Through the Microsoft Auto platform, Microsoft provides the most advanced, innovative and simple to use in-vehicle infotainment and multimedia solutions,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Niveditha Srinivasan. “Through this platform, partners can quickly react to consumer requirements and develop offerings to deliver improved customer relationships coupled with enhanced understanding and effective fulfillment of customer needs.”

Microsoft’s highly skilled and dedicated team of engineers work directly with both car makers and telematics solution providers to understand their requirements. The direct interface between these partners and the company’s engineering, sales, and marketing teams allows Microsoft to develop state-of-the-art, next-generation platforms and devices.

Microsoft Auto seamlessly unifies the vehicle with both the current and future popular portable electronic devices and services. Drivers gain control by being able to use their voice or controls on steering wheel to conveniently operate their mobile phones, portable media players, and other devices. Microsoft Auto provides the in-car experience to satisfy the most demanding customers. Moreover Microsoft together with Fiat have been first in bringing a USB port factory-fitted into a passenger car in order to connect the car with many portable devices of today and by this fulfill the needs of the consumers in the best possible way.

Although infotainment is regarded as a non-critical feature in cars, device reliability connectivity and quality are key factors influencing automotive manufacturers’ brand reputation. In this context, Microsoft’s strength is its distinctive development and testing process.

“The company helps car manufacturers innovate by enabling them to create services on a standardized telematics platform and enables them to improve their customer relationships,” said Srinivasan. “With solutions such as Blue&Me Nav, which has been developed by Microsoft and Fiat on the Microsoft Auto platform, drivers can connect to a variety of services ranging from pay-as-you-drive insurance to concierge services available at the touch of a button. Ultimately, Microsoft enables manufacturers to standardise their solutions and shorten time to market, improve customer service and loyalty, attract new clients, increase production and reduce costs by benefitting from the power of the Microsoft Auto platform.”

These services can also help car manufacturers promote brand loyalty by providing real-time traffic information and weather information. Hence, Microsoft not only offers value-added services directly to its customers, but it also helps manufacturers strengthen customer relationships.

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About Microsoft Automotive Business Unit

Since 1995, Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit has worked collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. By extending its knowledge of software for use in the car to Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Microsoft is able to deliver the easiest, most convenient and most productive software designed specifically to help people take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go. In addition to offering consumers an alternative means to experience in-car connectivity, Microsoft will continue to provide the automotive industry with its advanced telematics platform, Windows Automotive. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 61 pre-installed and aftermarket devices from 18 world-class automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Citroën, Clarion Co. Ltd., DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo. More information about Windows Mobile for Automotive and Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsautomotive.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

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