Cisco Systems is seeking ODM partners for the production of WiMAX CPE (customer premise equipment) products in Taiwan, in part to leverage the cluster of WiMAX suppliers on the island, according to sources in Taiwan's WiMAX industry.

Some Taiwan WiMAX hardware makers have received a RFQ (request for quotation) for CPE products from Cisco, said the sources, noting that the requested CPE products are needed for the WiMAX network contracts that Cisco has secured following its acquisition of base station maker Navini in October 2007.

However, the ODM orders to be placed by Cisco this time are for products to be shipped in 2009 or in the first half of 2010, the sources indicated.

Previously, Cisco seldom dealt with Taiwan makers on an ODM basis, noted the sources. Before, the company usually placed orders with EMS firms such as Foxconn Electronics, or on an OEM basis for products such as VoIP phones, the sources continued.

Source:DIGITIMES