The Portable Computer and Communications Association (PCCA), the leading not-for-profit association of organizations interested in working together to help create a vital, thriving industry in mobile computing, today announced the confirmation of speakers, participants and sessions for its quarterly symposium to be held April 23-24 in San Francisco, Calif.

The April 24 symposium, sponsored by Qualcomm, will focus both on how CDMA carriers are upgrading their networks to CDMA2000 1XRTT technology, and security mechanisms for wireless networks in general. Sessions will explore the capabilities and deployment of 1XRTT, the issues and solutions to using virtual private network (VPN) technology with wireless networks and security models for integrated WLAN and cellular networks. According to PCCA Chair Peter Rysavy, "Next generation cellular data and wireless security are two of the most important topics in mobile computing today, and this meeting will approach both at a technical level, simply not available in any other forum."

Participants will include AT&T Wireless, Cisco Systems, Ecutel, Ericsson, Flash Networks, IBM, Intel, Kyocera, Megisto Systems, MCCI, NetMotion Wireless, Outlook4Mobility, Qualcomm, Rysavy Research, Sierra Wireless, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless, Waterforest Consulting and Xybec Solutions. Additional companies may also be participating.

The April 23 workshop prior to the symposium will feature the Verizon Wireless CDMA2000 1XRTT network, known as The Verizon Wireless Express Network. Testing will emphasize VPN compatibility (as well as general connectivity) with this network. Sierra Wireless and Kyocera will also be showcasing wireless devices.

In addition, sessions will focus on the PCCA's ongoing efforts regarding wireless extensions to NDIS, sending AT commands to wireless modems via IP protocols, and wireless interoperability.