Bluetooth is going not going to change the local networking landscape… yet

1999-11-23

At least that was the conclusion of major vendors of the technology, blaming software and interoperability issues for delays in bringing products to market. Despite this initial disappointment, companies are still moving full steam ahead with Bluetooth. So what is it, and how will it affect end users?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless standard designed for communications between electronic equipment. The standard has been agreed by the majority of hardware manufacturers (including Ericsson, Intel, Lucent, Nokia, Toshiba, Philips and Sony) and software vendors (including Microsoft). It therefore looks set to exist, which already a major hurdle cleared for any technology. A number of applications have already been indicated for Bluetooth, including its use as a replacement for wires or InfraRed connections between devices such as mobile phones and PDAs. It has quickly become clear that the potential for this technology goes way beyond this limited view, however. Home networking has now been recognised as a valid target for Bluetooth, not for fridges and toasters (which, lets face it, has met with significant disbelief) but for HiFi units, televisions and other electronic devices used around the home. The second area which is likely to receive attention is the Small Office/Home Office environment, as Bluetooth demonstrates its capability as a replacement for local networking and the general proliferation of wires in these environments.

There is one significant element of this development which makes Bluetooth an inevitability: it is targeted at equipment manufacturers and hence is likely to be included on any electronic platform that is suited for the purpose. Like the InfraRed ports that the technology is designed to replace, Bluetooth will be an integral part of the device. The difference is that it will actually be used.

Software may be holding up the development of Bluetooth devices, and it is software which will slow down its acceptance. Higher-level mechanisms such as Jini or Universal Plug and Play are still necessary to enable devices to identify each other and to open secure communications channels. Without these, Bluetooth will still be appropriate for a limited range of applications, but will be prevented from achieving its full potential.

(First published 23 November 1999)