CAIRO: Computer giant Intel has purchased the bulk of 4G Egyptian wireless firm SySDSoft's assets as part of its ongoing WiMax push. While the recent political unrest has caused many to think twice about investing in the Arab world's most populous country, Intel has gone ahead with its investment. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. SySDSoft, which is based in Cairo and has around 100 engineers in Egypt and the United States, will be merged into the Intel Mobile Communications division. The bulk of the company's work is dedicated to developing software and circuitry for 4G LTE mobile technology. “The acquisition of engineering and design talent from an Egypt-based company in the field of cutting-edge wireless and communication technology is the first of its kind for Intel in the Middle East […] The acquisition shows Intel's continued long-term strategic commitment to the region and its appreciation of its young, growing talent pool,” said Intel Capital president Arvind Sodhani. Yet while the decision comes at an important time for Egypt, the investment has little to do with “strategic commitment” to Egypt and much more to do with Intel's commitment to the WiMax protocol, a competitor to DSL and cable internet. WiMax is capable of handling VoIP (voice over internet protocols) phone calls and Internet television, and it has far fewer challenges than does conventional broadband. BM
