Microsoft also plans to help developers by providing a platform on which they can create applications which can exploit such location-based data. One example is an application which can help find local restaurants, along with ratings supplied by previous customers. It will help the end-user, not only to find a better meal, but also to relate to things spatially with the help of richer information. The potential in this for advertisers as well as consumers is clear to see.
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Stephen Lawler works as general manager of MSN Virtual Earth and the MapPoint Business Unit at Microsoft Corp.. He oversees all aspects of worldwide product development, program management, marketing and business development related to the MSN Virtual Earth, MapPoint® Web Service, MapPoint CD-ROM, Microsoft Streets & Trips, and AutoRoute products.
Lawler has more than a decade of experience as a developer of mapping and location software as well as mobile device technologies. He has overseen the launch of more than 50 products and services. Lawler was responsible for the development and operation of the MapPoint Web Service, Microsoft’s first Extensible Markup Language (XML) Web service. He also played a key role in developing the MapPoint Business Unit's CD products, which include MapPoint, Streets ∧ Trips, Pocket Streets and AutoRoute.
Lawler joined Microsoft in 1999 after serving as managing director of software development at MapInfo Corp., which provides scientific mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology products. Before his current role, Lawler was the product unit manager for MapPoint and was involved in Microsoft's acquisition of Vicinity Corp. in 2003. Before that, Lawler served as group manager for the Microsoft Wireless Server Division and as group program manager for the Microsoft Exchange Enhanced Platform Product Unit. Lawler holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of New Hampshire. He and his wife, AnnMarie, live in Redmond, Wash., with their two daughters. In his free time, Lawler enjoys family activities, reading, audiovisual technology, downhill skiing, basketball, golf and other sports.
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This presentation is one of a series from the Where 2.0 Event held in Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, June 29-30, 2005.
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