February 16, 1998 (Vol. 20, Issue 7)

IBM gets pervasive: Commquest adds links

By Steven E. Brier

IBM's pervasive computing strategy, designed to make computers and computer-like devices ubiquitous, took a big step forward last week with the announcement of its plan to purchase Commquest for $180 million.

The deal will give IBM some of the satellite and wireless communication technologies it needs to push Pervasive Computing, an extension of its network-computing model for accessing corporate and personal data from anywhere on a network.

Pervasive Computing adds the concept of connectivity through the use of both wired and wireless devices. Also known as Tier Zero and Untethered Computing, Pervasive Computing is an effort led by IBM's Microelectronics division to bring "technology to where it matters," company officials said.

"This merger will speed the development of multifunction, low-cost mobile information appliances," said Dr. Michael Attardo, general manager at IBM Microelectronics.

Traditionally technology has been concentrated at a physical location -- first the mainframe, then the PC -- but IBM believes technology should be close to users, whether on their desks, in the streets, or in their pockets. To that end, IBM is concentrating on products such as smart cards that will cut the user free from the desktop.

"You will see watch-sized cellular phones, and products that combine cell phones, e-mail, and Internet access functions," Attardo said. He added that he expects to see wireless hubs and routers.

"This [acquisition] will add new capabilities to mobile communication and lead to a ubiquitous extension of the network," Attardo said.

Commquest, which uses a proprietary chip design called Communication Application Specific Processor, specializes in designing components for cellular phones, and will be able to take advantage of IBM's silicon germanium semiconductor technology, according to company officials.

In addition to this copper chip technology, which was announced in September 1997, IBM has developed a way to make silicon germanium chips with only slight additions to the CMOS chip-making process.

Silicon germanium chips operate at very high frequencies, have low power requirements, and can be made much smaller than chips made with competing technologies, significantly reducing the cost and size of the units that use them.

Commquest will offer IBM some key technologies, said Handel Jones, president of International Business Strategies, in Los Gatos, Calif.

"This will add the communications piece to the multifunction portable terminal, allowing them to become a major factor in that market," Jones said. "There is a system opportunity here."

Commquest, in Encinitas, Calif., will become part of IBM's Microelectronics division in Essex Junction, Vt., which can be reached at (800) 426-3333.

Ephraim Schwartz contributed to this article.

Copyright (c) 1998 InfoWorld Media Group Inc.