Microsoft upping automotive software to include other services

Jan. 1, 2020
Microsoft Corp. is expanding its automotive offering beyond software to include services. Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit (ABU) now features the Microsoft Live Search for Devices, the first of many new services for its automotive platforms. Live

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Microsoft Corp. is expanding its automotive offering beyond software to include services.

Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit (ABU) now features the Microsoft Live Search for Devices, the first of many new services for its automotive platforms. Live Search for Devices enables partners to develop applications, including local search services, for in-vehicle infotainment, the software maker reports. Live Search for Devices will be available for easier implementation in Microsoft's automotive platforms, Windows Automotive and future releases of Microsoft Auto. The announcement comes while new leadership will be taking over the ABU.

As one of the fastest-growing businesses at Microsoft, Microsoft Auto and Windows Automotive help partners reduce time-to-market, control costs and provide flexible solutions for in-vehicle infotainment, according to the company. Best known for providing the software that powers Ford SYNC in North America, Fiat Auto Group's Blue&Me in Europe and South America, and state-of-the-art navigations solutions developed by world-leading Japanese manufacturers, Microsoft is a committed software technology partner for the automotive industry. ABU is developing a platform targeted for release in 2009 that enhances Microsoft's current in-vehicle products into an integrated automotive solution.

In what is a challenging time for the automotive industry, Microsoft states that it is increasing its investment in the Automotive Business Unit by more than 30 percent this fiscal year. The commitment includes expanding its engineering resources for the in-vehicle software platforms that deliver new levels of partner innovation and create engaging, exciting experiences for consumers.

As Microsoft accelerates its development of in-vehicle platforms and enters into a new era of growth with software-plus-services solutions, ABU is transitioning from incubation to a maturing business with volume growth and expansion. As Martin Thall, who has guided ABU through the start-up period, moves on to take on a new challenge, Tom Phillips has been named the general manager of ABU to lead the business in the next phase.

"I want to thank Martin for the phenomenal job he has done. His leadership and business-development acumen were exactly what ABU needed to establish the platform and break through to the next level," says Tom Gibbons, corporate vice president, Specialized Devices and Applications Group (SDA) at Microsoft. "As the business evolves, we look to Tom Phillips, with his expertise in bringing new software and services businesses to maturity, to continue to grow and expand the business."

Phillips has been with Microsoft for 16 years, including senior roles in software development, hardware development and field sales. Since joining Microsoft, Phillips has shipped more than 20 products, including a number of platforms, and has been responsible for bringing several new businesses to maturity. In his new role, Phillips will lead both ABU and SDA's Microsoft Global Services Group.

For more information, visit www.microsoft.com/auto.

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