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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
NAVTEQ and Skyhook Wireless Team to Provide Location-Awareness for Portable Devices
CHICAGO, March 27 -- NAVTEQ (NYSE: NVT), a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, announced today the formalization of an agreement with Skyhook Wireless, the leading provider of software-only positioning systems that leverage Wi-Fi technology, allowing NAVTEQ to resell Skyhook Wireless' Wi-Fi Positioning System(TM) (WPS) in conjunction with its map products across NAVTEQ's key focus areas.
Skyhook Wireless' Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) software produces accurate location information by detecting Wi-Fi access points and comparing them against a known database of geolocated points. Unlike GPS or cell tower systems, the WPS is not susceptible to reception issues in indoor and urban environments. WPS is designed for the millions of laptop, PDA and smartphone users that have Wi-Fi capabilities and would like to take advantage of location-based services that are widely available.
NAVTEQ and Skyhook Wireless recently collaborated on the development of ReignCom's iriver W10, the first commercially available media player to combine WPS technology with NAVTEQ Discover Cities(TM) pedestrian guide. The iriver W10, unveiled at CES earlier this year, provides mobile consumers in urban environments with detailed information about their location and the sights and amenities around them such as Fodor's travel data on hotels, restaurants and shopping. The NAVTEQ and Skyhook Wireless agreement allows for customers to select a single source for map data and software-based positioning.
"This agreement will help drive a whole new category of Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices that will have location-aware capability," stated Michael Shean co-founder and Vice President, Skyhook Wireless. "The high quality and richness of NAVTEQ's underlying map data is a critical success factor in enabling this breakthrough solution. We recognize NAVTEQ as a leader in bringing the most innovative map content to the LBS space."
"NAVTEQ is pleased to have a formalized relationship with Skyhook Wireless whom we have recognized as a thought leader since they were a category winner in the 2004 NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge(R)," commented Winston Guillory, Senior Vice President, Consumer & Enterprise, NAVTEQ. "The combination of NAVTEQ's forward thinking content like Discover Cities and Skyhook Wireless' cutting-edge WPS technology will provide our customers and the market as a whole with more options and channels for delivering value."
About Skyhook Wireless
http://www.skyhookwireless.com/technology/database.html Founded in 2003, Skyhook Wireless has pioneered the development of the first-ever metro-area positioning system that leverages Wi-Fi rather than satellites or cell towers to deliver precise location data supporting the growing market for location-based services. The Skyhook Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) requires no new hardware, works indoors and outdoors, provides an instant location and is more accurate than current technologies in congested downtown areas. WPS currently serves over 70% of the US population. Skyhook Wireless is headquartered in Boston, MA and is privately held. Investors include Bain Capital and Intel Capital. For more information visit http://www.skyhookwireless.com, send email to info@skyhookwireless.com or call 617-314-9802.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 2,200 employees located in 144 offices in 27 countries.
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