Proxim Wireless is exploring possible strategic alternatives for its Harmonix Division, including already finding a favored, but undisclosed, bidder. A division of Proxim’s Terabeam subsidiary, Harmonix develops millimeter wave systems, sub-systems and components for military and non-military governmental units and for Proxim’s Gigalink 60 GHz and 70-80 GHz radios.
Proxim said Aug. 13 the components business of the Harmonix Division is not core to Proxim’s primary business, which primarily focuses on end-to-end broadband wireless systems that deliver voice, video, data and mobility solutions. In addition, Proxim develops the GigaLink line of radios, a family of point-to-point wireless bridges offering short- and medium-range outdoor links for Fast Ethernet (125 Mbps), OC-3/STM-1 (155 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1.25 Gbps) interfaces.
Proxim currently believes that a sale of the Harmonix Division potentially could be accomplished by late September.
Harmonix was acquired by TeraBeam in 2002. A pioneer in the WLAN space, Proxim was a leading seller of corporate wireless LAN hardware throughout the 1990s, well before Wi-Fi was a household term. But in recent years, the company struggled with competition against Cisco Systems, Symbol Technologies and myriad start-ups.
After filing for bankruptcy in 2005, Proxim was acquired by YDI, the parent company of TeraBeam. By 2007, Terabeam changed its corporate name to Proxim Wireless.
