Beyond SOS

The telematics business is diversifying as today's providers grow their capabilities.

The textbook definition of the word “telematics” is tremendously broad, referring to any combination of computers and telecommunications. But the actual definition of automotive telematics has been tremendously narrow, referring almost exclusively to the voice and data services provided by suppliers such as OnStar and ATX.

Both companies have sterling reputations for providing consumers two types of services: comfort and convenience as well as safety and security. Another aspect of their business models is the ability to funnel customer information back to automakers, which gives car companies another market for services.