Microsoft and Nissan launch cloud partnership

Microsoft and Nissan announced a “strategic relationship” on Monday to develop a dealer management system for use in the Japanese automaker’s cars.

The two companies said the system would use the US technology group’s Microsoft Dynamics CRM software to develop tools to strengthen Nissan’s relationship with its customers, drive sales, and increase its global market share.

The system will use Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform, and take advantage of the US technology company’s public cloud-computing offerings to allow Nissan to connect with its customers.

Nissan said that the new system would initially be rolled out at Nissan’s dealership networks in Japan and “other strategic regions across the globe”. The two companies gave no details on when they planned to begin implementing the system, or in which overseas markets.

They said they also planned to study how Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Windows Azure might work together as a platform to deploy applications across the carmaker’s global network and standardise its information architecture on the cloud.

The collaboration is the latest of several between a carmaker and a technology company as both industries seek to bring more of the connectivity available in mobile devices into automobiles.

Microsoft has described cars as the third fastest-growing connected device after mobile phones and tablet computers. The US company worked with Ford Motor to develop the Sync in-car information and entertainment system launched in the US automaker’s vehicles from 2007.

Carmakers are eager not to be left behind by the digital revolution, and are looking for ways to enhance their customers’ relationships with dealers at a time when their profits are under pressure from the economic slowdown.

The industry is also looking to develop technology to help drivers and dealers keep tabs on battery power and other service issues special to new-generation electric and plug-in hybrid cars.

Nissan is aiming to improve customer loyalty and its dealers’ performance as part of “Power 88”, the six-year performance plan announced by Carlos Ghosn, the carmaker’s chief executive, in June.

Nissan is developing four electric vehicles, an area in which it and its French partner Renault are seeking to build a technological lead over rivals.

Source: ft.com