Bosch, Microsoft join forces to develop vehicle software platform

BERLIN – Bosch will work with Microsoft on a vehicle software platform, it said Thursday, as it strives to get a foothold in the burgeoning market for electromobility and automated driving technologies.

By using cloud technology, the software platform will ensure that vehicles’ control modules and computers can get software throughout their lives, the German automotive supplier said.

The technology is based on Microsoft Azure and includes software modules from Bosch, he said, adding that they plan to deploy the software platform in vehicle prototypes by the end of 2021.

“We are thus creating the conditions for wireless updates to work just as smoothly and easily on vehicles as on smartphones,” said Bosch Managing Director Markus Heyn.

The companies will also work together to adapt existing software tools so that vehicle manufacturers and suppliers can simplify and speed up their own software updates.

Last week, German automaker Volkswagen AG announced a similar partnership with Microsoft to use its cloud computing services to streamline its software development efforts for self-driving cars. Last month, GM announced a similar Microsoft relationship.

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