The Bluetooth technology was developed by a group called the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which was established in May 1998.

Initially, there were only Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, IBM and Toshiba were involved in this venture. However, as the popularity and the widespread use of this new technology has increased in the past several years, almost every major telecommunications company has now joined the SIG as a participating member, bringing the total of contributing companies currently over 1,500.

The somewhat curious name for this new technology was inspired by the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, who was credited for unifying Denmark and Norway in the 10th century.

Although, the number of participating companies continues to grow, there are still a limited number of influencial companies that basically control the technology and its future development.

Current Bluetooth SIG Promoter Members:

• Agere Systems
• Ericsson Technology
• IBM Corporation
• Intel Corporation
• Microsoft Corporation
• Motorola, Inc.
• Nokia
• Toshiba Corporation