The Austin area's emerging wireless industry took a giant leap forward on the global stage with the announcement that the Wi-Fi Alliance is moving its headquarters to Austin from Mountain View, California. Community and business leaders describe the move as a major win for the city and a momentum builder for economic development.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is "the" international trade association for wireless networking with more than 200 members from the world's leading technology companies. It was formed in 1999 to advance technology and certify the interoperability of wireless Internet products.

"This is the place that best meets our needs," says Frank Hanzlick, Managing Director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "Austin has so many assets to offer - outstanding talent, a place where there's already a lot of great things happening with wireless and the University of Texas. We wanted to be in city that is broadband-friendly and Wi-Fi-friendly. Austin is both. "

The Wi-Fi Alliance has certified more than 1,000 products at its testing labs in North America, Europe and Asia. Nearly all Wi-Fi products such as laptops, routers, and wireless cards display the Wi-Fi Alliance certification seal. Certification of Wi-Fi products enables users to seamlessly access wireless networks when moving from one location to another.