In another example of rival companies joining technology forces to generate mutual benefit in a tough economy, Ford and Toyota are collaborating on back-end data standards. 

The two auto makers are eager to improve in-car applications as telematics becomes a growing selling point among car buyers, reports Chris Murphy at InformationWeek. They are working together to develop data standards for such things as in-vehicle Wi-Fi, secure data transfer, Bluetooth improvements, and back-end data management.

The agreement doesn't cover aspects of vehicle systems that customers see, such as "the customer-facing digital experience."

For CIOs in any sector, the Ford/Toyota deal should serve as a wake-up call, Murphy writes.

"Two messages should be blaring like an annoying car alarm right now for anyone involved in IT in any industry," he advises. First, technology groups have to find new ways to move quickly, in line with customer expectations.

Second, they have to come up with creative ways to incorporate IT into the product, "whether that product's a pickup truck, a hotel stay, a watt of energy, or a trash service," he writes.

As Murphy notes, car sales dropped precipitously not too long ago, and the two manufacturers are competing intensely. Both Toyota and Ford are trying to make the "digital experience" a competitive lure and have forged partnerships with tech giants, including Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT).

For more:
- see Chris Murphy's article at InformationWeek

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