Financial terms were not disclosed.
Intel has invested in seven such companies since it announced plans in October to spend $150 million on companies developing so-called Wi-Fi, or wireless networking, technology. More than $25 million has been invested in at least 15 companies since 1999, the Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said.
The latest recipients of Intel's largess are RovingIP.net, Vivato, Broadreach Networks and Pronto Networks.
Bellevue, Wash.-based rovingIP.net offers inter-network services to wireless service providers and network operators. Vivato is a Wi-Fi switch manufacturer based in San Francisco. London-based Broadreach provides "pay-as-you-go" wireless broadband Internet access. Pronto, of Pleasanton, Calif., provides carrier-class operations support systems to help Wi-Fi service providers establish so-called "hot spots," or places with wireless equipment.
The companies' products and services will complement Intel's Centrino wireless package for laptops, which will be unveiled on Wednesday. Centrino is composed of the Banias microprocessor, an accompanying set of chips and wireless networking software.
In December, Intel, AT&T, IBM and two venture firms formed a new company, Cometa Networks, which will create a nationwide network of wireless broadband hotspots in stores, restaurants, hotels, gasoline stations and other locations.
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