Harman Introduces Software Solutions to Streamline Automotive Development and Boost Revenue

Harman
Image Courtesy: Harman

To meet the anticipated growth in the automotive software and electronics sector, Harman Automotive has launched two new software products: Ready CQuence Loop and Ready Link Marketplace. These tools are designed to help automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, and developers speed up software development, enhance in-vehicle experiences, and unlock new sources of revenue.

Ready CQuence Loop is a robust software-defined vehicle (SDV) toolchain aimed at increasing developer efficiency and speeding up the delivery of new features by providing a fully virtualized environment. The platform offers a Managed Service that provides automakers with a centralized environment for developing and testing automotive software, while Harman takes care of the complex infrastructure. Developers can quickly get started with pre-configured workspaces, allowing them to begin their work in just 30 minutes. This streamlined approach eliminates setup time, enabling teams to focus on development and innovation right away.

By leveraging virtualized test benches, the platform significantly reduces the need for costly physical hardware, allowing for more efficient team collaboration. For scenarios that require real device testing, the system seamlessly integrates virtual and physical device testing, offering flexibility without compromising on accuracy or reliability. This setup ensures that teams can work more efficiently while maintaining the integrity of their testing processes.

The platform also fosters an innovation ecosystem by providing APIs that allow third-party providers to enhance the Ready CQuence Loop with additional tools. These tools include embedded simulations, browser-based integrated development environments (IDEs), and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, which further expand the platform’s capabilities and support ongoing innovation in automotive software development.

 “Traditional automotive development tools aren’t aligned with modern software practices,” said Daniel Lueddecke, Senior Director and Product Lead at Harman. “Ready CQuence Loop transforms how automotive software is created and tested, enhancing developer productivity and delivering tools that developers enjoy.”

Ready Link Marketplace is a unified platform that connects automakers, developers, and users, enabling automakers to offer tailored, value-driven apps, services, and vehicle features to enhance the driving experience. Harman’s latest platform introduces a robust Digital Commerce solution, acting as a centralized hub for automakers to seamlessly deliver digital content directly to end users. This includes apps, services, and vehicle-specific features designed to enhance the driving experience. By consolidating these offerings in one accessible location, the platform helps automakers create a more integrated and user-friendly environment for vehicle owners and passengers.

Building on the success of the Ignite Store, Harman has significantly expanded its content library to include over 150 apps and entertainment options. These offerings aim to elevate in-vehicle experiences with enhanced functionality and engaging features. Additionally, the platform is designed for simplicity, enabling automakers to deploy, control, and manage it efficiently through a cloud-based system, reducing operational challenges and saving valuable time.

A standout feature of the platform is its monetization potential, supported by pre-integrated payment capabilities via Samsung Checkout. This allows for effortless in-vehicle purchases, creating new revenue opportunities for both automakers and developers. By combining innovation, convenience, and business growth prospects, Harman’s platform sets a new benchmark for in-vehicle digital ecosystems.

“Software is revolutionizing the automotive industry,” said Heiko Huettel, Vice President of Software Products at Harman. “Ready CQuence Loop and Ready Link Marketplace make this transformation meaningful for developers, automakers, and consumers, by focusing on improving in-vehicle experiences.”

With over 50 million vehicles equipped with Harman’s connected systems, the company’s software services also support billions of devices across platforms, from cars to mobile devices. Harman, which employs approximately 30,000 people globally, has been a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. since 2017.