In recent weeks, Intel Corporation has started to publicly unveil the extent of its new global initiative designed to help communities use wireless technology and innovative applications to expand and improve municipal government services for businesses and citizens.

Dubbed the "Digital Communities" initiative, Intel is leading a diverse group of high-tech companies in the design and deployment of cutting-edge technology to enhance government efficiency, promote economic growth, foster greater community involvement and bridge the digital divide. To date, that effort has focused on 13 pilot or "proof-of-concept" cities that include Cleveland; Corpus Christi, Texas; Philadelphia; and Taipei, Taiwan.

"A couple of years ago, we launched the unwired initiative that changed the way information technology could be used in and out of the workplace, greatly increasing the productivity and flexibility of those environments," explained Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and general manager of Intel's Sales and Marketing Group. "I view the Digital Communities initiative as a layer on top of