NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital maps for in-vehicle navigation, Internet / wireless, government and business solutions, awarded the winners of the Wireless LBS Challenge during an official award ceremony that took place yesterday, March 23, at the 2004 CTIA Wireless Expo. The grand-prize winner, Networks In Motion, received $100,000 worth of NAVTEQ™ Map licenses for up to one year and an advertising package from Mobile Media valued at $20,000. Second runners-up, Quarterscope Solutions™ and ULocate™, received extended development and demonstration rights to further their product development efforts.
Networks In Motion was awarded the grand-prize for its AtlasBook™ Places solution. AtlasBook Places provides turn-by-turn directions and maps to users of portable wireless devices. Via the AtlasBook web site, users can also plan trips, integrating places, phone numbers and other relevant location information into a personalized trip itinerary.
The runners-up, Quarterscope Solutions and ULocate, also demonstrated compelling solutions. Quaterscope Solutions’ Wi-Fi Positioning System™ provides Wi-Fi location readings within a 20 meter radius including interactive driving directions, child tracking and local web services. ULocate™ offers subscribers the ability to view location information of family members and employees on a 24/7 basis.
Sponsored by NAVTEQ and SiRF Technology, Inc., the 2004 Wireless LBS Challenge was the first initiative of its kind aimed at igniting the location-based services (LBS) industry. It challenged application developers to build innovative LBS solutions that work with cell phones or wireless handheld devices using global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and NAVTEQ maps. Nine semi-final solutions were identified and selected based on the following criteria: applicability, functionality, design, and solution overview. Executives from wireless carriers, hardware and device manufacturers and other industry organizations served as the official judges and completed the judging on Sunday, March 21 while on site at CTIA. The judges based their final decision on two criteria: usability and utility.
“We are constantly looking for new ways to create value for our customers. The Wireless LBS Challenge has not only brought to the forefront a variety of potentially viable commercial solutions but it has also brought to life the true power and scope of the LBS industry,” commented Susan Schedel, Director of Carrier Relations for Qualcomm. “By integrating technology such as our QPOINT solution and initiatives like the Wireless LBS Challenge, the stage is set for the widest possible range of location-based services.”
In an effort to broaden the scope of this successful initiative, NAVTEQ will launch the 2005 Global Wireless LBS Challenge, targeting developers in North America and other countries across the world. More information regarding the 2005 Global Wireless LBS Challenge will be available later this summer.
“The first Wireless LBS Challenge has received a very positive reaction from developers and industry experts,” commented Winston Guillory, Senior Vice President – North American Sales. “NAVTEQ will continue to build on the success of this initiative in 2005 with the debut of the 2005 Global Wireless LBS Challenge.”
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that powers navigation and location-based services around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and is privately held. The company’s approximately 1,400 employees are in over 100 offices in 18 countries. For more information, visit www.navteq.com.
