by David I | Oct 31, 2016 | APIs, Developer Relations, Internet of Things, Mobile Development, Programming Languages, Transportation |
No developer program, platform or technology is an island. Developers leverage multiple developer programs, platforms, services, tools, methodologies and industry standards in their every day work. A developer building an enterprise database application will leverage ANSI SQL standard syntax and write code using one or more industry standard programming languages. A developer building a mobile home automation app will access devices via REST/JSON, BluetoothLE, a NEST thermostat, some beacons and a few Z-wave home controllers. In the previous two sentences, I’ve mentioned a developer’s reliance on at least 5 different industry standards that are driven by industry groups, driven by industry alliances in cooperation with global and national standards committees. Things can sometimes get more complicated or cause additional work when there are competing standards. Developer Relations programs and evangelists need to work with their engineering teams to understand the industry standards and work with industry associations to correctly educate developers about their products, platforms, services and devices. We also need to stay on top of the changes that take place in versions of standards.
Industry Associations and Standards
When I assess developer relations programs, one of the aspects I look at is which programming languages your program supports. When I see C++ listed, I look to see if I can find the support for the approved and draft specifications for ISO C++. When I see that a product or service supports home automation and the Internet of Things, I look for mention of Apple HomeKit, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Classic, BluetoothLE and the soon to arrive Bluetooth 5. When developers start to develop applications that integrate smartphones with cars, developer programs will have to evangelize how their products and services support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, On-Board Diagnostics II connectors and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Developer Relations and Industry Standards
Which developer relations programs are doing a good job of integrating industry associations and standards into the everyday life of their developer members? Here are just a few of the many developer relations programs and developer community sites that work with industry associations and provide information to their members.
Microsoft – Windows Embedded Automotive 7. “Windows Embedded Automotive 7 is an extensible technology platform for automakers and suppliers to deliver in-car experiences that keep drivers connected and informed. Leveraging a range of devices, services and technology, the platform extends work and home into the vehicle through connected car scenarios.”
Google – Android Auto – “For the road ahead, Android Auto was designed with safety in mind. With a simple and intuitive interface, integrated steering wheel controls, and powerful new voice actions, it’s designed to minimize distraction so you can stay focused on the road.”
Intel – Intel IoT – “The developer kit is optimized for rapid prototyping—a way to prove or enhance your ideas or turn them into products. The kit provides all the hardware and software you need to speed up prototyping and time to production.”
Autodesk – BIM Interoperability – “Autodesk has supported the buildingSMART initiative on COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) BIM data standard. In January 2013, we completed the independently audited buildingSMART Alliance COBie Design Challenge for Architectural Design and Coordinated Design, achieving 100% positive marks with a complete COBie deliverable that required no additional processing or edits.”
Qualcomm – Embedded Computing – “Make the next generation of embedded systems more aware, connected, intelligent and interactive with the portfolio of hardware and software solutions on Qualcomm Developer Network. Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processors for embedded deliver superior performance, low power consumption and support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity.”
C++ compilers – Compiler support for new ISO C++ features. “These include C++11, C++14, C++17 and various technical specifications”.
Philips – Philips Hue and Apple HomeKit – “The new square-shaped Philips Hue bridge supports the hardware authentication required for Apple HomeKit and enables all your Philips Hue lights to work with Apple HomeKit technology. One of the coolest new features enabled by linking Philips Hue to Apple Homekit is that you can use Siri to control your Philips Hue lights. Turn on your lights. Dim to the desired brightness. Recall pre-set scenes. Even tell Siri to set up for a party.”
Apple – Bluetooth for Developers – “Create an engaging and connected user experience by integrating Bluetooth® wireless technology in your apps and hardware accessories. And with Core Bluetooth framework, it’s easy for your apps to interact with the growing number of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices.”
How does your Developer Relations program help members use Industry Standards?
I’ve only mentioned a very few of the tens of thousands of industry standards and associations that help guide application development. Let me know what your developer program does (beyond providing a links) to help your members build awesome apps that rely on multiple industry standards.
David Intersimone “David I”
Vice President of Developer Communities
Evans Data Corporation
davidi@evansdata.com
Blog: https://www.devrelate.com/blog/
Skype: davidi99
Twitter: @davidi99
by David I | Oct 26, 2016 | Developer Outreach, Developer Relations, DevRelate, Logistics, Transportation |
Telematics, the marriage between telecommunications and informatics, marks the information technology branch that sees the transmission of digital information over distances in real time. In today’s connected world, one use case for telematics is where the Internet of Things meets mobile meets big data meets transportation. There are, for sure, many other use cases. Developers are right in the middle of what’s happening in our connected world. Developer Relations programs provide the APIs, documentation, tutorials and best practices for the integration of transportation systems, electrical engineering, mobility, sensors, data acquisition, storage, cloud computing, real time systems and software engineering.
