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HP is first notebook maker to bundle WiFi wireless "sniffer"

Hewlett-Packard plans to bundle Boingo Wireless - both the software, and the service which purchases wireless Internet links from 802.11b microcarriers on a wholesale basis, integrates these networks together and sells a single service to its customers - on its notebooks.

HP's plans to jointly promote Boingo's high-speed wireless Internet service on its Pavilion range, makes it the first notebook PC builder to do so.

The Boingo network is a franchised one. Boingo approaches "microcarriers" - people who operate WiFi hot spots in airports and stations and other public areas - and pays them for access for its clients.

"Boingo Wireless is proud to work with HP, a leader in wireless mobility, in simplifying Wi-Fi access and enabling an ever-growing network for our members," said Sky Dayton, founder and CEO of Boingo Wireless. "Wi-Fi use is exploding in offices, homes and public spaces and is the next frontier of the Internet."

Boingo sells itself to Internet users by virtue of making life simpler. Configuring the software provided by 802.11b hardware companies can be clumsy, requiring users to learn about arcane settings such as "SSID" (network names) and "WEP" (network security). Users are expected by microcarriers to manually configure their 802.11b cards to gain access. But at the same time, microcarriers provide little or no technical support. And you can walk out of one room in an airport, and into another, and find yourself changing carriers - and configuration.

Boingo Wireless will co-market with HP Boingo's WiFi solution to give HP customers convenient access to the Boingo Wireless service, including offering Boingo to HP Pavilion notebook customers through the HP Easy Internet Sign-up program on the desktop.

In addition, HP customers who sign up for the Boingo Wireless service through HP will receive a special Boingo offer only available to HP customers. The special offer can be accessed through Boingo and Hewlett-Packard with detailed information about the service and access to download the Boingo Software.

Boingo's service includes Boingo Software, which simplifies moving from network to network- but Boingo Wireless is also a leading Wi-Fi ISP with more than 500 hot spots around the USA.

"HP understands the growing need for wireless mobility and is committed to providing mobile solutions that transform the way people work and live," said Pendy Pendyala, general manager, HP Wireless and Internet Solutions Division. "HP is pleased to work with an innovator such as Boingo Wireless in making a truly mobile world a practical reality."

The software works even if you don't sign up for the full Boingo ISP, however. Boingo Software "sniffs" the air for available signals and makes it easy for users to connect to public and private Wi-Fi networks. It includes a profile manager so users can connect to favorite Wi-Fi networks quickly and easily.

Boingo Wireless, Inc. was founded in 2001 by Sky Dayton, founder and current chairman of EarthLink.