Harman to Offer Microsoft Office on Telematics System

Audio giant Harman International Industries Inc. has inked a deal with Microsoft Corp. to offer an array of connected vehicle services and features—including Microsoft Office 365—in future vehicles.

The so-called “mobile productivity” services will allow drivers to access and create Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents hands-free via Harman’s in-vehicle infotainments systems. Software upgrades can be made over-the-air as they become available. 

Users also will be able to schedule meetings, manage digital calendars, listen to and respond to e-mails, participate in Skype calls and automatically join conference calls without having to manually input a phone number and passcode. Some functions will be available only when a vehicle is parked or being operated autonomously.

Separately, Harman announced it has acquired TowerSec, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based automotive cybersecurity firm. TowerSec’s technology will be integrated into Harman’s existing 5+1 security architecture to better protect a vehicle from hackers. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.