Microsoft, Toyota to introduce cloud computing into cars

Lead: Motley Fool, American science and technology blogger Aranava De (Arunava De), writes that Microsoft is working with Toyota to develop a High-tech onboard digital information and communications system. With this deal, Microsoft will not only be the first to launch a diversified product in the automotive sector, but also further into the cloud computing field. The following is the full text of the article: as car prices and oil prices both rise, the car manufacturers to sell the selling point is not only to save oil, but also need to increase the provision of road driving information and other functions. At the moment, Microsoft is working with Toyota to speed up the process, with two companies developing high-tech on-board digital information and communications systems, the industry's so-called car networking (telematics). Microsoft will develop the system on the basis of Windows Azure cloud computing platform. There are already many car manufacturers offering similar services, one of the best-known is GM's OnStar (OnStar), which offers automatic car crash alarms, road aid, remote Unlock services, hands-free telephones, long-range vehicle diagnostics, and sync, a similar product that Microsoft designed for Ford earlier. It is interesting, however, that the difference between Microsoft and Toyota in developing new devices is that they can "talk" to each other, share information in the car, and so on, like the RAV4 EV and the Prius. So what is Microsoft's real motivation in this partnership? In the face of fierce competition from rival Apple, Microsoft may want to be the first to offer a wide range of products in the car market and cloud computing. Clearly, the game is wrestling with as much time as possible to control the end-user, and Microsoft wants to take a long-term advantage in this regard, but unfortunately it seems hard to conclude at the moment. Cloud computing is all about the need for more powerful cloud computing to work. Cloud computing has become the domain of many big companies, Microsoft's goal is very clear, that is, the automotive industry. With Apple already competing in the hardware sector, it may be wise for Microsoft to extend the cloud-computing platform Azure's tentacles to the auto industry. The current industry's cloud computing competition is not drastic, it is not just capitalization. In addition, more smart cars will be available in the coming years, plus Toyota's lead in the automotive industry, which Microsoft actually sees as a potential profit point for the future. Reshaping the image of a network based technology industry is the best way for Microsoft to stand out from the competition. Other customers of Microsoft's cloud computing products include 3M, Lockheed Martin, etc. However, the areas of cooperation between Microsoft and Toyota are related to the concept of embedded connectivity technology, and they may want to find out more in this area. Can you make a profit? So how does Microsoft benefit from this transaction? One of the features of this new smart-car technology is that it allows users to control and monitor driving data through smartphones, which Microsoft will certainly use for more business based on the Windows 7 mobile phone platform. In addition, the new business will allow Microsoft to further deepen the cloud computing area. Microsoft will no doubt benefit from this deal, as the demand for smarter, cleaner and high-tech cars increases year after week. (Jiangxue)