Jupitermedia Researches Wi-Fi Strategies

Jupitermedia Corp. , which this week is running the 802.11 Planet Conference & Expo in Boston, said it will launch a new multi-client study focused on market opportunities for 802.11b wireless Internet access points.

Several large companies, including Starbucks and Marriott, have recently struck partnerships and launched aggressive Wi-Fi initiatives. And while bottom-line contributions are expected, few can articulate how to measure the value around these efforts.

“Recent initiatives like Verizon’s deployment in Manhattan offering free Wi-Fi to DSL customers will impact the 802.11 only providers’ ability to collect revenue for Wi-Fi alone if they become more popular and widespread,” said Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director at Jupiter Research.

In addition to Verizon, SBC Communications plans its own Wi-Fi network for its business and consumer broadband users. Other technology users and providers are trying to map their own wireless Internet strategies.

Jupiter Research, which earlier this year predicted that sales of enterprise Wi-Fi equipment will triple to $2.3 billion by 2006, will collaborate with vendors, service providers and end-users to help businesses prioritize their Wi-Fi initiatives.

Areas of consideration include venue, aggregation, customer care, billing, systems integration and more. The study results should be released in October.

Jupitermedia is based in Darien, Conn. In addition to its research arm, the company publishes more than 150 Web sites and 175 newsletters (including this one) and runs technology industry trades shows such as 802.11 Planet and this fall’s Computer Digital Expo.