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Techs in PC network pact
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April 10, 2000: 1:14 p.m. ET
Top tech companies to work on simplified home PC networking system
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Cisco Systems, Intel, Motorola and ten other technology companies announced Monday that they will work together to create a simplified home computer networking system, which will provide a way for all computers in the home to be on the same system.
Much like a computer networking system for businesses, the home computer system would create an interconnecting network so that all of a home's computers can work on the same files, programs and Internet systems.
The companies' pact, called the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, includes several technology-industry leaders such as software, hardware, and services companies.
Although currently available, home computer networking is not widely used because of the complexity and cost of the current system. The new pact, say the companies, will provide for a more efficient and simplified system, which will ultimately be available and affordable to more consumers. The plans are to select a hardware technology specification that will streamline home computer networking standards.
 With the HomePlug alliance, said Alberto Mantovani, division director of strategic programs for Conexant Systems Inc. (CNXT: Research, Estimates), "we are moving networks into the home, but we have to do this in a more simple way than might be the case in an office environment. In an office, you experience a very structured network, elaborate infrastructure, and an IT department whose sole job it is to come and go, solving user's technical problems. In the home," Mantovani pointed out, "there is no place for a costly, mammoth infrastructure, you have no real access to an IT department to support you. We are trying as an industry to simplify home networking, to make the digital home a viable reality."
The main push of the alliance is focused on solving the physical layer of the home networking problem - making the establishment of a relatively standardized home network as common as plugging in, say, a toaster. In the future, foresees Mantovani, it is likely users' modems, gaming consoles, set top boxes, TVs, PCs, and printers will be sold with silicon chips already implanted, with drivers compatible with the new standard.
Although Microsoft is not one of the companies in the alliance, they are supportive of the initiative.
New multimedia and broadband offerings are driving demand for a sensible home network solution, said Jawad Khaki, vice president of windows networking at Microsoft (MSFT: Research, Estimates). "Consumers are seeking hassle free, reliable and cost-effective home networking solutions," said Khaki. "Microsoft applauds the HomePlug Powerline Alliance in its efforts to create standards that will help make the digital home a reality."
Powerline is the most ubiquitous medium for networking in the home worldwide, said Mike Wolf, Manager of Residential and Enterprise
Communications for Cahners In-Stat Group. "HomePlug is taking the necessary step of combining broad industry support with a unified specification for power line networking. This combination," Wolf added, "will allow for the development of interoperable, lower cost products that will ultimately benefit the consumer."
The alliance is currently reviewing the offerings of 20 companies working on home computer networking solutions. Several will be field-tested, and in May, the alliance plans to select a single, standardized specification, which will serve as the foundation for home networks. 
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