Security fears mean Wi-Fi won't star at the Olympics
The International Olympic Committee doesn't believe wireless security is good enough for their IT set-up at Athens in 2004
The team designing and implementing the IT infrastructure for the 2004 Olympic Games will not be incorporating Wi-Fi into the networks they are building due to security concerns.
In an interview with News.com, Claude Philipps -- the man leading the project -- explained that the decision has been taken not to use 802.11b because those involved believe the technology is not secure enough.
"The IOC (International Olympic Committee) thinks -- and we agree -- that the security is not major enough to be used for such an event. I think the trend is in favour of wireless, and we'll be able to do that at some future games, but not now," said Philipps, chief technology integrator for Schlumberger, which has the contract to organise IT resources for the Olympics.
Philipps explained that security is a top priority for the Games organisers, as the networks will be carrying very sensitive information about both athletes and VIPs attending the competition.
