Volvo Signs Multimillion-Dollar Service Life-Cycle Management Deal

Volvo Cars Corp. said Monday that it has signed a multimillion-dollar software deal with Enigma Inc. to help the automaker's dealers with repairs and services.

It will use Enigma's 3C Platform to create an application that will link all of Volvo's existing XML-based service manuals, electronic parts catalogs and service bulletins, and diagnostic and software downloads used for automotive control systems built into the cars. The application will be deployed around the world in 17 languages and accessible via the Web.

The goal is to provide technicians and mechanics with all the information they need--from parts data to pricing --to repair any Volvo automobile. The application will also link to Volvo dealers' back-office systems to simplify parts ordering, inventory, and financial processes.

The deal is another big win for Enigma, which has been leveraging its roots in service life-cycle management, traditionally used to help manufacturers and operators of capital equipment more easily find data within huge technical documents and parts catalogs.

Late last year, Enigma signed Japan Airlines Inc., which is rolling out a Web-based deployment of Enigma's 3C software that will let service personnel access repair and service information from airport gates, thus helping to keep the airline's fleet of 150 aircraft operational as often as possible.