Microsoft on "quest" to beat AOL at map game - Applications

Information Superhighways Newsletter, Jan, 2002

The war never seems to end between Microsoft and America On-Line. This time, it's over maps. Microsoft is launching a new mapping service on its MSN network that will compete head-to-head with AOL's MapQuest.com

MapQuest was launched in 1996, and traces its roots back to the l960s as a gas station map provider. At its Internet inception, it was a revolutionary tool for nascent surfers, demonstrating the practical use of the Internet.

MapPoint from Microsoft is built on the .NET platform and represents the beginning of MapPoint technology's migration to Microsoft .NET Web Services. Like its competitor, MapPoint will offer maps, along with driving directions and points of interest. Microsoft said it is working with a variety of information providers to stitch together accurate, up-to-date and routable maps for the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. These will be layered atop a world atlas rich with searchable data to enable users to explore the globe.

Microsoft said MapPoint also enables users to zoom in, pan, and resize maps without time being wasted by screen page refreshing. Directions and maps are printer-friendly, so printouts are consistently clear and free of advertising clutter or awkward spacing.

Microsoft also is making the service an integral part of its Carpoint and HomeAdvisor offerings. Carpoint delivers real-time traffic updates, offers driving directions, and finds the cheapest gas prices in the user's geographic area. HomeAdvisor delivers details about neighborhoods and driving directions that direct prospective buyers to property listings in areas of interest. Both will provide proximity searches, determine the best routes, calculate driving directions and print easy-to-read maps.