Microsoft today announced that they have signed a multi-year strategic commercial agreement with HERE to use its map data and platform services in the development of its products and services. With this partnership, Microsoft will be able to integrate HERE data and services into its Bing Maps platform that powers Bing.com, Cortana, and other services, as well as into its Bing Maps API offered to developers through the Azure Marketplace. They also mentioned that this agreement permits Microsoft’s expanded use of HERE data and services in connection with in-vehicle productivity scenarios.
“Bringing the highest quality maps and geographical services to our consumers and developers is of paramount importance to Microsoft,” said Jordi Ribas, Corporate Vice President, Bing Program Management, Microsoft. “HERE continues to be an industry leader and geospatial innovator and by expanding our long-standing partnership with HERE, we will continue to bring benefits to our customers.”
Bruno Bourguet, SVP of Sales and Business Development at HERE, said the following regarding this extended partnership,
“Our goal is to enable global access to the best mapping and location services for consumers and businesses, and we are delighted to extend our partnership with Microsoft, supporting its product innovation into the future.”
In addition to the up-to-date Map data, Microsoft can also take advantage of HERE services such as real-time road traffic flow and live public transit data.
