Ola ties up with Microsoft for connected car platform
, ET Bureau|
Updated: Nov 07, 2017, 02.40 PM IST
BENGALURU: Homegrown cab hailing application Ola has partnered with US headquartered tech giant Microsoft to build a connected vehicle platform where the former will access the company’s cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and productivity tools to enable predictive maintenance of vehicles and improve passenger experience.
Besides the tech giant being a cloud provider to Ola, the cab hailing application will also use Microsoft’s cloud computing service Microsoft Azure to power Ola Play.
According to the cab hailing application, through this strategic partnership they expect it to improve Ola’s vehicle diagnostics, advanced navigation and predictive maintenance of the vehicles to enhance the drivers experience, improve the rider’s experience with cloud based infotainment and provide auto manufacturers with customised digital experiences for their customers.
“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. “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.”
The company claims Ola Play users will be able to use productivity tools such as Office 365 and skype for business purposes, as well as voice-assisted controls built using Microsoft Cognitive Services and Bot framework, in-car during their rides. They expect the 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 breakdowns, 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.
According to the company, the platform is designed to continually collect, analyze, and learn from high volumes of data and user behaviour, enabling customised offerings to shape the nature of service and business models, such as usage-based insurance, amongst others. Microsoft and Ola together plan to build safety features and advanced driver assistance services, as well.
Besides the tech giant being a cloud provider to Ola, the cab hailing application will also use Microsoft’s cloud computing service Microsoft Azure to power Ola Play.
According to the cab hailing application, through this strategic partnership they expect it to improve Ola’s vehicle diagnostics, advanced navigation and predictive maintenance of the vehicles to enhance the drivers experience, improve the rider’s experience with cloud based infotainment and provide auto manufacturers with customised digital experiences for their customers.
“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. “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.”
The company claims Ola Play users will be able to use productivity tools such as Office 365 and skype for business purposes, as well as voice-assisted controls built using Microsoft Cognitive Services and Bot framework, in-car during their rides. They expect the 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 breakdowns, 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.
According to the company, the platform is designed to continually collect, analyze, and learn from high volumes of data and user behaviour, enabling customised offerings to shape the nature of service and business models, such as usage-based insurance, amongst others. Microsoft and Ola together plan to build safety features and advanced driver assistance services, as well.
