Infotainment systems increasingly become strongholds of IT and data processing within vehicles. The ongoing trend to integrate complex digital consumer electronics devices into the cars confronts car electronics designers with a significant challenges, since the consumer devices is subject to much shorter product cycles than the durable traditional automotive electronics. One strategy to master the challenge is basically the same as has been implemented successfully in the realm of commercial IT: using open software.

This was the reason why Bosch Car Multimedia chose Linux for its latest developments. The company plans to leverage Linux-based open source software to ease and accelerate the integration of innovative multimedia features into automotive solutions. After a selection process based on in-depth analysis of available alternatives, Bosch chose Montavista as both the software and solutions provider. Besides criteria such as experience with similar product development and the ability to engage in a long-term supply partnership, the commercial quality of Montavista's Linux distribution were the decisive factors, Montavista said.

Both partners also will contribute to the GENIVI open platform for in-car infotainment. Nevertheless, the collaboration is not restricted to infotainment solutions. The next project will be an instrument Cluster; other projects other projects are in planning, the companies said.