IBM Joins BMW’s CarData Platform Project

IBM Corp. has joined as a pilot partner for BMW’s new CarData open data platform.

CarData will enable BMW owners to share telematics data from their vehicles easily and securely with third parties of their choice. Owners also can use the platform to remotely monitor information captured by BMW’s ConnectedDrive feature about their own vehicles.

IBM says it has integrated its own Bluemix cloud platform and Watson artificial intelligence tool with CarData. The two assets can be used by such third parties as repair shops and insurance companies to tailor in-car features and services for BMW customers.

IBM notes that Bluemix gives app developers access to a broad array of existing services from which to develop new offerings. IBM also will act as a “neutral” server for providers that wish to interact with vehicles multiple manufacturers.