In a perfect wireless world, users would be able to access cellular and wireless LANs from a single handset. They would have coverage across enterprise networks, cellular networks, and public hot-spot WLANs. To bring this idealistic vision into reality, Motorola, Inc. (www.motorola.com) and NEC America, Inc. (www.cng.nec.com) have announced plans to collaborate on a wireless voice and data solution for enterprise networks.

This joint solution will allow roaming between WLANs and cellular networks. By developing a converged WLAN, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and cellular communication solution, the companies expect to create cost-savings opportunities. They also will provide improved user efficiencies and new capabilities for enterprise customers.

At the heart of this solution, expected to become available in the second half of next year, is Motorola's core seamless-mobility components. Specifically, its dual-system Wi-Fi/cellular-phone and mobility manager controls the handoff between local (WLAN) and cellular networks and dispatch functions. Those components will be integrated with NEC's WLAN infrastructure and NEAX family of enterprise communication platforms.

With the resulting solution, enterprises should be able to achieve cost savings through reduced network-management expenses. They also will benefit from lower usage charges and device consolidation. Plus, users will experience greater mobility through seamless wireless access within or outside of the enterprise network. The solution's planned capabilities include mobile access to business applications and enterprise SMS coverage.

Together, Motorola and NEC will work toward definitive agreements that will allow them to leverage industry standards, such as IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The resulting solution will provide wireless voice- and data-communications-over-IP when the user is inside of an enterprise or visited wireless local area network. Those same services also will be provided over public wireless services outside of the enterprise. By combining the features and benefits of each network, this solution will enable operation in both environments. At last, users should be able to seamlessly roam between networks. The mobility of cellular networks will enter the enterprise, bringing today's best available access to users.