Microsoft Sync is a technology invented in 2009 by Microsoft Inc. The Sync Framework allows for offline synchronization of applications, devices, and services. Sync enables developers to design systems that share data from any source and any store and over any network and protocol. The sync framework supports tools that enable features such as roaming, taking data offline, and sharing of data [3]. Also, Sync supports custom providers such that data from multiple sources can be incorporated into the synchronization process. This enables peer to peer synchronization, which is a major feature of the Sync framework [2]. This is a paper on Microsoft’s Sync and its impact on Kuwait.
Sync supports online service providers compatible with common data sources. Microsoft encourages application developers to use these providers to minimize development and operations costs. Microsoft has identified three main categories of providers who can operate on the Sync platform. These are database synchronization providers for ADO.NET data sources, file synchronization companies for the synchronization of files and folders, and web synchronization provider for synchronizing FeedSync feeds such as ATOM and RSS feeds [2].
The Sync Framework technology has been widely applied in the automotive industry to synchronize vehicles with smart phones. Vehicles which have Sync systems have Bluetooth connectivity, voice inputs, USB, navigation system, and a touchscreen. On this platform, motorists can operate their phones from the touchscreen on the dashboard such as playing music stored in their phones through the vehicle’s audio system. Drivers can also make voice activated phone calls and listen through the car speakers without taking their eyes off the road [1].
In Kuwait, Sync has impacted positively on the travel industry. Motorist can operate their phones safely without getting distracted, which has greatly improved road safety [2]. Through the Bluetooth connectivity, music, videos, and images on the phone can be accessed via the car, which has a high definition screen and a quality audio system. Also, alerts received from applications on the phone, such as emails, messages, and remainders, are displayed on the dashboard in real time thus the motorist are well informed.
Sync has improved the travel industry through the provision of infotainment in motor vehicles and improved the overall road safety. Drivers in Kuwait can now listen to the radios, make calls through voice commands and even browse the internet when driving vehicles with Sync systems. By using the data services on their phone, motorists can safely read emails on their cars touchscreens and reply messages instead of risking their lives by communicating through hand held devices. Sync systems in motor vehicles also save time as drivers do not have to stop by the roadside to make calls. Sync has enhanced the driving experience and road safety in Kuwait.
Microsoft Sync has been well embraced in Kuwait as more people prefer smart cars with voice command controls as they are considered progressive. The aspect of connecting a phone and a car through Bluetooth is alluring to car buyers and many buyers are shunning traditional vehicles for modern cars with Sync systems. It is estimated that traditional cars will be supplanted by Sync enabled vehicles or other similar systems from other software manufacturers within the next decade [3].
Businesswise, Sync system spells more revenue for Microsoft and auto makers such as Ford who produce Sync enabled vehicles. This is because owners of old ordinary cars will feel the urge replace their motor vehicles with modern and computerized cars. Also, software companies will register more revenue as more systems are installed on vehicles. These companies will also garner more revenue from the support services offered to the car owners. Also, there will be creation of employment in Kuwait for technicians as car owners seek to have their old vehicles retrofitted with the hardware compatible the Sync framework.
Bibliography
[1] B. Howard “Why Microsoft lost Ford Sync: Too costly, too slow, and too hard to use. Internet: http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/177171-why-microsoft-lost-ford- sync, Feb. 24 2014 [July 20 2015]
[2] Microsoft Corporation. “Introduction to Microsoft Sync Framework” Internet: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/sync/bb821992.aspx, Sep. 2009 [July 20 2015]
[3] V. Patel. (2010, Sep). “Microsoft Sync Framework Beefs Up Collaboration” Database Journal. [On-line]. Available: http://www.databasejournal.com/sqletc/article.php/3900691/Microsoft-Sync-Framework- Beefs-Up-Collaboration.htm
