Ford introduces cloud-based vehicle monitoring

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Highlighting the ever-expanding applications of cloud computing, auto manufacturer Ford recently announced owners of its upcoming Focus Electric will be able to monitor their vehicle's performance and controls through the cloud.

According to a Ford press release, owners of the all-electric Focus, which is expected to be released by the end of the year, will be able to connect to the vehicle through the MyFord Mobile smartphone app, which enables users to send and receive data about their car.

Connecting to the cloud will afford owners the ability to control vehicle settings from virtually anywhere in the world - enabling them to monitor and control charge settings, locate charge stations, plan trips and control temperature settings. Additionally, owners will be able to locate their car using their mobile phones and receive alerts about the vehicle's charge settings.

"This technology will keep drivers connected to vital information, enhancing their electric car ownership experience," said Ford Connected Services product and business manager Ed Pleet.

At the recent Cloud Connect conference in California, Cisco CTO Lew Tucker predicted the cloud would eventually move beyond PCs and mobile phones to connect with household appliances and automobiles, CRN reports. Ford's new service is an example of how this shift is already occurring.