IBM and Celestica have launched the first electronic data monitoring devices for cars — often called “black box” technology –based on industry-supported open standards (Java and OSGi).

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These devices will be offered in large volumes, with the latest software technology and at much lower prices than currently available for comparable products provided by competitors anywhere – making it more affordable and available and easier to upgrade functionality.


The “black box” devices gather information specified by each customer from the car onto a database, for example; the vehicles location, speed, if the seat belt is unfastened. Collated information can be transferred on a regular basis or under request to a portal via the internet which provides the customer the ability to gather information according to their defined format, e.g. Norwich Union calculating insurance premiums based on when, where and how often the vehicles are used. The pilot will determine the benefits and attractiveness of a new way of charging for car insurance that could be fairer and more accurate than traditional policies.


This technology will be offered to vehicle makers and other industry players including a broad range of businesses such as the aftermarket and insurance industries.


Use of these devices in pilot programmes underway with Norwich Union in the UK and American Transit Insurance company and the NY City Taxi and Limousine Commission in the US has already been announced.

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IBM believes that the combination of this advanced, intelligent, flexible and remotely upgradeable device along with its Websphere technology is best-in-class and can be tailored to the needs of each specific customer.