GST Open Systems

Facilitating an open telematics mass market

In the past decade, in-vehicle telematics has gone through three general stages of development. The first generation (1995-1997) saw the introduction of single function, so-called “stand-alone” units. Such units were both costly and time-consuming to produce, so second-generation (1997-2001) multi-function or interconnected devices were soon introduced. But despite improvements, the designs were still the proprietary solutions of a few suppliers maintaining a “closed” solution approach that severely limited functionality.

Acknowledging the limitations of such an approach, developers introduced a third generation of highly interactive telematics systems. By communicating and sharing intelligence with each other and their environment, such systems will enable the creation of an open market for telematics services.

An open telematics market guarantees easy access to content and service functions using interoperable equipment based on standardised networks. However, there is still some way to go before completely seamless interoperability is achieved.

GST Open Systems, a subproject of the GST Integrated Project, aims to solve critical interoperability issues, thereby enabling drivers and passengers to subscribe to and use services regardless of where they are, what kind of equipment they have or what kind of car they drive.

Objectives

• Create the conditions for an open market for on-line services that collaborate seamlessly.
• Create a telematics framework that will make it possible to bring safety-critical applications and a wide range of
  value-based services to the market.
• Establish an open telematics market by standardising key interfaces and protocols that will allow the different
  players of the value chain to easily develop, implement and deploy new functionality or sub-systems.
• Consolidate the requirements produced by the various GST subprojects.
• Incorporate stringent requirements for safety-critical applications, ensuring security, reliability, etc.

Duration and Funding
March 2004 - February 2007, funding through the EC Directorate General Information Society & Media

Consortium

ERTICO (sub-project leader), ADSE, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, France Telecom, Gatespace, Motorola, ProSyst, Renault, Robert Bosch, Siemens VDO, Telcordia, TNO, T-Systems, TUM

Contact
Erwin Vermassen
+32 (0)2 400 07 42

Visit the GST Open Systems website