DETROIT, March 6, 2000 — Today at the SAE 2000 World Congress, Microsoft Corp. announced it is working with DENSO Corp., a worldwide leader in automotive navigation, to create next-generation devices for navigation and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications. Microsoft and DENSO will deliver powerful navigation and ITS products that will assist motorists in avoiding traffic jams, preserving the environment and increasing safety.
DENSO and Microsoft agree that as navigation systems evolve, the industry will benefit from an open platform environment like Microsoft® Windows® CE for Automotive. The current lack of standardization severely limits manufacturers from sharing development costs and leveraging technological advances that could benefit all consumers.
“Our automotive teams based in Redmond, Wash., and Japan have been working closely with DENSO to better understand what the automotive industry wants from its technology partners,”
said Bob McKenzie, product unit manager in the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft.
“As a result, Windows CE for Automotive is gaining momentum and manufacturers now have an automotive operating system designed to meet their current and future development plans.”
About Windows CE for Automotive
Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is an operating system built on Windows CE technology to make possible new categories of in-car computers that are capable of safely providing drivers and passengers with hands-free communication, access to personalized information on the Internet, the ability to summon emergency services and roadside assistance, and an array of convenience and entertainment applications. Windows CE for Automotive is an open platform, which allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It offers flexibility and choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and software components, as well as a large community of developers familiar with Windows CE development practices.
About DENSO
DENSO, a global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components, employs more than 72,000 in 25 countries, including Japan, where its international headquarters is located. Global sales total $14.5 billion. In North America, DENSO employs more than 13,000 at 21 companies. North American consolidated sales for 1999 are estimated at $3.6 billion.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
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