Like a lot of other things, charging stations are turning into mini-computers that need software to reach their potential. To this end, two heavy hitters in their respective industries, ABB and Microsoft, have announced a partnership.

All ABB chargers will now be connected to Microsoft’s Azure suite of cloud-based services, which provides several “value-adding services.” According to the companies, the collaboration will take advantage of “machine learning and predictive analytic capabilities to drive future innovations.”

“Platform performance and stability are critical differentiators for the successful operation of a modern, data-dependent EV charging station,” said Pekka Tiitinen, president of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion Division. “By partnering with Microsoft, ABB will be able to offer innovative advanced services – what we call the Internet of Things, Services and People.”

“Today we live in a mobile-first, cloud-first world, and this is ever apparent in the global electric vehicle market,” said Microsoft Executive VP Peggy Johnson. “Our partnership with ABB aligns to one of our company ambitions to build the intelligent cloud platform.”

Source: ABB via Green Car Congress