Short Take: Cisco pushes Net access in airports, hotels

Cisco Systems launched an effort today at the Comdex computer industry trade show to let mobile workers access the Internet and corporate networks from airports, convention centers and hotels. Dubbed "Cisco Internet Mobile Office," the company is culling expertise from the likes of CAIS Internet, Concourse Communications Group, EDS and iPass, among others. The initiative includes Cisco technology as well as third-party tools. It is scheduled to be used initially at the JFK International and LaGuardia airports in New York and Newark International airport in New Jersey. As a result, Internet users will receive a consolidated bill no matter what service provider they use, according to Cisco executives.