Option N.V., a wireless technology company, announced that its embedded wireless modules and Linux-based connection management software have been chosen by Compal Electronics.

 

Taiwan-based Compal Group has selected Option products for providing HSPA 3G connectivity to the latest range of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). The Compal Group is a large Original Device Manufacturer (ODM), specializing manufacturing products for major brands with a market capitalization of $4 billion.

 

“The multi-year agreement represents a key milestone in our initiative to become the leading supplier of 3G wireless broadband connectivity in the emerging market for MIDs,” commented Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option.

 

Callewaert explained that his company’s acquisition of part of the former BenQ/Siemens (News - Alert) Mobile R&D resources and collaborations with Intel have made it an important partner for ODMs and OEMs within the MID ecosystem.

 

Independent analysts have forecast that demand for always-connected Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) may very well reach 90 million units per year by 2012.

 

The first Compal product is an MID which includes an integrated multimedia player and retractable keyboard capable of offering access to the Internet anywhere and at any time. Other popular Web-based services like e-mail, instant messaging and social networks are also offered. The device also incorporates GPS, enabling innovative location-based services and applications.

 

The new MID features GlobeTrotter Connect for Linux, connection management software developed especially by Option for MIDs based on the Intel (News - Alert) Centrino Atom processor technology. Option and Compal are working in tandem for acquiring the certification and operator validation for the device in multiple markets.

 

Option’s ultra-compact GTM501 wireless module has been instrumental in the development of a Developer Kit which has been assembled for enabling ODMs to develop 3G connectivity solutions. This will be suitable for their mobile Internet devices and other portable consumer electronic devices.

 

The Developer Kit has already been shipped to ODMs and OEMs. Option strives to contribute considerably to the new MID category through its GTM501, the GlobeTrotter Connect for Linux and the Developers Kit.

 

Compal proposes to showcase its new MID at the Option booth during the Intel Developer Forum to be held in San Francisco from August 19-21. Option will be demonstrating Globetrotter Connect for Linux and its GTM501 Developers Kit.

 

Option is an innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G HSUPA, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and WLAN technology products and is known for enhancing performance and functionality of wireless products.