Microsoft has signed a multi-year agreement with location services firm HERE to use the company"s mapping data in many of its own services. The two firms already have a strong relationship, with Microsoft making extensive use of HERE data throughout its own location services, but today"s agreement will see deeper integration of HERE assets across Microsoft products over the coming years.
"Microsoft will be able to integrate HERE data and services into its Bing Maps platform that powers Bing.com, Cortana, and many other Microsoft services," HERE said today, "as well as into its Bing Maps API offered to developers through the Azure Marketplace."
Significantly, the new agreement will also allow Microsoft to make greater use of HERE data as part of its "in-vehicle productivity scenarios". Microsoft and Mercedes-Benz revealed details of a partnership earlier this year, to develop the "In Car Office", and improve productivity on the go.
Microsoft will also enjoy access to the latest mapping updates from HERE, along with real-time traffic information and live public transit data.
HERE"s Bruno Bourguet said that the company is "delighted to extend our partnership with Microsoft, supporting its product innovation into the future".
Source: HERE | h/t @teroalhonen :-)