Nokia Introduces All-Purpose Wireless Connectivity Card

February 21, 2002 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Communications equipment manufacturer Nokia announced this week that it will launch an all-in-one PC card, designed to allow users to wirelessly connect to the Internet and corporate networks using three different standards.

The Nokia D211 card, designed to incorporate support for a variety of protocols, will allow Laptop users connect to the Internet using GPRS (general packet radio service), HSCSD (high speed circuit switched data) or 802.11b, a wirelesss local area network standard. The product is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2002.

"Users will need only one device for mobile data services and email, but will have more options for connecting to the Internet and the company intranet. The Nokia D211 is an excellent complement to our business product portfolio," said Seppo Laukkanen, Vice President, Product Management, Europe and Africa, Nokia Mobile Phones.

The D211, says Nokia, is designed for users whose primary business tool is a portable computer. It equips laptops with the ability to send and receive emails, text messages and telefaxes, as well as delivering wireless access to the Internet and intranet. It operates under both Windows and Linux environments, and is compatible with leading virtual private network solutions over GPRS and wireless LAN. The D211, operating along with a VPN, says Nokia, offers corporate users a secure and reliable way to access confidential company information.

According to Nokia, GPRS technology will allow users an immediate connection to the Internet, and an advanced level of mobile data connectivity. GPRS sends data in packets, allowing for billing schemes based on data transferred, rather than connection time. HSCSD, says Nokia, offers high-speed connections for constant data transmissions, and is better suited for sending and receiving large amounts of information. And wireless LAN, it says, offers mobility through access points inside the office, at home, or in public places.