically creates a session and bills
them.
The wireless configuration service in Windows XP will choose the
correct network belonging to the Wi-Fi service provider
automatically, based on provisioning information supplied by the
provider.
John Blau writes for IDG News Service