Belgium-based SmartMove unveiled a fully functional end-to-end open software solution for the telematics pipeline during Convergence 2000. The Java-based SmartMove Open Telematics Framework single-platform is a neutral protocol.

"SmartMove provides all of the enabling software for open architecture telematics," said Wouter Piepers, Corporate & Marketing Communications Manager.

SmartMove's model consists of a tool kit for content and service delivery software development; communication and control center software to create, operate, and manage the telematics pipeline; and in-vehicle components such as telematics terminal reference design architecture. "It's up to the OEM or first-tier supplier to model and shape the hardware (interface) for the end-user," said Steven Buytaert, Co-founder and co-CEO of SmartMove.

The in-vehicle installed SmartMove computing platform contains the SmartMove chip set, software components, and virtual machine. It is vehicle-linked via a bus and interfaces with the driver through voice activation, hardware buttons, or a screen display.

SmartMove's approach integrates all of the software solutions needed for telematics participants: the service providers, the service aggregators (such as OnStar or Wingcast), and the end-users. "We believe that services and information delivery to home and vehicle networks will be organized by means of one common platform," noted Buytaert.

Kami Buchholz