It’s official, automotive giant Toyota and software giant Microsoft have formed a strategic partnership that will see the development of the automaker’s next-generation global telematics (infotainment) system.
The new telematics system will be based on Microsoft’s Azure platform, which will eventually lead to a global cloud-based system by 2015, according to Electronista.
In order to create the partnership both Microsoft and Toyota will jointly invest about one billion yen, or roughly $12 million into Toyota Media Service Co., which is a subsidiary which develops Toyota’s telematics platforms. The first project will come in quick order as Toyota hopes to have a product in place for its 2012 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
As Electronista points out, Toyota aims to use the cloud-based system during the trials of the Toyota Smart Center pilot program, which is a smart-grid intended to reduce pollution. Toyota hopes that cloud-based computing from their telematics system will be able to improve efficient energy management.
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1.’Toyota to use…’ view
