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I was one of the architects working on Ford SYNC. Internally, Ford has a big problem with open source software from a legal stand point. You have a fortune-5 company here. Translation for you: They are a very large target for lawsuits. The open source software provides no indemnification.You also have to remember when SYNC was in the planning stages long before the public knew about it. I was part of the original team responsible for taking the whole concept to reality.
I can tell you that internally, it was one of the most well run software architecture teams I was ever apart of. The middle level managers really know how to run software teams which is not something you might expect from a big old automotive company.
But in many ways, our hands were tied. Recall about the time Bill Gates and Bill Ford riding around in a model-T. A lot of us didn't want Windows for automotive and were trying to champion Linux. Also, the iMX3 which was in the first generation SYNC modules was at the time a slow processor.
And to top things off, a fair bit of the software running on the SYNC module is not written by Ford. Ford partnered up with a crappy company called B-Squared.
The Maps are not Ford's either. When I was on the team, Ford had partnered with INRIX for Maps, traffic and direction.
SYNC is just not a simple single board computer with some apps running on it. There is an entire eco-system build around the SYNC module because it's connected to the vehicle networks (CAN Bus). Microsoft & Ford being partners (Windows servers in data center), Microsoft wanted to handle some of the software development but when Ford asked Microsoft to sign off on some legal agreement asking MS to take any and all responsibility for things like inadvertently deploying an air bag, they backed off.
Also, Ford SYNC as I said has an eco system of roughly 20-30 backend applications that support it. Some of these have to do with 911 assist and the TREAD act. The TREAD act is the US Federal Government's oversight on safety claims.
Because via SYNC you can report problems and have your vehicle serviced, their is a lot internal logic that keeps track of what is called EOL (End of Line) data about a vehicle which needs to funnel into TREAD act reporting.
Think about the not so long ago Toyota problem where they tried to blame floor mats for gas peddles getting stuck.
EDIT:Also, the GUI is not Microsoft CE native. The WindowsCE is just the OS running on the SYNC module. The GUI was Adobe ActionScript. Trust me, many of us yelled very loud about how stupid an idea this was but because B-Squared own the implementation (not the architecture), they were aloud to chose whatever they wanted to meet Ford specs. The results are a history less: JD Powers gave it SYNC poor ratings and many of us (myself included) got the hell out of dodge.
Middle managers, managing the day to day software architecture and specifications, were caught between a rock and a hard place with senior management (Allan Mullaly, Mark Fields, Bill Ford, Marcy Klevorn) pushing these partnership relationships we were forced to work within.
Keys, Remotes & Transponders
Keys, Remotes & Transponders
Blank keys, transponders and remotes. Huge selection available in stock that are available to purchase online.
Code Service
Your one stop shop for pincodes, key codes and VRM lookups.
Silca Smart Remote (SRP)
The Silca Remote Car Key is a unique-styled, compact remote that, once programmed, duplicates the functions of the original key.
KeyDIY
With the KeyDIY system one single remote can be made into multiple different part numbers, ensuring you always have the correct stock to hand!
Locks & Switches
A large range of locks, switches and components for various vehicles.
Key Programmers
Smart Pro
Smart Pro is the cutting-edge, easy-to-use device for easily programming transponder keys, proximity keys and remotes and for reading the PIN codes.
Zed-FULL
The first 'all in one' programming tool for the diagnostic or auto locksmith professional, with a huge range of specialist software and purchasing options.
AD100Pro
The market leader in vehicle key and remote programming. Codes and deletes new keys and remotes, even when all are lost. Reads & clears immobiliser fault codes.
MVP Pro
The MVP Pro is a 'Pay as you go' key programming system with an extremely small purchase price.
AD100Pro Truck
The ideal solution for key programming on 12V and 24V commercial vehicles.
True Code
A superb hardware and software that enables pincode extraction and key programming on Renault, Nissan and Ford vehicles.
Key Cutting
Key Cutting Equipment
A range of quality key cutting equipment able to cut any vehicle key, as well as the majority of domestic keys.
Instacode
InstaCode is considered the leading Key Data Software throughout the world. InstaCode is a vital tool for any professional locksmith.
Cloning & Eeprom
RW4 Plus
A cloning device for reading and copying in stand-alone mode a wide range of transponders used on a variety of vehicle keys.
Fast Copy Plus
A cloning tool for reading and copying in stand-alone mode a wide variety of transponders.
Handy Baby
The original Handy Baby Key Programmer for 4C, 4D, 46 & 48 transponder chips. A simple to use car key cloner covering up to 80% of vehicles.
Jadoogar Software
Software for making keys for all Toyota & Lexus vehicles with 4C and 4D.
BMW EWS Tools
Packages that allow you to eeprom BMW EWS3 and EWS4 vehicles to create a key that starts the car.
Codex Lite
Programmer and PC software enabling users to read the eeprom file from the ECU or immobiliser system and save it to the PC.
Eeprom Tools
A selection of tools essential for working on eeproms.
Eeprom Accessories
A range of accessories and consumables essential for all your eeproming work.
Pincode Reading
Pincodes and Key Codes
Our Code Service offers vehicle pincodes, key codes, radio codes, EKA codes and more.
VRM Lookup
Get a wealth of information on your vehicle including engine number, PNC data and legal status.
Smart Dongle
A single dongle to replace all existing dongles and smart card on the AD100Pro and MVPPro.
Peugeot & Citroen Pincode Wizard
A simple and easy to use device able to extract the pincode from a range of Peugeot and Citroen vehicles.
VAG Pincode Retrieval Tool
Can be used to extract the security pincode from a large range VAG vehicles.
Kia & Hyundai Pincode Convertor
A dongle for the AD100Pro and MVPPro that converts VIN number into 6 digit pincode.
Nissan Pin Read Dongle
A dongle for the AD100Pro and MVPPro that reads Nissan picodes from the vehicle.
VAG Tacho
Laptop based OBD tool designed to extract PIN numbers, program keys, correct mileage etc. on a large range of VAG vehicles.
Immobiliser Bypass
Renault Emulation
Avoid the expense of replacing lost keys on early Renault vehicles with the Renault Emulator.
Rover City Immobilser Bypass
Bypasses the immobiliser on City Rover (Tata) vehicles.
Locksmith Tools
Through The Door
A great selection of tools helping the professional locksmith to gain entry into locked vehicles.
Picks & Decoders
A selection of picks and decoder tools for opening vehicle locks.
Locksmith Accessories
Professional quality lock picks and decoders for opening and reading vehicle locks.
Key Programming Accessories
Smart Dongle
A single dongle to replace all existing dongles and smart card on the AD100Pro and MVPPro.
Spares for Key Programmers
A selection of spares, dongles and cables for the Advanced Diagnostics range of Key Programmers.
Programming Accessories
Useful accessories for key programming.
Accessories for Keys & Remotes
Bits and pieces for keys and remotes, including remote parts, batteries and transponder kits.
Reference Material
A selection of publications to aid you in all aspects of key programming.
Literature
Key Programming Brochure
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