Microsoft and Toyota team up for cloud initiative

In an exciting move, Microsoft Corp and Toyota Motor Corp have announced they are to join forces to create and develop internet services for Toyota customers worldwide.

As part of the deal, the two firms will invest an estimated $12 million in Toyota Media Service - the part of the group which provides digital services to Toyota customers. The partnership plan to build a new cloud-based global network which will roll out 'telematics' applications to a range of Toyota cars.

The network will use Microsoft's Windows Azure cloud-based system and will provide features such as GPS, multi-media services and power-management to a number of Toyota vehicles. Using a cloud computing system like Windows Azure means that no bulky hardware or software will need to be installed in the Toyota vehicles themselves.

'Together, utilising Windows Azure and Microsoft's vast information infrastructure, we will boost the value of automobiles by making them 'information terminals,' moving beyond today's GPS navigation and wireless safety communications, while at the same time enhancing driver and traffic safety,' commented Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motors Corp.

He added, 'This new partnership between Microsoft and Toyota is an important step in developing greater future mobility and energy management for consumers around the world.'

It's thought the new systems could be featured in Toyota's new line of hybrid vehicles, which includes the new RAV E4 and plug-in Prius, from as early as next year. The partnership says it hopes to offer the services to all customers worldwide from 2015.

Many industry experts think the new partnership could mark a new phase in automobile production where car manufacturers regularly team up with technology giants as greater importance is placed on the interior functionalities of models. In fact, Google are already rumoured to be in talks with Chevrolet to update and improve Chevrolet's OnStar system which features in a number of their key models.