Do I have to use Mappoint web services?

I am new in Mappoint. I am planning to develop an interactive map-based online solution for our intranet. The system can return a map upon the input of address by our staff. On the map, we want to use pushpins to show the location of our custmers. Upon mouseover
on one pushpin, a pop-up window will be displayed to show the detailed info of that customer. It seems that I have to use Mappoint web services, but mp ws is for more expensive than that we can afford to. Could anyone help me out, except Mappoint WS, are there any other approaches I can use to reach the same goal?

Thanks a ton,

I have the same problem. I need to access real time maps form a intranet. And i would like to have some interactive features.
I would like to use MapPoint Europe 2004 with SQL Server, do i need MapPoint web service to do pan, zoom to the generated maps or is there another way to export those maps to the Client side directly from MapPoint??
Thanks!

I am looking for an answer to the same question. I want to build a rich client with extensive interactivity and not just the images that I believe that the MP Web Service returns.
I thought I'd use MapPoint 2004 along with SQL server on the server to do calculations such as finding the closest GPS equipped car to a location, but I don't even know if MapPoint 2004 would be appropriate to use for a server application.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Hey all, I understand your pricing concerns, so I have a couple of options for you. Firstly, we've heard the issue about the high "getting started" pricing loud and clear. With that info, the MapPoint team has put a small developer package together that gives you 250K transactions a year for $4000. I can get you in touch with the right people if this is something you would like to look into.

On the other hand, while this does sound like a great MWS app, and it would be quite easy to put together, even 4K may be more then you were willing to spend. If this is the case, you could try the Virtual Earth Map Control,check this out:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/de...troduction.asp

This will give you everything you need to try out the VE Commercial control. Also, MP2K has a great usergroup with a community of devs who are using VE now.

Here are some other useful links:
http://viavirtualearth.com/vve/Dashboard/Default.ashx
http://blogs.msdn.com/virtualearth/

Let me know if this helps!
Mark - MSFT