MapInfo Adds Spatial Capabilities to SQL Server

MapInfo Corporation announced a major initiative to support Microsoft SQL Server 2000, a leading database for the Windows 2000 platform and the data management and analysis backbone of the Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers. At the heart of MapInfo support for SQL Server is MapInfo SpatialWare, which extends SQL Server's capabilities, tying together both nongeographic- and geographic-based data to solve mission critical business problems more effectively and efficiently. SpatialWare's adherence to open standards gives SQL Server 2000 users instant access to their spatial data, automatically leveraging existing interfaces and skills.

"Companies seeking to truly understand their customer data choose SQL Server 2000 as a platform for data management and analysis," said Steve Murchie, Group Product Manager for SQL Server at Microsoft. "MapInfo's spatial intelligence technology adds critical data manipulation and visualization capabilities to SQL Server 2000 so that companies can make more informed business decisions and gain a competitive edge."

MapInfo has also introduced MapInfo MapMarker ESP providing SQL Server 2000 access to MapInfo's MapMarker Plus geocoding engine from within the database. MapInfo is the first and only company that enables the critical process of address geocoding within the corporate database to enable companies to visualize location information for in-depth business analysis across the enterprise.

In addition, MapInfo support for Microsoft SQL Server 2000 includes MapInfo's core mapping products integrated with SpatialWare in the SQL Server database for enhanced visualization of business data, delivering the ability to make informed business decisions in a geographic context for site selection, marketing analysis and asset management.

"This technology integration makes it much easier for customers to gain valuable business intelligence by analyzing the business, geographic and spatial data in the centralized database for effective decision making," said Michael Hickey, executive vice president, sales and marketing of MapInfo. "MapInfo now delivers our core technology solution to SQL Server users providing critical spatial and visualization capabilities."

About MapInfo

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.

Contact MapInfo Corporation, Barbara Pilliod, 518-285-6000, barbara_pilliod@mapinfo.com.