WiQuest Communications
WiQuest Communications, Inc., was a fabless semiconductor company[1] that designed and developed Wireless USB (WUSB) products using WiMedia Alliance technology for high-speed, short-range applications. WiQuest offered integrated circuits, software, and reference designs. WiQuest was headquartered in Allen, Texas, and had operations in Bangalore, India.
Private | |
Industry | Computer Hardware |
Fate | Bankruptcy India operations acquired by Staccato Communications |
Founded | Allen, Texas 2003 |
Defunct | October 31, 2008 |
Headquarters | Allen, Texas |
Number of employees | 120 |
Website | www |
Products
In early 2008, WiQuest's Wireless USB products had an 85% market share.[2] Among WiQuest's customers were laptop manufacturers Toshiba,[3] Dell and Lenovo, and peripheral manufacturers D-Link, Belkin, Imation, and Kensington.[4]
Demise
The company ceased operations on October 31, 2008.[5] Reasons cited for the demise of WiQuest are the same issues that are plaguing Wireless USB technology in general, such as economic conditions in the late 2000s recession, the relative high cost of the end products, lackluster power-consumption and throughput characteristics of first-generation wireless USB products, regulatory issues, and low adapter attach rates.[6]
The Bangalore operations were acquired by Staccato Communications.[7]
References
- "WiQuest Named #1 UWB Vendor by ABI Research".
- "WiQuest Enabling Over 85% of Certified Wireless USB Consumer Products". Reuters. January 7, 2008.
- "WiQuest Showcases UWB Silicon in Leading Consumer Products at CES 2008".
- "WiQuest Product Mix".
- "Ultra-wideband Near Death as WiQuest Shuts Down".
- "Wireless USB startup WiQuest folds".
- "Staccato Acquires WiQuest's WUSB Development Center In India".