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Research and Markets: Microsoft Makes Significant Impact in the Location-Based Services Market

DUBLIN, Ireland -- June 5, 2006 -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of LBS Company Analysis: Microsoft to their offering.

Learn more about companies that are actually leveraging mobile positioning such as A-GPS and TDOA to offer location-based services (LBS)! This report is part of a series with an exclusive focus on companies in the wireless location space - location-based services, E911, location-enabled Wi-Fi, and (selected) RFID companies.

Get an insider perspective, yet on a completely independent basis from LBS industry analyst and consultant, David Williams. Microsoft is the world's largest software company, with a near monopoly on personal computer operating systems and a leading position in many PC application categories. While Microsoft started its location-related product line in 1995, It is only in the last 2 years has it begun to make a significant impact in the location space. Its stated mission: Empower people/businesses to be more efficient and make better decision through the power of location software. This report provides an evaluation of company strategy, products, and business relative to the LBS value chain.

Dimensions covered include:
- Business Strategy Assessment
- Technology Strategy Assessment
- Products and Services Strengths and Weakness
- Market Position and Direction
- Competitive Position and Defenseability
- Growth Prospects
- Business and Technology Risk
- Patent Portfolio
- Report Card

Topics Covered
1. Summary Report Card

2. Business Strategy Review
2.1 Strategic Focus
2.2 Product Strategy and Portfolio
2.2.1 LBS Platform
2.2.1.1 MapPoint 2000
2.2.1.2 MapPoint 2001
2.2.1.3 MapPoint 2002
2.2.1.4 MapPoint 2004
2.2.1.5 MapPoint 2006
2.2.1.6 MapPoint Web Service
2.2.1.6.1 Overview
2.2.1.6.2 MapPoint Location Server
2.2.1.7 Microsoft Location Finder
2.2.1.8 Virtual Earth
2.2.2 LBS Applications
2.2.2.1 AutoRoute
2.2.2.2 Streets and Trips
2.2.2.3 Pocket Streets
2.2.2.4 Windows Live Local
2.3 Competitive Positioning
2.4 Business/Operating Model
2.5 Marketing, Channel Strategy
2.6 Sourcing/Partnership Strategy (Business)
2.7 Investor Messages
2.8 Risk Management

3. Technology Strategy Review
3.1 Product/Service Design Strategy, Design Approach
3.2 Upgrade Plans, Roadmap
3.3 User Interface Sophistication
3.4 Platform Flexibility
3.5 Sourcing/Partnership Strategy (Technology)
3.6 Patent, IP Protection

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37973

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