Agreement Now Includes Entire NAVTEQ(R) Map Database and Additional Content
Under the new agreement, Microsoft now has access to all 74 countries in the NAVTEQ map database. This multi-year agreement also allows Microsoft the rights to utilize NAVTEQ content including Extended Listings, NAVTEQ Transport(TM), NAVTEQ Discover Cities(TM) and NAVTEQ Voice(TM). Microsoft will utilize NAVTEQ data in its Internet and mapping software solutions.
"Microsoft has remained a leader in mapping software by providing end users with intuitive, information-rich products," said Stephen Lawler, general manager of Virtual Earth at Microsoft. "This global agreement with NAVTEQ helps us continue to provide users with the most powerful and expansive experience possible."
NAVTEQ and Microsoft forged a relationship ten years ago when Microsoft selected NAVTEQ to supply map data of the United States and Canada for its product applications. The relationship expanded in the years that followed to include NAVTEQ map data for Western Europe, Asia and Mexico. Now, with this new agreement, Microsoft can provide global solutions that fill the needs of its diverse international consumer base.
Microsoft's new licensing agreement extends beyond map coverage to include advanced NAVTEQ content, including the following products:
-- Extended Listings includes hundreds of thousands of business listings for category customization and enhanced destination selection;
-- NAVTEQ Discover Cities provides the street, pedestrian and public transit network information necessary for pedestrian and multi-modal navigation;
-- NAVTEQ Transport includes a growing number of attributes that target specific needs of the transport industry to enable sophisticated truck navigation, as well as routing and dispatch optimization;
-- NAVTEQ Voice translates names and named places into phonetic language that enables applications to generate spoken words for guidance, which is a more intuitive and natural way for consumers to interact with navigation systems.
"NAVTEQ maps have been the foundation of Microsoft's cutting-edge routing solutions for years," said Jeff Mize, executive vice president, sales, NAVTEQ. "We are excited that this new agreement enables us to provide both worldwide coverage as well as innovative new content, and we look forward to Microsoft bringing these products to market."
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,000 employees located in 196 offices and in 43 countries.
NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ Transport, NAVTEQ Discover Cities, and NAVTEQ Voice are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060313/NAVTEQLOGO)
Web site: http://www.navteq.com/
