Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford, Microsoft Developing Cloud-Based Connectivity Service

Ford is renewing a partnership with Microsoft to expand its car connectivity services with a new cloud-based network called Microsoft Azure, after cutting ties last year with the software giant.

by Staff
March 17, 2015
Ford, Microsoft Developing Cloud-Based Connectivity Service

Photo courtesy of Microsoft.

1 min to read


Photo courtesy of Microsoft.

Ford is renewing a partnership with Microsoft to expand its car connectivity services with a new cloud-based network called Microsoft Azure, after cutting ties last year with the software giant.

The Ford Service Delivery Network will be an update to the Sync 3 infotainment system wirelessly, reports Reuters. Microsoft Azure will provide owners the ability to start their cars remotely, find their vehicle, update car software over-the-air and get a vehicle status report about fuel or charge level and tire pressure, says Microsoft.

Ad Loading...

Data collected from the cloud will also help Ford gather information about how drivers are using their vehicles, Ford's Executive Director of Connected Vehicle and Services Don Butler told Reuters.

The technology will also provide information about when it might be time for car maintenance.

Ford introduced Sync 3 in December of last year. The automaker announced the new infotainment system would replace the MyFord Touch. When Ford rolled out its new BlackBerry QNX communications system that can be found in 2015 and 2016 models, it cut ties with Microsoft.

Some of the features from the Sync 3 update include a touch screen similar to a smartphone allowing drivers to swipe and zoom in on maps, an improved 911 Assist system, and a more conversational voice search.

More Operations

Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
SponsoredJuly 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
A car dealership with added inscription "Every fleet vehicle eventually becomes local."
Operationsby Chris BrownJuly 15, 2026

Your Local Dealer Knows More Than You Think

Your local dealer can provide an information advantage that extends well beyond courtesy deliveries.

Read More →
Portrait of Austin Schutte, founder and CEO of Anew Solutions, featured in Automotive Fleet's Fleet Meets series highlighting his career, leadership philosophy, and fleet industry insights.
Operationsby Faith HowellJuly 14, 2026

Fleet Meets: Austin Schutte

Here are some industry insights, personal touches, and words of advice from the CEO and Founder of Anew Solutions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of Team Brown building soap box derby
Operationsby Chris BrownJuly 13, 2026

Soap Box Derby Challenge: What’s Powering Team Brown

The car is coming together, the students are solving real build problems, and the fleet industry is helping push Team Brown toward the starting line.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs showing 2026 versus 2025 fleet sales.
Vehicle Researchby Martin RomjueJuly 8, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains

The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.

Read More →
A black square with white color font text
OperationsJuly 2, 2026

What Fleet Managers Really Want From Vendors

From customer service frustrations and technology breakdowns to RFQs, change management, and the growing impact of turnover across the industry, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the real operational challenges fleet managers are navigating every day.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black square with white color font text
OperationsJuly 2, 2026

Fleet Safety Masterclass: Industry Leaders on Storytelling, Strategy & Innovation

In this special masterclass episode, industry leaders break down what it really takes to build safer fleets in today’s increasingly distracted and data-driven world.

Read More →
A black square with white color font text
OperationsJuly 2, 2026

Integrating Legacy Fleet Systems and Historical Data

In this episode, we bring together fleet and technology leaders to unpack the realities of data integration, system migrations, and the evolving role of AI in fleet management.

Read More →
A black square with white color font text
OperationsJuly 2, 2026

From Resistance to Results: Change Management Strategies for Fleets

From new technologies and safety programs to evolving regulations, fleets are under constant pressure to adapt. But as Dr. Betz explains, success isn’t about the system you implement—it’s about whether your people actually use it.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black square with white color font text
OperationsJuly 2, 2026

Where We're Headed: A Practical Look at AI in Fleet

Discover how AI is actually being deployed in fleets, not just marketed, including practical use cases and emerging risks.

Read More →