Toyota taps Microsoft for in-car software services

The system will include navigation and in-car entertainment using Microsoft's Windows Azure software. It as well will manage energy use in vehicles.

Broader range of entertainment

Automakers are adding a broader range of entertainment and power-saving tools to entice buyers to adopt electric vehicles. Microsoft needs more clients to ensure success for Azure, its cloud software for enabling companies to build and provide software that can be delivered as a service over the Internet.

General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. have expanded the range of research services available in cars as then. Ford, to illustrate, as well offers an in-car electronics system developed with Microsoft.

Early customer for Azure

Toyota has been an early customer for Azure, with the carmaker saying last year that it was using the software to track thousands of roadside assistance calls for its Lexus cars. Azure competes with programs from Amazon.com Inc., Google Inc. and Salesforce.com Inc.