Without question, the once proprietary approach of terminal manufacturers to radio frequency data communication (RFDC) systems is changing. To begin, the 802.11 standard now allows true interoperability between terminals from different manufacturers. In addition, mainstream Windows-based operating systems are replacing DOS-based systems.

With that in mind, terminal supplier LXE (www.lxe.com) is shifting to fit the new mold and supply terminals that operate in completely open systems. Bill Roeder, senior vice president of product development, says the company's latest terminals support a backbone independent approach and can be used with a range of access points to link terminals to a wired network.

Jim Childress, LXE's president, explained that LXE's approach supports not just open devices such as terminals but full wireless systems. He went on to say that 80% of the company's wireless system installs today are 802.11 compatible.

The latest lineup of LXE terminals includes the vehicle-mounted VX4 and the handheld MX3-CE. The operating system of the former is Windows 98 or 2000 while the latter relies on he Windows CE 3.0 system, said Roeder. In addition, the terminals are 802.11 compliant.