Ford Will Use Microsoft Cloud To Update Next-Generation Cars

Ford Motor Co. has announced plans to automatically update its cars’ infotainment systems using Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. According to Don Butler, Ford’s executive director of connected vehicle and services, the automaker will start selling cars this year featuring a computer system that can be automatically updated anytime the car connects to a Wi-Fi network.

Through this partnership, Microsoft’s Azure global cloud-based network will support Sync 3, Ford’s latest infotainment system. Starting this summer, Sync 3 will replace MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch on some of its vehicles. All of the automaker’s vehicles in the U.S. will have switched to Sync 3 by the end of 2016, and all vehicles globally will have the new system by 2018.

Sync 3 has a built-in Wi-Fi receiver, which will allow it to accept Microsoft updates remotely. Although the current MyFord Touch system can be updated, it requires either bringing the vehicle into a dealership or using a USB stick. The new cloud-based system will provide a much easier method for updates that are sent wirelessly and seamlessly. Butler explains that drivers won’t even know that their software received an update until afterward when they get a notification that the upgrade has been completed.

“We couldn’t do this without the cloud,” said Butler. “It’s really the only way to do it. Otherwise, we’d still need people to make a physical connection either at the dealer or through a stick.”

Zeus Kerravala, an analyst with ZK Research, explains that many car owners don’t regularly update their in-car systems when they have to go to a dealership or get a USB stick. The cloud-based service will solve this problem, and will make it easier for systems that require updates to work properly.

“I think it will be something that’s expected eventually,” said Kerravala. “Using the cloud is smart as it’s the only scalable way to do real-time, over-the-air updates.”

Other auto manufacturers are also moving to using over-the-air updates and cloud services to upgrade car owners’ infotainment, safety and powertrains. Tesla Motors has been a leader in this regard, using the Model S’s embedded wireless connection to perform updates to the car, including making some recall repairs and improving the drive and performance of the vehicle.

Ford’s cloud-based service will enable to company to gather additional data about how owners use their vehicles. Butler explains that this data, “will increase our ability to understand the user experience inside the vehicle…with the informed permission of customers.”

For example, the vehicle data that is acquired wirelessly through the cloud could be used by Ford to remotely diagnose mechanical problems, or to alert owners and dealers about scheduled maintenance. Another possibility is to use this data to provide insurers with information about owners’ driving habits and vehicle usage.

Butler also explained that Ford’s cloud network will allow the company to integrate a broader array of mobile services both inside and away from the vehicle. Due to connected-car technology, car manufacturers are now able to include such services as car sharing and pay-per-use rentals in their business models.

“There will be revenues associated with that,” said Butler, also suggesting that third-party developers “may come up with new ways to leverage the data and create new opportunities to deliver services” to vehicles.

Although Butler declined to say whether or not Ford plans to develop a concierge/communication service that is similar to General Motors’ OnStar, he did say that the company’s new partnership with Microsoft “positions us to be able to deliver a broad set of connectivity-related services.”