Wingcast/Oracle JV produces software

A voice-activated, in-vehicle e-mail access system is among the first products the public will see from a strategic alliance between Oracle Corp. and Wingcast Inc.

Under the agreement, which also calls for the participants to maintain an already established research and development center in San Diego, Oracle becomes the exclusive supplier of software engines for Wingcast products. Wingcast — a wireless communications and technology service provider — is set to debut its products next year. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A joint venture company created in July of 2000 by Ford Motor Co. and Qualcomm Inc., Wingcast's Oracle-driven products will debut on '03 models in “a massive rollout,” says a Wingcast official. They will be available in vehicles sold by Ford's Premier Automotive Group as well as Ford products sold in North America and Europe.