ITGumbo: spicing IT up

Earlier this month, AT&T entered the Israeli technology market for the first time with its purchase of Interwise. Less than two weeks later, AT&T has gotten a head start on the quest for the FCC's prized wireless spectrum-- the 700-megahertz frequency -- with today's announcement that it will acquire a chunk of it from the private holding company, Aloha Partners, Ltd.

While the headlines two days ago about AT&T's purchase of Interwise mainly focused on the telecommunications company's late entrance into the Israeli market--other companies such as Microsoft, Cisco and Intel have been in Israel for years -- what Interwise actually does seems to be a lot more significant now combined with the wireless spectrum purchase.

According to the Interwise website, Interwise Connect delivers "unlimited voice, Web and video conferencing for the enterprise" and is geared towards mid-to large- sized enterprises, giving them the multiple conferencing tools they need, in one. The tools included help with voice conferences, Web meetings, virtual training, Webcasts, broadcasts and recordings. The 700-megahertz frequency will allow data-intensive services such as video and Internet service to be carried over long distances and will easily penetrate building walls.

By combining the benefits that Interwise Connect has with the Web and the power of the 700-megahertz band, it seems that AT&T is not just priming itself for the spectrum auction, but is also furthering its position as a leader in cost-efficient all-in-one communication/data services for businesses while doing so.