December 20, 2001, 4:22 pm
A deforming event 
| |
This is a nice scoop by Glenn, who calls it a “transforming event.” WiFi everywhere, thanks to Earthlink and it’s Boingo Wireless spin-off. But::::: only for Windows clients: |
| |
By requiring client software, initially available only for Windows, Boingo offers a variety of features in one bundle: single user login, WEP key management, Wi-Fi network profile management, preferred network priority, VPN (virtual private network) service to Boingo’s public servers, quality of service (QoS) tracking, and connection logging. |
| |
Boingo also throws in authenticated SMTP mail service, which allows outbound email service anywhere on the Internet. |
| |
Excuse me for saying this truly sucks. |
| |
This launch will most likely transform Wi-Fi public space access from a niche market to a national infrastructure and hasten the integration with cellular networks. |
| |
No, it will create a big private WiFi space for Boingo customers with special client software that only Boingo provides. |
| |
What’s wrong with the way WayPort and MobileStar and the others do it now (including whatever the outfit is that provides service at Mariott hotels), which is with DHCP and a browser-based sales & authentication scheme? With those guys you just set your laptop (or whatever) up for wireless DHCP, fire up a browser, go through a pay-in and/or login routine (if you’re already paid up) in your browser window, and bang: you’re on the Net, ready to do whatever you like (including your own damn SMTP and POP mail). |
| |
Here’s what’s wrong with it: there’s no lock-in. It’s just a service. And if you’re AOL or Microsoft or Earthlink, it isn’t enough just to provide a service. You need to own the user by owning the client. The user is a steer that isn’t yours without your brand on its hide. |
| |
These guys still see the Net as nothing more than a convenient transport system for their own private online services. They constantly want to to fence off their own green pastures in the midst of the Net’s wide open spaces. And they think they can only do that with a locked-in client: |
| |
A Macintosh version of the connection software is planned for 2002, but the company did not want to issue a prediction for delivery. (Dayton himself is a committed Macintosh user.) |
| |
I’m a Mac user too. Also Linux. But so the fuck what? Why should the system care? The client shouldn’t matter. If it can connect by DHCP over a WiFi link and run a browser, it should be ready to use the Web anywhere, anytime. Earthlink deserves good PR for rolling out a big-ass WiFi service. They deserve a chorus of raspberries for making it a lock-in strategy. |
[Doc Searls Weblog]
