Does MapPoint licensing allow for posting static images of
maps to a commercial site? An example would be posting
static maps of store locations to a website.

Products like MapInfo Professional include this ability in their
licensing agreement.

Thanks,
Don

Looks like I found the answer to my own question:

1000 static images / license

With that said, are there any professional interactive map
and/or driving direction solutions out there that don't
cost $15K per annum, or $15K for a software license
(see MapQuest/MapPoint, and MapInfo Xtreme, respectively)?

We have geocoded data for 500 locations and are looking
for some basic location based services, maybe in the
$5K range, self-managed (server based) or outsourced.

Thanks,
Don

Check with MS.. in the past they offered some lower-priced entry points.