In-vehicle infotainment gets boost from new Microsoft exFAT file system deals

Microsoft Corp. announced patent licensing agreements with automotive technology companies Audiovox, Continental, Harman and LG Automotive for the use of its Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) file system.

The advanced capabilities of Microsoft’s exFAT technology allow automotive technology companies to meet increasing consumer demand for connected cars that let drivers and passengers transport media between all their favorite devices — even their automobiles. exFAT is the modern file system of choice due to its ability to facilitate large files for audiovisual media and enable seamless data portability between electronic devices. According to a report from Accenture, the in-vehicle infotainment and telematics global market is predicted to exceed $80 billion by 2014. exFAT supports the high-capacity SDXC memory card standard, which is increasingly used for music, pictures, videos and maps for navigation systems and USB-based storage devices.

“The exchange of intellectual property makes it possible for companies to bring great ideas to market quickly, and keep pace with customer demand,” said David Kaefer, general manager of intellectual property licensing, Microsoft. “We believe collaborative licensing brings the best value to consumers.”

Tuxera, the leading interoperable file systems provider, works with the automotive industry to implement and support exFAT technology across a range of in-vehicle products that require highly-reliable file system solutions. The company understands the importance of increased in-vehicle entertainment in today’s automotive market.

“Connectivity is a critical component of in-car infotainment, and exFAT technology is the glue that makes it possible,” said Viet-Anh Le, Tuxera’s automotive business manager. “Licensing exFAT ensures consumers will experience the best possible interoperability with next-generation infotainment solutions.”

Microsoft previously announced a similar exFAT licensing agreement with BMW, as well as with companies in a variety of other industries including Aspen Avionics, Panasonic Corp., Research In Motion, SANYO Electric Company Ltd., Sony Corp. and Canon Inc.

Microsoft’s commitment to intellectual property collaboration

Microsoft offers flexible intellectual property (IP) licensing programs that give companies access to many of the foundational technologies in its products, allowing those companies to build devices, applications and services that work seamlessly with one another.

Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. More information about Microsoft’s IP licensing program is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing, and information related to Microsoft’s exFAT licensing program is available at http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/en/us/intellectualproperty/iplicensing/programs/exfatfilesystem.aspx.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.