In today’s world, if you don’t have an MP3 jack built in to the automobiles that you’re pumping out, chances are that they aren’t selling well. The Big Three are having major problems with this, as open software is more of a rarity than a stock option on most of their vehicles. Open software will allow OEM’s and Tier 1 producers a leading edge on the market by providing things that many other auto makers can’t provide at the moment, and that’s where the most money is to be made at this point.

Software in vehicles isn’t new; from 8-track players, to on-board computer navigation systems, software has been an integral design in vehicles since the 1970’s, and things have only gotten better for American drivers (and, indeed, drivers around the world). Not only do computers run our safety features, collect data such as mileage and tell us when we need to change our oil, but they serve other purposes as well. Most cars come standard with MP3 jacks, and others don’t. In a highly sophisticated world that we live in today, the differences between the cars of today and the cars of thirty years ago are staggering.

People want their music, they want their PDA’s, they want their laptops, and many of them want them in their cars. Sure, it’s one thing to talk on your cell phone hands-free, but if you can interface with the vehicle you’re driving, surf the web, order pizza, talk to your friends, and schedule your next yoga class, all hands-free with the help of on-board computer systems and your own personal devices, chances are that you’re going to be buying that vehicle, instead of the one that doesn’t allow you to do anything.

We live in a world where multi-tasking is the norm, and if you can’t do it, you’re of no use to the business world. Why can’t we drive and do all those other things too?