Call it the Internet’s own version of Tyson-Lewis, Round (Whatever).
Microsoft Corp. is going toe-to-toe with rival America Online yet again, this
time launching a new mapping service on its MSN network that will compete
head-on with AOL’s venerable MapQuest.com.
MapQuest, which launched back in 1996 and traces its roots back to the 1960s
as a gas station map provider, was revolutionary in its day, showing nascent
surfers just how useful the Internet could be.
Microsoft made no bones about its competitive effort, saying that “until now,
most Internet users have only had access to maps and location information
through AOL Time Warner Inc.’s MapQuest, which also provides online maps
to Yahoo!”
The Redmond, Wash.-based software giant said its new MSN MapPoint offering is built on the
.NET platform “and represents the beginning of MapPoint technology’s
migration to Microsoft .NET Web Services.”
The new map service, like MapQuest, will offer maps as well as 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 are
layered atop a world atlas rich with searchable data to enable users to
explore the globe.
And in a bit of one upsmanship, Microsoft said MapPoint also enables users to
zoom in, pan and resize maps without time being wasted by screen page
refreshing. And 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.
The Carpoint online automotive service and the HomeAdvisor online home and
real-estate buying guide will provide proximity searches, determine the best
routes, calculate driving directions and print easy-to-read maps.
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.