For a recent example of how transportation, big data, cognitive analytics, payment processing, cloud computing and telematics can be engineered together, read the announcements by General Motors (GM) and IBM: “Hello, OnStar – Meet Watson” and Mastercard: “Mastercard Joins Onstar Go, the Auto Industry’s First Cognitive Mobility Platform Delivered by IBM and General Motors“. In the press releases, “General Motors and IBM today announced a partnership to bring the power of OnStar and IBM Watson together to create OnStar Go, the auto industry’s first cognitive mobility platform” and “By embedding Masterpass within OnStar Go, Mastercard will enable drivers and passengers to safely make secure and seamless payments for goods and services using credit or debit cards stored within their Masterpass wallet.”.
Developer Relations Programs and Telematics
Let’s take a look at a few of the developer relations programs that are helping developers take advantage of new telematics business opportunities.
- Ford – The Ford Developer Program opened its doors at CES in 2013, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Henry Ford’s birth, celebrating his innovative spirit and his belief that to create something truly great, he needed to surround himself with other like minded individuals. By opening the doors to the automotive industry’s first end-to-end developer ecosystem, Ford invites developers to integrate innovative solutions with Ford’s cars and trucks. AppLink is a suite of APIs that provide the ability for mobile developers to extend the command and control of a mobile application to the in-vehicle Human Machine Interface (HMI). Additional Ford telematics information can be found on the Ford Telematics powered by Telogis page.
- John Deere – APIs that enable your agriculture and construction industry software to securely access the robust data from John Deere machines. mobile applications and more. For agriculture, MyJohnDeere, Field Connect™, & AgLogic™ APIs allow developers to access data to assist with logistics management and agronomic solutions. For construction developers can get machine data with the AEMP API and access AEMP standard fleet management data from John Deere machines.You can find additional information on the John Deere Telematics page.
- GM – General Motors provides APIs that surface vehicle related features and the OnStar service. The GM Developer Network provides tools, documentation, and samples showing developers how to permit an application to gain access, get OnStar subscriber information, request vehicle actions, access automobile telemetry, report driver performance, receive malfunction alerts, retrieve diagnostics and more. You can check out the application gallery and explore the APIs.
- Uber – with several APIs, developers can integrate trips, experiences and logistics into custom applications for their business and themselves. For rides, developers can add an Uber Ride Request Button or deep link into the Uber app, embed the entire Uber ride flow into apps using a widget and build a custom integrations with Uber client libraries or ride requests APIs. To enhance the trip experience developers can take advantage of contextual information like the rider’s destination, pickup location, and travel time to power local recommendations, improve content relevance, and much more. Developers can also leverage the convenience of on-demand delivery with the Deliveries API to integrate same-day delivery into your checkout flow or build the next big thing using Uber’s world-class logistics platform. Read how Uber engineering increases safe driving with telematics.
- FedEx – Developers can save time and costs using free tools, sample code, documentation, resources and more that make it easy to integrate applications with FedEx® solutions. FedEx® services provides the integration into your website or business applications. Using the APIs you can integrate FedEx functionality into your existing order-entry, logistics, warehouse management and other business software systems. You can also integrate FedEx Office document printing and finishing functionality into your content creation, document management, and procurement applications.
- Google’s Android Auto – Android developers can create apps with the Android APIs you’re familiar with and extend them to cars. Developers can build without having to worry about vehicle-specific hardware differences like screen resolution, software interfaces, knobs, and touch controls. Users of your apps will have the same UX on any compatible vehicle including application launch and system notifications. Developer’s can find additional information on the Android Auto developer page.
- Apple’s iOS CarPlay – the iOS CarPlay API for devlopers allows you to build smarter, safer apps for the integration of the iPhone and the car. CarPlay allows developers to integrate telematics based iOS features into your applications including support for audio, GPS/maps, infotainment, instrument clusters, sensors and more. Developers interested in developing a CarPlay application will need to apply for an MFi (Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad) license.
Telematics Use Cases – an Evans Data White Paper
The Evans Data Telematics whitepaper touches on the origins of telematics, looks at its practical uses today by leading industry solutions providers, explores its role in the businesses of the future, and looks into telematics from the developer’s point of view. Telematics routinely extends to fleet management and automotive insurance industries; however other verticals are yielding precious data that present companies the opportunity to provide unique solutions to industry problems.
Explore the world of telematics research and development opportunities by Downloading the WhitePaper.
