Intel announced agreements with government and industry in Taiwan intended to extend Taiwan’s position as a leading center for developing and deploying the world’s next generation of connected devices and related technologies.

Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini announced that Intel has signed an agreement with the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to jointly establish an enabling centre for Moblin, open source software and applications optimized for Intel Atom processor-based devices. New software and applications are needed to deliver a richer, on-the-go Internet experience on the next generation of connected devices including Atom-based mobile Internet devices, netbooks, nettops and in-vehicle-infotainment systems.

Otellini also announced that, subject to closing conditions, Intel’s global investment organization, Intel Capital, intends to invest NT$386 million (US$11.5 million) in Taiwanese carrier VMAX. Intel Capital’s intended investment and Intel’s accompanying business engagement will enable VMAX to deploy Taiwan’s first mobile WiMAX network, intended to be commercially available within the first half of next year.

With Intel and the MOEA’s support, the Moblin Enabling Center’s laboratory and its engineers will train and consult to device and software vendors, resulting in faster time to market for Moblin-based devices powered by Intel Atom processors.

Intel Capital’s intended investment in VMAX and Intel’s accompanying business engagement reflect its focus on accelerating the proliferation of WiMAX globally. More than 350 operators worldwide have deployed WiMAX networks. Through Intel Capital, Intel has invested in 30 WiMAX technology companies and service providers worldwide. Intel is a leading enabler of service providers as they deploy WiMAX, including Sprint and Clearwire in the United States, Packet 1 in Malaysia, UQ Communications in Japan, and others globally.

“WiMAX is a key component of Intel’s strategy to enable the truly mobile Internet,” said Otellini. “Intel Capital’s investment in VMAX positions it to deliver Taiwan’s first 4G wireless network.”

“The deployment of WiMAX networks and the integration of WiMAX into mobile devices will create a truly mobile and personalized Internet experience,” said Dr. C. K. Liu, chairman of VMAX. “With Intel Capital’s support, VMAX intends to become the first-mover in bringing the benefits of high-speed wireless broadband to Taiwan. VMAX intends to be the first to deploy a 2.5GHz WiMAX network in Asia Pacific.”