Automotive-software company Sonatus has unveiled the next generation of its award-winning Digital Dynamics Vehicle Platform.

The update to the platform, which lives in both the vehicle and the cloud, focuses on the cloud side of the equation with enhancements that increase automakers’ ability to update software-defined vehicles with new features and functionality throughout their entire lifetimes — all without requiring expensive and time-consuming new software development, the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company says. 

“The automotive industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and OEMs are recognizing that software-defined vehicles will allow them to innovate faster, reduce costs and become more agile, which is critical for getting ahead in a highly competitive market,” Sonatus CEO and co-founder Jeffrey Chou said.

Specifically, the updates provide a new user interface that simplifies the creation and deployment of data-collection policies. A new functionality enables the simultaneous use of multiple data-collection configurations while allowing manufacturers to provide secure data access to developers across their organizations, making it “easier than ever” for multiple teams to collect the data they need.

For example, Sonatus said, automotive engineers may now remotely monitor and analyze real-time data from test vehicles without needing to go on-site, and they can also remotely deploy data-collection policies to diagnose in-field performance issues. The platform can also be used to respond to suspicious cyber behavior by updating security policies and protecting against cyberattacks as they unfold, which is great news for fleet operators, Sonatus said.

Sonatus last year announced a partnership with Hyundai Motor Group under which it will work with the Korean automaker on the development of electrical/electronic architecture across its lineup of Genesis, Hyundai and Kia vehicles. As part of that, Sonatus collaborated on the Genesis GV70 SUV as a “first and foundational step” in the relationship, and the new Genesis GV60 EV will be the first production vehicle to integrate the Digital Dynamics platform.

“Automakers that strategically align with partners that can help them accelerate the shift toward service delivery architectures will likely be the leaders in the digital era,” Roger Lanctot, director of the global automotive practice at Strategy Analytics, said in the GV70 announcement. “It’s encouraging to see Hyundai Motor Group partnering with an innovative new industry player like Sonatus as it seeks to gain an early-mover advantage with software-defined vehicles.”