Ford Motor Company partnered with Microsoft to expand its connected car services to customers worldwide. The automaker’s cloud-based Ford Service Delivery Network will be powered by Microsoft Azure.
Ford re-established its partnership its partnership with Microsoft after its decision to dump the software giant’s Sync in-car computer system. The automaker selected BlackBerry’s QNX infotainment system to power its Sync 3. Ford made the decision after consumers were not satisfied with the original Sync in-car computer system, which was introduced in 2007.
Ford Service Delivery Network is a strategic approach
In a blog post, Microsoft said the partnership helps Ford prepare for the vehicle ownership experience of the future, and it allows the automaker to offer new ways for its customers to interact with their vehicles and stay connected all the time.
Sanjay Ravi , senior director of worldwide manufacturing at Microsoft said, “Through their Azure-powered Service Delivery Network, Ford is bringing the next generation of ownership experiences to the global market to make vehicle ownership simpler and more engaging through connected experiences.”
The Ford Service Delivery Network is a strategic approach to keep customers’ vehicles up-to-date. It also ensures that the cars will remain relevant throughout the ownership period. The network allows the addition and evolution of services easily.
The Ford Service Delivery allows the automaker to offer new connected features faster. It also provides flexibility for the future. Ford will start its customer deployment later this year.
The automaker will also expand the availability of MyFord and MyLincoln Mobile connected services with features such as scheduled remote start, vehicle finder, and vehicle status (fuel or charge level, tire pressure).
Partnership helps Ford unify multiple back end platforms
Microsoft Azure provides a common cloud platform for Ford to deliver services to customers worldwide. The software giant said the automaker would be able to send updates to ensure that its customers will receive the latest available technologies.
In addition, Microsoft Azure also offers Ford the scale and commitment to security to support its operations globally.
“The partnership helps Ford unify a multitude of back end platforms, and allows Ford to utilize Microsoft’s deep expertise across critical areas such as application development and data management and analysis,” said Ravi.