Microsoft, Fiat to roll out onboard car-data system

SeattlePI | at | by Mike

A car on every road and in every garage running Microsoft software?

Not yet, but the Redmond company will take a step in that direction today, announcing a partnership that will make a system running its Windows Automotive software available for every vehicle model from one of Europe's biggest automakers.

The deal with Italy's Fiat Auto -- the company behind the Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands -- is the biggest in the eight-year history of Microsoft's automotive business unit.