“The race is on among computer giants jockeying for position
within the emerging in-car computing market. Sun
Microsystems Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., announced on Monday
it had joined OnStar, General Motors Corp.’s in-car technology
division, in a joint development effort to build a Java-based
platform for running auto computer systems.”
“The announcement followed by one day Microsoft Corp.’s
unveiling of the third version of its Windows CE for Automotive
software. Earlier in the month, Palm Inc. PALM and auto supplier
Delphi Automotive Corp. were joining to offer Internet services in
cars.”
“The Java technology will be based on Sun’s Java 2 Micro Edition
platform, but will include new application programming interfaces
specific to automobile software, said Jim Destefano, strategic
marketing manager for automotive at Sun (stock: SUNW). For example,
the applications would include dashboard user interfaces and safety
systems that monitor and display information on a car’s engine,
tire pressure, and other mechanical data.”