N※N

From Add-On to Core: Embracing Service-Oriented Architecture in Modern Vehicles

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ce-oriented-architecture-in-modern-vehicles.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 8:54 GMT by Forbes

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-02 224 x 224 / 9833 Bytes

2025-12-02 241 x 210 / 8496 Bytes

2025-11-30 239 x 211 / 8177 Bytes

2025-12-02 245 x 205 / 9761 Bytes

Deploying Technology in the Automotive Industry: Key Lessons from Forbes Business Council

In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, technology is no longer an optional enhancement but a strategic necessity. A recent Forbes Business Council article—“Lessons Learned on Deploying Tech in the Automotive Industry”—examines the critical take‑aways that manufacturers, suppliers, and software vendors have gleaned from the last decade of digital transformation. The piece synthesizes real‑world case studies, regulatory developments, and market dynamics to distill actionable guidance for anyone looking to navigate this complex ecosystem.

1. Shift from “Add-On” to Core Architecture

Historically, automotive companies treated software as a peripheral component, adding it after the mechanical chassis was complete. The article argues that this mindset has cost time, money, and consumer trust. Modern vehicles—especially electric and autonomous models—require a unified, modular architecture where hardware and software evolve together. The lessons?

• Adopt a service‑oriented architecture (SOA) that allows independent updates across vehicle subsystems.
• Use standardized communication protocols (e.g., ISO 26262‑based Ethernet or automotive Service Oriented Architecture—ASA) to reduce integration friction.
• Plan for future scalability from day one; this includes designing firmware that can be upgraded over‑the‑air (OTA) without compromising safety.

A reference point from the article links to an earlier Forbes piece that showcases Ford’s “Piston” architecture—a modular, cloud‑connected platform that enabled rapid OTA updates for software‑defined features.

2. Security is Not a Feature, It’s a Foundation

The rise of connected vehicles has brought unprecedented cybersecurity risks. According to the article, incidents like the 2020 Tesla software glitch and the 2022 Jeep “Siren” firmware flaw underscore that security must be baked into every layer of the stack. The key lessons include:

• Employ a zero‑trust mindset from the moment the vehicle is manufactured.
• Use hardware‑based root of trust—Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) or secure enclaves—to isolate critical functions.
• Maintain an immutable audit trail for all OTA updates, ensuring tamper‑evident logging.

The article cites the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 21434 standard as a benchmark and highlights that many OEMs have begun adopting “security by design” processes long before their first OTA release.

3. Data Strategy Drives Competitive Advantage

Modern cars generate terabytes of data daily—driving patterns, battery health, infotainment usage, and more. The Forbes article emphasizes that data is a double‑edged sword: it powers personalization and predictive maintenance, but mishandling it can erode brand trust. Key take‑aways:

• Create a data lake architecture that separates raw telemetry from curated, policy‑compliant datasets.
• Implement strict privacy controls that comply with GDPR, CCPA, and emerging automotive privacy frameworks.
• Leverage edge computing to process critical safety data locally while sending analytics‑ready data to the cloud for strategic insights.

The article references a link to a research report by the Automotive Information Group (AIG) that quantifies the ROI of predictive maintenance derived from sensor data.

4. Collaboration Across the Value Chain Is Imperative

One of the most poignant lessons is that automotive tech deployment is not a siloed endeavor. The article underscores the need for seamless collaboration between OEMs, Tier‑1 suppliers, software houses, and even city‑wide mobility platforms. Practices highlighted include:

• Adopt open‑source frameworks (e.g., Linux Foundation’s Automotive Grade Linux) to reduce duplication and accelerate innovation.
• Formalize joint risk‑management protocols that outline shared responsibilities for OTA rollouts.
• Create cross‑functional “tech squads” that include product, engineering, legal, and compliance representatives to fast‑track decision‑making.

The article draws attention to BMW’s partnership with a startup that specializes in AI‑based traffic prediction—an example of how OEMs are now treating external tech companies as equal partners.

5. Regulatory Compliance Must Guide, Not Hinder, Innovation

With autonomous driving, autonomous vehicle (AV) testing, and connected car regulations tightening, compliance is no longer a afterthought. The article outlines how the European Union’s “Cybersecurity Act” and the United States’ forthcoming “Automotive Cybersecurity Act” are shaping product development cycles. The major lessons:

• Build compliance checks into the CI/CD pipeline—automate safety validation tests.
• Engage regulators early to ensure that prototypes meet emerging safety and data‑protection requirements.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date regulatory knowledge base—regulations evolve faster than most OEMs can respond.

A notable link in the article directs readers to a webinar by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), summarizing the key compliance checkpoints for automotive software.

6. Consumer Expectations Are Evolving Rapidly

Customers today view cars as personal devices. The article highlights that this expectation demands continuous engagement and a focus on user experience (UX). Key insights:

• Deliver over‑the‑air UI updates just as seamlessly as smartphones.
• Implement a “digital twin” model—allowing customers to customize vehicle settings in a virtual environment before deployment.
• Prioritize transparency: Let users know what data is collected and how it enhances their experience.

The piece references a case study of Volvo’s “Sensus” platform, which provides drivers with real‑time health data integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system, illustrating how UX can become a competitive differentiator.

7. Talent and Culture Must Match Technical Ambition

Finally, the article reminds that the most sophisticated technology can only succeed if backed by the right human capital. Lessons here include:

• Cultivate a culture of continuous learning—encourage engineers to stay current with cybersecurity trends and AI frameworks.
• Recruit interdisciplinary teams that blend automotive, software, data science, and user experience expertise.
• Implement rotational programs to expose staff to both legacy vehicle systems and new digital platforms.

A cited link to a Harvard Business Review piece on “Future‑Proofing the Automotive Workforce” offers deeper analysis of how talent development can accelerate technology adoption.

Conclusion

Deploying technology in the automotive industry is a multifaceted endeavor that demands a holistic, forward‑looking approach. From architecture and security to data strategy and regulatory alignment, the lessons distilled in the Forbes Business Council article paint a clear roadmap: integrate software from the ground up, prioritize security as a foundational pillar, harness data responsibly, collaborate openly across the supply chain, stay ahead of regulations, delight the consumer, and invest in the right talent.

For OEMs and suppliers looking to keep pace with the electrified, autonomous, and connected future, these lessons are not just best practices—they are prerequisites for survival and success in the rapidly transforming automotive landscape.