CES 2009: Cisco Bows Licensing Program At CES

By Colleen Bohen -- TWICE, January 8, 2009

Las Vegas — Cisco discussed its new Cisco Device Connections Program and two new consumer-targeted devices during its press conference here this week during International CES.

The Cisco Device Connections Program is a licensing program that would allow various device manufacturers to use the Home Network Administration Protocol (HNAP) in a variety of network connected devices.

“Nobody’s home is an ecosystem of one company’s product,” said Ned Hooper, senior VP, corporate development and consumer group, as he explained the need for the program.

“Proliferating a standard enables an entire industry to grow faster,” Hooper added.

On the product side, Cisco discussed its recently released Wireless Home Audio line of products and it Media Hub, both released under the Linksys by Cisco.

The Wireless Home Audio system utilizes Wireless-N technology to deliver audio to any room in a home using a variety of devices. The system works with a variety of integrated Internet services such as Rhapsody, Audiolounge and RadioTime. An optional docking station enables content from an iPod to be used in the system as well.

Finally, the Media Hub is said to gather, organize and present all the digital video, photos and music that consumers have spread amongst various devices throughout the home.

Both new consumer products became available in the first quarter.