As an OEM engineer responsible for integrating 802.11 wireless capability into a product, should you make the technology? Or, buy it? It's vital you consider these distinct options carefully, because the approach you take will ultimately determine a product's cost-to-make, time-to-market and profitability.

Basically, the Make Vs. Buy Debate splits into three avenues:

1. You can develop your wireless connectivity from scratch.
2. You can purchase an off-the-shelf radio board (e.g. mini-PCI or PC card) and develop the rest of the wireless technology yourself.
3. You can buy and deploy an embedded, integrated wireless module.

If you decide to develop your own wireless connectivity, keep in mind that you're in for a highly complex development process - one that can take more than a year and entails substantial financial risk. You need to take the following key points into consideration if you choose the in-house development route:

• Do you already have in place an expert RF/wireless engineering team? If not, do you have the resources and budget to quickly assemble a team?
• Do you truly have the time, dollars and energy to develop 802.11 wireless technology in-house?
• Will you be producing your wireless-enabled product in a high enough volume that you'll be able to recoup your wireless development costs?

The magnitude of the in-house wireless connectivity development process should now be fully apparent. So, let's temper that - let's take a look at the advantages you'll enjoy by deploying an embedded, integrated wireless module:

• An OEM engineer doesn't require networking technology or RF development expertise to deploy a drop-in wireless module.
• By utilizing an embedded wireless module, as opposed to developing wireless connectivity in-house, you'll cut by months the time it takes to deliver finished product to market.
• 802.11 module suppliers are geared to providing OEM engineers with a high level of technical support.

As you can see, the Make Vs. Buy Debate isn't something you should take lightly. Make sure you weigh all the options before you make your decision. Remember, your product's success depends on your good judgment.

Read more: Application Notes