The cloud-computing model continues to reshape business processes and reconfigure the technology architectures that run our cities. Cloud-computing is not only a new computing paradigm that is taking root, but the technologies are also enabling new collaborative and integrated solutions in the transportation industry by provisioning the fusion of existing (stove-piped) traffic management systems. By adding a new “top layer” to the operations stack, previously disparate transportation systems can be integrated for optimization of existing functions, as well as fused for new-found functionality, previously unattainable in “siloed” architectures. Over the past several years, Cloud computing has progressively made its way into mainstream ITS. In July, 2011, Terranautix looked at the progress of cloud-computing platforms within the ITS arena. Since then, the industry has made steady progress, increasing utilization of cloud-based technologies, as well as expanding services residing on cloud-based technologies. We now take a look at a couple of the latest innovations related to next-gen traffic management applications based on cloud-computing technologies. 
Instant Mobility Project
In April, 2011, A UK consortium kicked-off the “Instant Mobility” project, aimed at “developing and exploring a concept for transforming the mobility of persons and goods in the future through the application of advanced Internet Technologies”. The project is examining three development scenarios, including “Transport Infrastructure as a Service”. This scenario will demonstrate “dynamic traffic management and integrated urban space on how to use Future Internet technologies such as cloud data storage, cloud computing virtualization or services‐in‐the‐cloud.” More specifically, “it is aimed at the specification of functional and non‐functional requirements of the different services envisioned for urban traffic management systems, in order to take advantage of the core platform the Future Internet enables.”. You can read more on this next-gen ITS research project here. 
From Cloud Computing for Agent-Based Urban Transportation Systems
Cloud-Connected Vehicles
The Ford Motor Company (among other automakers) recently announced plans to deploy a cloud-based architecture for connecting to Ford vehicles. Ford is partnering with Microsoft to develop the cloud-based platform, which will provide a wide array of services to the vehicle, including traveler information, safety services and new infotainment services. Toyota has also recently announced a partnership with Microsoft to implement a new cloud-computing architecture based on MIcrosoft’s Azure Cloud-computing platform. Back in 2010, Chevy announced a partnership with Google to utilize Google’s Android platform and a cloud-computing architecture to develop a new cloud-based platform. 
Crowdsourced App Development
Cloud-computing platforms have also continued to provide the foundation for third-party application development through the use of open API’s. The Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) has teamed up with Microsoft and used their Azure platform to create a unified portal that can be accessed by the public called MyTransport.Sg. In this way, LTA is hoping that app developers will develop mobile apps specifically for a mobile services. At this year’s CES conference, GM announced that “it is selecting developers to be given access to an OnStar API for the creation of vehicle-specific and vehicle-safe apps for future OnStar-equipped vehicles.” RelayRides, the peer-to-peer car-sharing service, was the first official partner to announce development of an app from the OnStar API.
References and Resources
Cloud technologies for traffic monitoring and control
Transport Infrastructure As a Service
Cloud Computing for Agent-Based Urban Transportation Systems
Update on Cloud-Computing and Intelligent Transportation Systems
Cloud Computing – Helping Transport for London Manage Travel Information for Mobile App Developers
Cloud Computing in Transportation: Increasing Efficiency by Connecting Devices to the Cloud
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority Turns to the Clouds
Cloud Computing Based Architecture for Advanced Traffic Information Dissemination
Cities in the Cloud
Real Time Services for Future Cloud Computing Enabled Vehicle Networks
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