Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform helps Ola transform vehicles

Almost a year after announcing its connected vehicle platform, Microsoft has announced its partnership in India with the app-based cab hailing company Ola. Under the partnership, the cab-hailing company will access Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and productivity tools to enable predictive maintenance of vehicles and improve the passenger experience.

Besides the tech giant is a cloud provider to Ola, the cab-hailing application will also use Microsoft’s cloud computing service Microsoft Azure to power Ola Play.

In January this year, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Washington-headquartered company had announced the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform, a set of services built on the Microsoft Azure cloud and designed to empower auto manufacturers to create custom connected driving experiences.

“Today’s car is quickly becoming the ultimate computing device and together with Ola, we’re focused on providing more intelligent, connected and productive experiences to our customers,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “

He added that the combination of Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and our AI platform with Ola Play will deliver new customer experiences and business opportunities across the automotive ecosystem.

According to the company, productivity tools such as Office 365 and Skype come handy for Ola Play users, who can use it for business purposes. Besides, they can also use voice-assisted controls built using Microsoft Cognitive Services and Bot framework, in-car during their rides.

The company also believes that advanced telematics platform to transform the car into a high-performing, intelligent vehicle, capable of assessing fuel efficiency, engine performance, and driver performance. It will also enable smarter navigation and predict breakdown , enhancing safety and security.

“Globally, the auto industry is experiencing a seismic shift as the definition of automobiles is increasingly changing from gas-powered vehicles to technology-packed, connected devices. With Ola Play, we have already set the tone for connected vehicles in India; together with Microsoft, we can make the new platform available to a larger, global audience and unlock futuristic experiences for customers worldwide,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola.

In January, the company forged the first partnership with Renault-Nissan Alliance, which became the first auto manufacturer to commit to the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform.