Kshema Technologies, a software solutions provider in communications, embedded technologies and finance is now targeting the automotive embedded software and in-car communication market, also called ‘telematic solutions’.

The growth potential of the automotive sector, Kshema says, can be assessed by the increased production of electronics control units (ECUs) number of microprocessors used in under-the-hood electronics that take care of engine control, cruise control, intelligent wipers, anti-lock brakes, collision avoidance systems, car navigation and emergency service calls. Strategy analysts expect 800 million ECUs to be shipped by 2005.

Seemingly, the propelling factor behind its entry into the automotive software segment was Kshema’s experience in developing mission critical systems based on microprocessors. The company has already signed up three customers who are the OEM electronics manufacturers for automotive giants like General Motors and Daimler Chrysler.

Kshema is also developing a Bluetooth solution for in-car communications. Anand Mutalik, executive vice president-technology, Kshema Technologies explains, “A driver will be able to use a Bluetooth cordless headset to communicate with a cellular phone in his or her pocket. So the driver doesn’t get distracted, resulting in increased safety levels. Currently, we are developing a project for Visteon to deliver hands-free application devices. We have 42 engineers working on software for the automobile segment.”

Kshema is a member of Automotive Multimedia Interface Collaboration (AMI-C), an international body responsible for establishing common multimedia interfaces and platforms for electronic components. Mutalik believes that the automobile initiative will fetch revenues of $1.5 million by 2003 for Kshema.