For the last hundred years, automotive development was driven by mechanic and function. With the rushing digitalization, the domain of mechanic strives for a digital mock up and functions are simulated in a functional proto type. Software development and software architecture itself becomes a third domain. Providing the tools for the massive increase in software development is a new challenge.

The development teams are distributed across the world and also operation is done from multiple locations. Highly performant access is requested anywhere on the globe, still the corporate security guidelines are inviolable. Research data has to enjoy full protection at any time. Satisfying both requirements becomes even more complex when the platform has to be accessible from the public internet to allow fast onboarding of suppliers. The Toolchain in automotive context has to be fully integrated to provide traceability from the initial specification to the final tests. Surrounding applications have to be connected and processes defined to cover ISO 26262 certifications and legal regulations for critical projects.

Growing expectations for a software development platform will be presented with the example of user interface development for cars. Coming from small displays with low resolutions and basic functionality, current multimedia options offer full access to an integrated entertainment system. Developing such systems requires a state of the art software development platform and developing them in an automotive context requires even more aspects.