U.S. Robotics releases wireless USB adaptor

Chicago-based U.S. Robotics released a new 802.11g wireless USB Adapter. The adapter is USB 1.1 and 2.0-compatible and uses accelerated 802.11g technology for up to 25 percent better performance. The adapter plugs into any available 1.1 or 2.0 USB port. Since its powered by the USB connection, no power adapter is necessary.

ABN AMRO outsourcing tech jobs

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.'s plans to outsource some of its information-technology functions to a company in India is expected to result in the loss of about 50 jobs in Chicago, where the Dutch banking giant employs about 500 IT workers, according to a person familiar with the plans. The outsourcing initiative, which also will affect other ABN AMRO markets in the U.S., will be announced later this year, the person says. The job cuts won't affect employees of Loop-based LaSalle Bank N.A., which ABN AMRO owns.

FasterMac debuts Mac-only ISP

Woodstock-based FasterMac.net, a services division of Other World Computing said toll-free telephone customer support services are now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for users of the nationwide dialup Internet service created specifically for users of Apple Macintosh computers. New users with access to the Internet may also sign up online at www.fastermac.net.

Interface buys Scout Solutions

Oak Brook-based Interface Software recently acquired the assets of Scout Solutions. Founded in 1999, Scout Solutions introduced its Aptus CRM product, which was deployed by a number of large professional services organizations. As part of the acquisition Brett Balmer, Scout Solutions' president and founder, joined Interface as director of technology. Other members from the sales and support staff will also be joining Interface Software. Interface also said it received a merit award from the Society for Technical Communication (STC). The award is part of STC's annual technical communication competitions program. The documentation set for InterAction 5.1, Interface's CRM solution for professional services organizations, won the merit award in STC's international technical publications competition

City picks finalists for Wi-Fi pact

Chicago has selected five finalists to compete for a multimillion-dollar contract to provide wireless Internet service at O'Hare International and Midway airports. Still in the running from an initial field of eight are divisions of AT&T Corp., T-Mobile USA, SBC Communications Inc., Concourse Communications Group LLC and Advance Wireless Group LLC, according to a spokeswoman for the Chicago Department of Aviation. A winner was to be selected sometime in June, with the city deciding on the basis of qualifications what percentage of revenues from the wireless high-fidelity pact the winner will receive. The city declined to estimate the value of the contract. When the service is up and running, it will be available in terminals, concourses and other public sections of the two airports.

Cometa teams with Toshiba

Schaumburg-based Cometa Networks Inc., a Wi-Fi (802.11) wholesale network provider, said it will be teaming with Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Cometa will have the opportunity to incorporate some or all of the hundreds of Toshiba U.S. SurfHere hotspot locations into Cometa's hotspot network. Cometa and Toshiba plan to launch a variety of promotional and co-marketing programs to potentially millions of notebook computer customers.

Concourse boasts double-digit growth

Chicago-based Concourse Communications continues to experience double-digit usage growth in its airport WiFi networks. During the first quarter, monthly growth rates in user sessions were over 35 percent. The most rapid usage increase is in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which went into service in January. Concourse provides wireless communications services at several major U.S. airports, including LaGuardia, JFK, Newark Liberty, Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport and the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

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