Last week we reported about Bloomberg claiming that Ford is planning to switch from Windows to Blackberry’s QNX OS for their next-generation Sync system. The report said that Ford is expecting that the QNX based SYNC system will be less expensive than licensing Microsoft technology and will improve the flexibility and speed of the next Sync system.
However, the real story seems to be different. Speaking to CNET at MWC, Ford managing director Pin van der Jagt revealed that
Ford is always questioning and evaluating suppliers and in the same process they are re-evaluating the Microsoft deal as part of normal business.
“Sync 1 and 2 was done with Microsoft but we are not married with them. For us, it’s a supplier, so every time we keep evaluating is it the right partner,” he said.
This does not mean Microsoft is out and QNX is in. He commented the following on the Bloomberg’s report,
“That is a rumor. What we are in the process of, we are spec’ing out our requirements for the next generation: what we want to do, what features we want to add, what functionality. Then you go through a normal supply selection process. Those requirements for the next generation get sent out to everybody, to Microsoft, to Apple, to everybody, and they come back with offers… We go to evaluation and make a choice and that choice hasn’t been made yet.”
Hopefully, Microsoft will be able to satisfy Ford’s needs with Windows.
Source: CNET