Austin, Texas - October 28, 2008 - The Wi-Fi Alliance today announced that 5,000 consumer and enterprise products have been Wi-Fi CERTIFIED since the testing program began in March of 2000. Wi-Fi technology is a key feature in consumer electronics such as portable entertainment devices, cameras, televisions and mobile phones, and the global certification program is a fundamental enabler of the technology's proliferation.
More than 1,000 Wi-Fi products have been certified since September 2007, with much of the volume driven by the introduction of the 802.11n draft 2.0 specification. This next-generation Wi-Fi technology delivers up to five times the speed and twice the range of earlier generations of Wi-Fi - certification assures that this new generation is both secure and interoperable with earlier specifications. Certifications for mobile phones in the first three quarters of 2008 grew by one-third relative to the same period last year. Certifications for consumer electronics grew by two thirds.
"This milestone is a testament to the confidence users have in the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED seal of approval and the commitment of our member companies to delivering the best user experience with Wi-Fi products," said Edgar Figueroa, executive director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "Our certification programs have evolved quickly parallel to consumer and enterprise needs - the rate at which we certify new products continues to accelerate."
Recent research performed by Millward-Brown for Wi-Fi Alliance indicates that the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED designation is often a deciding factor when users purchase Wi-Fi products. In the United States, United Kingdom, China, India, and Japan, a majority of broadband users who are familiar with the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED mark indicate a willingness to pay up to 10% more for products which carry the seal of approval.
"This is a tremendous achievement, and a testament to both the value of Wi-Fi and the amazing work of the Alliance," said Craig Mathias, a Principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm, Farpoint Group. "In enterprise and consumer environments alike, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED signifies that products both interoperate and deliver the best user experience. The Wi-Fi Alliance is one of the most successful industry associations in history, and this is why."
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED testing is performed at a worldwide network of independent labs. The global footprint for testing facilities recently grew to include a new test facility in China, bringing the total number of labs worldwide to 13. Independent Wi-Fi Alliance Authorized Test Labs are also located in Germany, India, Korea, Japan, Spain, Taiwan and the United States.
A comprehensive and searchable list of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products can be found at:
http://certifications.wi-fi.org/wbcs_certified_products.php