Wi-Fi Alliance picks JiWire to manage Wi-Fi Zone directory: I hadn't heard much in recent months and even years about the Wi-Fi Alliance's continued work to brand Wi-Fi hotspots that meet certain standards with the Wi-Fi Zone moniker. In fact, there are nearly 2,500 locations in the U.S. out of many thousands more that meet those requirements. JiWire will manage their database of locations, found at wi-fi.jiwire.com and also marked within JiWire's own directory.
Is there a qualitative or even quantitative difference between Wi-Fi Zone hotspots and those without? Hard to say without performing one's own taste test. Just as the Intel Centrino Verified hotspot program helped hotspot operators to troubleshoot problems and produce more consistent results for Wi-Fi users, I expect the Wi-Fi Zone program has some similar benefits. Wi-Fi Zones have to use genuine Wi-Fi-certified equipment and have a relationship with the Wi-Fi Alliance to use the trademark.
(JiWire is an ongoing editorial partner with Wi-Fi Networking News, but we don't collaborate on directory partnerships.)