The pair is currently identifying suitable use cases and services that may use the new system, with more details coming later this year. But it's clear from this that you could easily hook your car up to, say, your local insurer and auto shop without too much fuss. The former could be told how safely you're driving, while the latter will be prepared for when a fault develops and you need to bring it in.

IBM, of course, doesn't just want to be BMW's best friend to the exclusion of all others, and wants other automakers to join its cause. IBM's Dirk Wollschlaeger believes that the company can become a "single point of contact" for all of the various parts of the auto industry. All of which is likely to become more important when cars start driving themselves