Microsoft MapPoint 2006 (North America) Targets Business Geographics
Written by Glenn Letham (GISuser editor)
03 May 2006
Finally, after 2 years of waiting, Microsoft MapPoint 2006 (North American version) is now on the shelves. MapPoint 2006 includes updated geographic and demographic data, plus new features including advanced GPS functionality, text and voice-prompted driving guidance for Windows XP users. Perhpas most noteworthy in the "New features" in the release is the enhanced GPS support that provides real-time driving directions, Wi-Fi positioning and better offline geographic data.
MapPoint 2006 comes in two offerings: a stand-alone software package as well as one that includes both the MapPoint 2006 software and a new GPS locator hardware kit. MapPoint 2006 is priced at $299 USD for the software only, and $349 USD with a GPS locater.
GPS Locater Feature:
MapPoint 2006 with GPS Locator (SiRF Star III chipset) combines complete business mapping and analysis software with the latest Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Includes plug-and-play functionality, voice prompted directions, and Dynamic Turn View with Rotate-able Maps.
What can you do with it?
Map business data. Create and view sales territories, analyze trends, and evaluate performance by geography.
Identify new business opportunities. Combine business data with demographics to target potential customers and focus decisions
Analyze business data. Create custom territories and evaluate performance
Insert maps into Microsoft Word documents and Microsoft PowerPoint® presentations
Create maps from data stored in current versions of Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Outlook®, Microsoft SQL Server™, or other database sources
User requirements (minimum suggested requirements are: Microsoft Windows XP Professional with a Pentium III processor and 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM.)
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PC with Pentium II or higher processor; Pentium III recommended
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Microsoft® Windows® XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows ServerTM 2003, Windows 2000 Professional or later operating system required
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 browser software or later, Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 included (will not displace your primary browser)
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For Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional: 64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)
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For Windows Server 2003: 256 MB of RAM
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For Windows 2000 Professional: 64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)
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Running additional applications simultaneously may require additional memory
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Available hard-disk space: 1.1 GB for full installation or 500 MB for minimum installation. Some users may require up to an extra 100MB for System Files Update (hard disk usage will vary depending on configuration).
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4x speed or faster CD-ROM drive
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Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors; a monitor with higher resolution and more colors recommended and required for Driving Guidance feature
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Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse®, or compatible pointing device
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Finally, after 2 years of waiting, Microsoft MapPoint 2006 (North American version) is now on the shelves. MapPoint 2006 includes updated geographic and demographic data, plus new features including advanced GPS functionality, text and voice-prompted driving guidance for Windows XP users. Perhpas most noteworthy in the "New features" in the release is the enhanced GPS support that provides real-time driving directions, Wi-Fi positioning and better offline geographic data.
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