Microsoft Dumps Cisco for WiFi

A reader writes: "While Cisco is still runs the world of routers, apparently they have ended up on the short end of the stick when it comes to WiFi. Aruba Wireless Networks announced today that Microsoft has selected them over Cisco and would be "integrating Windows wireless clients" software with the Aruba gear. This could impact everyone that uses wireless with Windows. Aruba's Access Points aren't your traditional AP since they offload most of the functionality to a back end controller thus making for very low cost APs. They have even released their AP boot code on Source Forge so that anyone with a controller can convert their APs to Aruba APs. It also should be noted that Cisco, after realizing their wireless equipment wasn't up to par, tried to buy the deal by first by first approaching Aruba and then after being rebuffed bought their competitor Airespace for $450M in desperation and still lost."

Comments

WiFi will Kill Cisco

[routerwhore]

Cisco will never really be good at wifi since it canabalizes their core business of forcing customers to guy their 6500s every couple of years and put in additional capacity that they don't need. One great example of this is that to have any wireless functionality on a 6500, you must upgrade your supervisor module to the latest Sup 720. With 90% profit margains they are runing a pretty good scam. I imagine it won't last forever. They will have a wake-up call soon much like IBM did.