IBM may be coming to the wireless party late, but analysts say its long-term strategy and broad experience could easily propel Big Blue past competitors.

Starting next quarter, the company will unveil a series of new wireless enhancements to go along with IBM_s successful ThinkPad line designed to catch competitors and move ahead of them. "It_s strategic for IBM, like everyone else, to go for wireless, but their problem is they want to have all the pieces in place before moving forward with new technologies," said Technology Business Research analyst Lindy Lesperance. In May, the company will debut notebooks containing the Portofino port, a connection for snapping in wireless modems, cameras and other devices. By the third quarter, IBM plans to sell a variety of new products for notebooks and Palm handhelds featuring Bluetooth, a radio frequency technology that simplifies wireless communication. With Bluetooth, for instance, a notebook does not need a wireless modem or independent wireless ISP account. Instead, data from the notebook can be sent by radio to a cell phone, which can then transmit the data. The computer maker also is working with third parties hoping to offer wireless Internet access and networking in airports and hotels.