Ford partners with Microsoft for connected car services

  • Mar 18, 2015
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Among the features that Ford plans to offer through its new Service Delivery Network is the ability to automatically update its new Sync 3 infotainment system wirelessly

Ford EcoSport

Ford had unveiled its new infotainment system called the ‘SYNC 3’ in December last year. Ford Motor had then chosen BlackBerry’s QNX technology to power its Sync 3 in-car technology platform over its longtime partner Microsoft. The American carmaker has, however, returned back to its old partner, Microsoft, to deliver cloud-based wireless updates to its connected cars.

Sync is the in-car infotainment platform Ford uses for its connected car, but the new service will be called the Ford Service Delivery Network, which will be powered by Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform.

Over-the-air updates allow carmakers to add functions and improve the performance of existing vehicles. That connectivity also means that software problems can be fixed without drivers having to visit the dealership, offering savings for manufacturers and convenience for customers.

Ford’s wireless updates will be available internationally from this year when it launches the first cars with its new SYNC 3 system. All these updates will come via Microsoft’s Azure cloud service.

The American carmaker states that its wireless updates would initially allow customers to download software patches for the audio, communications and some navigation functions, though map updates would have to wait.

Ford is not the first automaker to use the Azure platform. Four years ago, Microsoft and Toyota Motor Corp announced a cloud-services partnership around Azure. And in 2013, a similar deal was struck with Qoros, a unit of China's Chery Automobile.

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