Introducing Soracom's Connected Car Strategy
Soracom, Inc. is taking a bold step in the connected car industry, aiming to overcome significant challenges that automotive manufacturers face as they embrace IoT technology. The company has revealed a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance connectivity and streamline cloud management for connected vehicles.
Challenges in the Connected Car Ecosystem
The automotive sector has encountered various hurdles related to backend processes that must be navigated by automakers, dealerships, connectivity providers, and end consumers. Major obstacles include the activation and management of SIM profiles on devices, maintaining local connectivity, ensuring security, and integrating connected car clouds to unlock vital features and infotainment.
The IoT Landscape Influences Automotive Connectivity
These challenges are not unique to automotive technology but reflect broader trends within the global IoT landscape. Soracom's cloud-native cellular core facilitates global multicarrier coverage and connections while eliminating the need for complex SDK integrations.
Soracom’s Vision for a Simplified Connected Car Experience
Kenta Yasukawa, Ph.D., CTO and co-founder of Soracom, compares the connected car journey to a family road trip filled with excitement and questions. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying the activation processes for manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers to ensure that connected services thrive.
Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
Since its inception in 2015, Soracom has evolved from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) to a provider of an integrated infrastructure designed explicitly for connected cars. This modern solution is categorized as:
- Simple: Utilizing Amazon Web Services, Soracom creates a seamless link between connected cars and the cloud, leveraging both standard SIM cards and the revolutionary eSIM technology.
- Secure: By employing a cloud-native cellular core, Soracom facilitates private communication channels for vehicles, minimizing risks associated with public internet connectivity.
- Scalable: The platform supports a vast array of IoT customers worldwide, enabling access to numerous carriers through highly efficient infrastructures.
By targeting the GSMA SGP.32 eSIM standard, Soracom envisions supporting automakers in providing increased flexibility in activating connected services.
Transforming the Way Connected Car Services Are Activated
Prior to the SGP.32 standard, navigating connectivity options involved complex negotiations between manufacturers and various carriers. Yasukawa explains this task as a daunting endeavor, often leading to months of setup and years of maintenance.
Enhancing Flexibility and Control
With SGP.32 eSIM technology, automakers can streamline their operations. Vehicles become more adaptable, allowing flexibility in choosing connectivity providers without undergoing the cumbersome backend integration process. Soracom's ability to issue eUICC profiles via API enhances this capability further.
Soracom's Commitment to the Automotive Industry
Through active engagement with automotive manufacturers during early product cycles and proof-of-concept projects, Soracom demonstrates a commitment to revolutionizing automotive technology. They are also members of the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium, working collaboratively to define the frameworks for next-generation vehicle capabilities.
Empowering Connectivity in the Automotive Sector
Yasukawa stresses the collaborative nature of the connected car journey. By working together, industry stakeholders can build a robust and efficient network that simplifies connected car technology.
About Soracom
Soracom connects over 6 million IoT devices and partners with more than 20,000 startups and businesses across the globe. The company is committed to providing affordable and reliable connectivity solutions that empower rapid deployment and access to various cloud services. For additional details, visit www.soracom.io.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soracom's Connected Car strategy?
Soracom aims to simplify connectivity and cloud management for the automotive industry, addressing key challenges faced by manufacturers and consumers.
How does Soracom ensure secure communications for connected cars?
By using a cloud-native cellular core, Soracom creates private communication channels that minimize risks associated with public internet connectivity.
What role does the SGP.32 standard play in Soracom's plans?
The SGP.32 eSIM standard allows for greater flexibility in activating connectivity for connected vehicles, streamlining the integration process for manufacturers.
Who are Soracom's main partners in the automotive sector?
Soracom collaborates with over 20,000 organizations, including startups and established businesses in the IoT space, alongside active participation in industry consortiums.
What products does Soracom offer for IoT connectivity?
Soracom provides a range of connectivity solutions, including traditional SIM cards and innovative eSIM technology, tailored for various IoT applications.
