MapInfo Launches Industrys First Fully-Integrated Suite of LBS Applications at 3GSM World Congress

New Revenue Stream Makes Case for Rapid Growth of LBS

New Revenue Stream Makes Case for Rapid Growth of LBS

MapInfo, a world leader in Location Based Services (LBS), today launches the first integrated suite of LBS applications, forecast to develop further interest in LBS and provide operators with the opportunity to increase the average revenue per user (ARPU).

The applications -- MapInfo miTrip, miCallCentre, miFriends and miProfiler - are all built upon MapInfos industry proven Location-Based Services platform, miAware. They provide mobile operators with a range of pre-built and compelling consumer and business applications, which will enable them to quickly deploy new revenue generating services. Each is designed for easy customisation enabling operators to own and deliver distinctive services to meet the needs of their subscribers.

MapInfo expects these applications to be the catalyst for accelerated adoption of LBS by mobile operators. The applications are all tightly integrated, enabling mobile users to switch between applications without losing data. In addition, the applications can be accessed via SMS and take advantage of the benefits offered by MMS, opening up revenue channels beyond WAP.

The four applications include:
miTrip -- a full colour point to point route finder, featuring colour mapping, MMS support for saving routes and location bookmarks
miCallCenter -- a business application for companies offering directory-type services. The application determines the callers position from either a land-line database or mobile positioning system and then provides information including address, phone number and routing information from the callers location to the service - all with a few simple clicks
miFriends -- a full-colour friend finder that enables users to create lists of their friends and caller groups, making searching for more than one friend at a time much easier. It also enables users to search for a friends location or search his or her own proximity to see who is nearby
miProfiler -- allows for easier building and management of all the information mobile application users will need. It enables the user to collect information such as favourite places, friend lists and device preferences from any of MapInfos LBS applications, or from a simple web interface. It also saves the user data entry and provides the mobile operator with a simple core component for adding additional services.

Larry Delaney, general manager MapInfo LBS Business Unit comments: Importantly for mobile operators MapInfo now represents a single source for the development of all their LBS applications. This single vendor approach ensures the delivery of applications with a familiar user interface and consistent user experience, further reinforced by the consistency of maps displayed and routes calculated. This commonality is immensely valuable in reinforcing the operators brand. This applies not only to multiple applications but also to multiple countries, ensuring a familiar branding experience wherever the user might be."

About MapInfo
MapInfo Corporation is a global software company that integrates software, data and services to help customers realise greater value from location-based information and drive more insightful decisions. MapInfo solutions are available in 20 languages through a network of strategic partners and distribution channels in 60 countries. Headquartered in Troy, NY, MapInfo Corporation is on the World Wide Web at www.mapinfo.com. The companys UK and European headquarters are in Windsor, UK.

For further information, please contact:

Matthew Spencer Michelle Adair/ Sue Glanville
MapInfo Limited EuroPR Group
Tel +44 (0) 1753 848200 Tel +44 (0) 20 8971 6413
Email: matthew.spencer@mapinfo.com Email: madair@europrgroup.com
sglanville@europrgroup.com