From Al:
Lots of good feedback and advice provided at the VLAB planning meeting this evening.
David Knight suggested we look at MagnetPoint and their CTO Kayvan Alikhani. It seems that MagnetPoint has done some work with GM for OnStar, and HP with their CoolTown labs. David gives Kayvan a thumbs up for being a good speaker/panelist. From reading their site, MagnetPoint seems to be primarily concerned with web services and integrating those web services for multiple devices. David is an advisor to MagnetPoint. I'd like to learn a little more about their mission. Seems they're very concentrated on webservices, and we may not want to wander into that topic, but we should learn more about what they've done with GM.
It seems the group was not too keen on having Ford as the main speaker, and felt that DaimlerChrysler Palo Alto research lab might be a better fit for Vlab as the panelist. The group also suggested that a start-up be the prime speaker, rather than the auto oem. Aiko-san and I discussed a possible new lineup approach to be discussed with Carmen and Alex on Wednesday. Again, its just a "possibility".
Speaker: MagnetPoint (backup MobileAria)
Panel 1: Solutions Provider2: MobileAria
Panel 2: Software Platform: Sun/Java
Panel 3: Hardware/ASIC: Atheros
Panel 4: Auto OEM: DaimlerChrysler (backup Lexis - David knows CIO in US)
Panel 5: Communications/PDA: Nokia or Ericsson
Aiko and I felt that perhaps Panel 5 may go, but I have messages out to both Nokia and Ericsson at this point, so we'd like to keep them in for now till we hear back. The MagnetPoint, MobileAria combo may provide for interesting conflict on the panel, since MagnetPoint has been involved with GM's all inclusive telematics system, whereas MobileAria is focusing connecting the devices we already own with the car.
I'll be in class on Wednesday morning. I'll look for a response from Ford, but if nothing comes in I'll be in touch with my Toyota telematics expert friend who has volunteered to introduct me to his contacts at DaimlerChrylser (top 2 guys at the PA lab). He'll basically just introduce me and tell them about our meeting, and let them know I'll be in touch very soon. He has a good relationship with Daimler, and I in turn have a good relationship with him, so Daimler should trust his recommendation to speak with me. I believe Alex also has some calls out to the GM Onstar guys.
Ken Berger knows some more people at Atheros, and will be in touch with them. IT seems they're quite a visionary company, and would be a large value add for our panel.
We're looking for the catchy bi-line to go with our theme: "Driving the convergence of telematics and mobile communications devices."
We can try for another conference call. Wed about 3pm, or anytime before 5pm on Thurs is good for me.
That's all for now -- Al
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