Microsoft and Alpine Ink Deal, Focus On World Domination

Alpine and Microsoft announced an official agreement to cross-license technologies and patents in order to further develop and enhance their product offerings. Alpine has been using a version of Windows Automotive on their line of navigation products in both the OEM and aftermarket since 2002, and this agreement basically makes it easier for the companies to improve their products even further.
Most of us are aware of Alpine's huge success in the car audio world, and Microsoft has pretty much taken the OEM automotive industry by storm with it's Ford Sync systems (which is a very impressive system to say the least). Right now Sync is only available in Ford brand vehicles in the US, but at the end of this year that agreement ends. Microsoft is eagerly looking forward to opening up the software and technology to other car manufacturers as well. And if they have a partner like Alpine behind them.. Whoo-boy, look-out.

Of course, the article also mentions the fact that the Microsoft is going after Linux users for patent infringement based on claims from Microsoft that the Linux OS is infringing of 42 of MS's patents (they haven't said which patents yet, however). MS has struck deals with a few manufacturers already based on their claims, so this deal between Alpine and MS could just be a result of MS patent sting operation. I can only imagine how badly off Alpine's navigation program would be if Microsoft suddenly pulled a Soup Nazi on them and refused access to their OS.

Thanks for the tip, Ben! Full press release after the jump.

in the forums!

Source: Information Week & ME Mag

Press Release:

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration, Microsoft and Alpine Enter Into Broad Patent Licensing Agreement

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 -- Redmond, Wash. and Tokyo, JAPAN -- Microsoft Corp. and Alpine Electronics Inc. have signed an agreement to cross-license the companies’ respective patent portfolios. The deal will further the development of each company’s current and future product lines, expanding on technological innovation and enhancing the overall customer and consumer experience.

The agreement expands the relationship between Alpine and Microsoft to promote the exchange of information and the incorporation of patented technologies in car navigation systems and other consumer electronics products. Since 2002, Alpine has been adopting Microsoft’s automotive specific operating system, Windows Automotive, on almost all of its navigation systems for both the aftermarket and automotive OEM factory installations. The partnership will strengthen the relationship between the companies for further innovations in the automotive field.

“This agreement builds upon a strong existing relationship between Microsoft and Alpine, and provides both companies with further access to their respective patent portfolios” said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “These cross-licensing deals support the further development of technological innovations and industry collaborations that ultimately benefit consumers and the entire IT ecosystem.”

“Alpine is looking forward to continued collaboration with Microsoft – and this agreement enables both companies to build upon their cutting-edge innovations,” said Satoshi Soma, Director, Audio/Visual Product Development. “We look forward to incorporating Microsoft’s technologies into our product platforms, to create navigation and information systems that meet the advanced performance expectations of today’s tech-savvy consumers.”

While the specific financial terms of the agreement are confidential, the parties indicated that Microsoft is being paid by Alpine for the license to Microsoft® patents.