MapInfo unveils MapOpen; Brings any data into enterprise-wide desktop mapping applications

Business Wire, Dec 12, 1994

TROY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 1994--MapInfo Corp., the worldwide leader in desktop mapping software, has unveiled MapOpen, a program designed to open information to corporate decision-makers for use in desktop mapping applications.

As the only mapping vendor committed to a non-proprietary data program, MapInfo continues to be the de facto standard for any desktop mapping application.

MapOpen builds on MapInfo's long-standing strategy of providing open solutions. The program encompasses:

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New products: ArcLink 3.0 and AG*Link are two of a series of new data translator products which will give users access to data in any format for use with MapInfo software.

New programs: MapInfo introduces a worldwide technology and marketing Data Partner Program, which will open up MapInfo's technology to partners to bring a wealth of "in demand" data products to market.

New audience: Availability of MapInfo's mapping capabilities in future versions of general business applications such as Microsoft's Office and Excel.

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"Customers worldwide have been searching for quality data on a global scale," said Elizabeth Ireland, MapInfo vice president of business development and information products. "MapOpen meets this customer demand for up-to-date, high quality, competitively priced data products. We plan to open the floodgates so that users can count on having access to detailed and varied international data, from street maps for Brussels, to demographics for Tokyo, to highways for Mexico, to population growth projections for the U.S. or any other data essential for their applications."

New Data Translators

MapInfo offers many data translators that allow access to data from different formats for use with MapInfo software. With this announcement, MapInfo is launching two new translators, ArcLink 3.0 and AG*Link, that will let users share and expand their existing mapping applications.

MapInfo's new ArcLink 3.0 offers an easy method for sharing data between ESRI's ARC/INFO and MapInfo. New features and enhancements include bi-directional file transfer, enhanced usability and greater power. ArcLink is priced at $595; ArcLink 2.0 users can upgrade to this version for $150.

AG*Link provides seamless transfer of Strategic Mapping's Atlas GIS files into MapInfo's data file format. Atlas GIS data can also be transferred automatically into MapInfo's relational file structure, allowing wider dissemination of data for use across the enterprise. This Windows product is priced at $95 and runs from within MapInfo.

Data Partner Program

MapInfo's recently announced worldwide Data Partner Program will give data vendors access to a variety of MapInfo's software engineering tools so they can develop and market data that is compatible with MapInfo's software. With MapInfo as the standard for geographic data, experienced and reputable data providers worldwide see great opportunities in partnering with MapInfo.

Current Data Partners include: Claritas, Geographic Data Technology, American Digital Cartography, Etak, GisDATA Ltd., and Tele Atlas. MapInfo and Tele Atlas are also announcing today the availability of StreetInfo Europe in the Netherlands and Belgium, the first major digital map product of the Data Partner Program, and the first European street maps for desktop mapping.

Broadening Desktop Mapping Solutions

MapInfo continues to develop partnerships with key industry players to embed "map-enabling" technology into existing mainstream business productivity software tools. MapInfo and Microsoft recently announced a strategic relationship to embed a subset of MapInfo technology into future releases of Microsoft Office and Excel, giving users an appreciation for using maps to visually analyze data contained in spreadsheets and databases.

When users are ready to broaden their use of maps, MapOpen will enable easy integration of mapping, spreadsheet and database technologies.

Desktop mapping is a practical, visual way to organize, analyze and manage information. According to a recent report by Daratech Inc., a Cambridge, Mass.-based market research firm, MapInfo is the industry leader of the worldwide desktop mapping software market, projected at $141 million for 1994.

In the broader worldwide geographic information systems (GIS) software market, with projected $505 million revenues for 1994, MapInfo is the fastest growing vendor.

About MapInfo Corp.

MapInfo Corp. was founded in 1986 and is the worldwide leader in desktop mapping software. MapInfo went public in February 1994. MapInfo software has been recognized for excellence by InfoWorld, PC Magazine, Windows Magazine and MacUser Magazine. The software runs on Windows, Macintosh, DOS, Sun and HP computers, and is available in 16 languages and is sold in 40 countries through direct sales, resellers and distributors.

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Note to Editors: MapInfo and MapBasic are registered trademarks of MapInfo Corp. Other products named herein may be trademarks of their respective manufacturers and are hereby recognized.