Will there be a MapPoint 2005? If so, will the API be more developer friendly?

It seem obvious that the MapPoint API is intentionally crippled for non-technical reasons, like protecting ISV partners from independant developers and promoting the MapPoint Web Service, all of which is discouraging to long-time MS developers like myself. I always liked MS because I thought they pampered their developer community. Clearly, something has changed - at least for the coorporate and independant developer.

Regarding the web service, there are desktop/network applications that shouldn't depend on internet connectivity and/or can't tolerate the latency inherent with internet connections. A MapPoint Server product with automatic updating and appropriate licensing/subscription fees combined with a robust and unrestricted API for client development seems a more appropriate platform for coorporate developement.

But my sense is that none of that is going to happen.

Thoughts/ Comments?

Thanks.

Matt Fritz
mfritz@charmer.com