Comarch, a global provider of IT solutions for major economic sectors, announced today that it has become an Associate member of GENIVI Alliance, an automotive and consumer electronics industry association devoted to the development and support of the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference platform.

Comarch has been implementing components for modern mobile operating systems, including those based on Linux kernel, for the past 11 years. Over 200 specialized engineers, working in the Comarch Mobile Solutions & Services Business Unit, have participated in numerous mobile projects.

This way Comarch has acquired unique competences crucial from the viewpoint of the automotive industry. The urge to use these competences in a new field was the main driver to join the Alliance.

As we have observed, there is a clear trend for consumer electronics and mobile software entering the automotive industry, we want to use our competences and  help car manufacturers and their Tier-I suppliers to profit as much as possible from this new business opportunity.

As a company that has largely contributed to the development of various mobile operating systems, we perceive our role within GENIVI Alliance as an active member, one which  is setting new standards. – says Mariusz Lasek, Business Development Director at Comarch.

In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) is an integrated in-car entertainment and information system which is becoming a key differentiator in the latest car manufacturers products. Among the  wide range of its features are: rear seat entertainment (movies, games, social networking, etc.), radio, built-in navigation, location-based services, external communications and internal connectivity to mobile devices.

Genivi Associate Membership allows companies to access Genivi test tools and certification programs as well as development baseline, specifications and implementation guidelines. Through active participation in expert groups, members influence the technical direction of the program’s development. Adopting Genivi standards allows for quicker time-to-market, reduction of development costs and increased IVI interoperability across equipment of different OEMs.