Tech Shout!

On Monday, Microsoft Corp launched MapPoint 2006, the software-based mapping solution. With consumers turning to new online mapping services, MapPoint 2006 is being targeted at businesses and focuses on mobile information workers. With MapPoint 2006, users will receive help during making decisions and will also develop new business opportunities through the use of maps and geographical data, allowing improved analysis, visualisation and communication of business information.

MapPoint 2006 also improves its value for mobile information workers by adding rich new Global Positioning System (GPS) integration and driver guidance capabilities so that users can make the most out of time spent away from the office.

MapPoint 2006 is available in two offerings: an individual software package and another one that includes both the MapPoint 2006 software and a new GPS locator hardware kit.

“The MapPoint desktop application has led the way in providing low-cost, versatile mapping solutions for customers in the office and on the go,” said Thomas Bailey, director of marketing and engineering for the Virtual Earth business unit at Microsoft. “We’re proud to release MapPoint 2006 and believe this updated offline offering is a testament to the flexibility and value of mapping technology as it extends into both business and consumer environments.”

Features of MapPoint 2006 are:

- Drive-time Zones (DTZ) — Turn simple routes into an analysis tool by generating drive-time zones to/from a specified location.
- Data Mapping Wizard — Create maps with your own data. Step-by-step instructions guide you on how to apply your sales information and demographic variables to a variety of map types. Customize your map by defining data range, legend label, and ramp color palette.
- Territories Wizard — Create maps that group common areas and overlay key information to these regions.
- Data Mapping with Charts — Associate more data to a map by adding pie and column charts to maps.
- Import/Link Data Wizard — Step-by-step instructions help you import or link information from Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Outlook® to a MapPoint-based map.
- Import to Pushpins — Import customer and contact information from Excel, Access, or Outlook to create a map of their locations
Wi-Fi positioning is also available through a computer’s wireless network capabilities and the Microsoft Location Finder, which accesses a database of known Wi-Fi access points to determine a user’s location.

According to Microsoft, businesses continue to develop decision-making by visualising business data with geographic elements on maps. Also developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) continue to benefit from MapPoint 2006’s low-cost, high-quality maps; familiar development platform; and easy integration with Microsoft Office solutions.

MapPoint 2006’s demographic data refreshing capabilities will allow businesses to envision up-to-date trends and combine business data with demographics to focus their marketing and better evaluate results.

You can avail of MapPoint 2006 via Microsoft resellers and Microsoft licensing programs, and also through shop.microsoft.com for an estimated retail price of $299 for the standard version, and $349 for the version with a GPS locator.