MapInfo (Nasdaq:MAPS) and Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT.) announced today at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes an agreement to jointly market to service providers an integrated platform for delivery of voice-activated Wireless Internet 'concierge services.'
These services are intended to provide location-based information -- such as traffic and weather conditions, or directions to the nearest copy center, restaurant, shopping mall or automated teller machine -- to business professionals, tourists and other travelers using mobile phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, laptop computers and other wireless devices.
MapInfo and Nortel Networks intend to enable delivery of these services using voice commands over existing wireless networks and subscriber devices, as well as over emerging third generation (3G) networks.
"This relationship with Nortel Networks will enable the addition of the dynamic dimension of voice activation to mobile location services, which will make it even easier for business professionals and consumers on the move to access information and services near them," said Brian Lantz, vice president, Global Business and Sales Development, MapInfo.
"Voice interaction will be a first in the field of mobile location services because it will be available over today's wireless networks through existing handheld devices," Lantz said.
As wireless networks evolve to broadband 3G technology, the parties will work to enhance these services with textual information, color imaging and multimedia applications for delivery to WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), J2ME and other advanced wireless devices.
"This agreement is part of an overall, location-based solution that Nortel Networks is building as part of its 'Wings of Light' strategy for unifying IP (Internet Protocol) and the Optical and Wireless Internet," said Peter MacKinnon, vice president and general manager, Applications and Devices, Nortel Networks.
"By working with MapInfo, Nortel Networks will drive the delivery of location-based services that offer speed, adaptability and ease-of-use for consumers, and new, revenue-generating opportunities for service providers," MacKinnon said.
MapInfo and Nortel Networks will cooperate to deliver complete, voice-activated, location-based solutions for service providers, including infrastructure, applications, content, installation and maintenance. These solutions will include Nortel Networks Voice Navigation System and Nortel Networks e-mobility Location Center, the network element between location technologies and mobility applications. They will be combined with MapInfo Mobile Location Suite, which integrates mapping, geocoding, routing and content to provide accurate, comprehensive interpretation of and response to requests for location-based services such as "find the nearest," "get addresses" and "provide driving directions."
MapInfo and Nortel Networks plan to participate in joint marketing and promotional activities and joint proposals. They also intend to explore potential joint development activities.
MapInfo Corporation enables customers to use location to transform information into business advantage. A global company and technology leader, MapInfo provides business intelligence solutions that are deployed across organizations to help them better understand their markets and customers. MapInfo solutions are available in 21 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.
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