BlackBerry and AWS have entered into a multi-year agreement to jointly develop a new BlackBerry intelligent vehicle data platform.
Announced this morning, BlackBerry IVY is a cloud-based software platform that enables a developer to securely access and analyze vehicle sensor data, allowing the developer to gain actionable insights. It solves the various specialized data formats generated by vehicle sensors from different manufacturers and analyzes the data through machine learning, reducing development complexity and accelerating time-to-market.
Another advantage is that IVY provides developers with a way to share data to develop services across multiple vehicle models. BlackBerry says this is superior to building specialized systems for individual vehicle models, which is common practice in today’s manufacturing environment. Data can then be shared via the platform’s API, while providing complete control over who can access that data in what nuance.
IVY combines BlackBerry’s QNX embedded system with Amazon’s cloud services. It runs locally in the vehicle but can be managed through the cloud. It also supports multiple vehicle operating systems and multi-cloud deployments for compatibility between different manufacturers.
“Data and connectivity are opening new avenues for innovation in the automotive industry, and BlackBerry and AWS share a common vision to provide automakers and developers with better insights so that they can deliver new services to consumers,” said John Chen, CEO of BlackBerry, in the press release.
“This software platform promises to bring an era of invention to the in-vehicle experience and help create new applications, services and opportunities without compromising safety, security, or customer privacy,” he added.
In its Dec. 1 press release, BlackBerry described a number of potential applications for IVY, including the delivery of feature suggestions based on driver behaviour and hazardous road conditions. Electric vehicle owners can choose to share their car’s battery information with third-party charging networks to book a charging connector. IVY can then analyze how these features are used and report to the development team.