Open platforms – the foundation for a successful telematics business case?

Open platforms have been discussed for years, in the telematics and M2M space. They have always promised shorter development cycles, software re-use, a broad developer base and a way out from being dependant on one single supplier. But recently, I have feeling that there has been a new spice added to the mix, the long awaited possibility to make money by selling services.

Apple set the norm by the fantastic success of the Apple Appstore for the iPhone, iPod and now iPad. This has not given Apple’s competitors any rest, and we see “appstores” coming from every major device manufacturer today. You could of course argue that what Apple has created, is a long way from an open platform, as Apple owns all the IPRs themselves, and they are the only provider of the hardware. But where we cannot argue, is the fact they have managed to create an Ecosystem that allows third party developers the possibility to create, and perhaps most importantly, earn money on developing and selling applications.

Most open platform initiatives until now, seem to be driven from a technical viewpoint. One early and successful example is of course OSGi, which today can be found in a wide range of telematics and M2M applications, like automotive, eHealth and smart homes.  OSGi solves many of the things we want from an open platform, but it does not create an open marketplace by itself. Another more recent example is Genivi, which is quite firmly stuck in the Automotive area. Genivi attempts to create a common base platform for Infotainment systems. They have a number of strong supporters like BMW, GM, Intel, Magneti Marelli and many more. If the momentum stretches far enough to create a common marketplace and ecosystem will be interesting to watch.

Because that is really the key point as I see it today. If you want an open platform for the internal benefits of shorter development cycles, lower costs etc, then go ahead and use what is available. But if you also want to help create a new ecosystem, where developers are motivated to write new, innovative applications, I think we need something more. It will not be enough if every car OEM has their own “open platform and appstore”, we will not reach critical mass. I think that we need some sort of common standard for this. An application developed for car brand X should also work in car brand Y. Otherwise, we run the risk of leaving the market to the Apples and Googles of the world. Why should I as a consumer pay once again for an application in my car, when I already have it on my iPhone or Android phone? Nokia’s Terminal Mode hints at what is possible with this type of solution. Or perhaps even more interestingly, will Googles “open platform” Android be installed in the next car you buy, giving you access to Android Market?

No one knows the future, but regarding open platforms, I do know that we are in for a couple of exciting years to come! Some will fail, some will succeed, but you can be sure that the car you buy 10 years from now, will either have an on-board platform that lets you download the apps you want, or have an interface to your smartphone that lets you do the same thing.

//Per Lindberg

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