MapInfo offers map database of Wi-Fi hotspots

TROY, New York -- The rapidly maturing Wi-Fi industry is already well established at major airports and hotels. But, how does the traveler find other hotspots? MapInfo, using a Jupitermedia database of Wi-Fi hotspots, is now providing one answer.

Mapinfo Corporation has released HotSpotInfo, described as a "first-of-its-kind data solution" that enables users to determine the location of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the United States. By combining MapInfo technology with Jupitermedia's Wi-FiHotSpotList.com database, travelers can pinpoint the location of Wi-Fi hotspots.

Wi-FiHotSpotList.com is a leading resource for finding wireless access points around the world. Thousands of locations are listed and new sites are added daily. In addition to an ever-growing directory of hotspot listings, Wi-FiHotSpotList.com includes powerful search and navigation for finding hotspots. Under the license agreement, MapInfo will integrate the Wi-FiHotSpotList.com database with its mapping technology to offer a data set called HotSpotInfo, which it will then license to Wi-Fi service providers and related organizations for their use in the hotspot market.

New hotspots monthly

As a resource for finding wireless access points around the world, Jupitermedia's Wi-FiHotSpotList.com will provide HotSpotInfo users with the locations of existing Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as new sites that are added monthly. HotSpotInfo will also provide users with an in-depth description of a hotspot location and the network or hotspot provider associated with that location.

The new service will also be marketed as enabling service communication providers to analyze Wi-Fi market penetration, perform in-depth competitor analysis and improve customer service.

"As the Wi-Fi market continues to expand, the location of new and mature hotspots is critical to the success of all Wi-Fi providers," said Chris Cherry, communications strategic industry manager, MapInfo. "Companies within the Wi-Fi industry are focused on increasing the reach of their Wi-Fi network. With the combined power of MapInfo's location analysis technology and Jupitermedia's Wi-FiHotSpotList.com database, HotSpotInfo users can make more informed decisions about Wi-Fi expansion opportunities and competitive threats."

For example, a communications provider can quickly view all Wi-Fi locations in a specific area, as well as the hotspot provider or competing communications company that operates a particular hotspot. By analyzing this information in a single view, the communications provider can determine if an area is ready for expansion or already saturated with Wi-Fi access points.

In addition, the communications provider can perform an in-depth competitive analysis to determine who is the most formidable competition in a specific area, as well as provide improved customer service by quickly directing customers to the closest Wi-Fi hotspot through its call center or Web site.

Wi-Fi to grow 57% in five years

According to analyst firm IDC, worldwide commercial Wi-Fi locations are expected to grow 57 percent annually over the next five years. With such rapid growth projections, MapInfo HotSpotInfo enables Wi-Fi providers, aggregators and telecommunications companies to make more informed decisions about Wi-Fi expansion and improve customer service.

Earlier this month, MapInfo announced that Shell Oil Products is using MapInfo’s AnySite solution to obtain location-based analysis and demographic research to help shape strategies impacting the company’s network of gasoline stations. AnySite provides Shell demographic information, market reporting and mapping visualization to enhance planning and improve performance of existing locations.

Shell and Texaco

MapInfo’s AnySite helps companies analyze demographic and proprietary data to better understand target markets quickly, easily and accurately, which enables more intelligent decision-making. Shell began using AnySite when the company entered into a retail venture with Texaco in 1998. At the time, the company had more than 23,000 Shell and Texaco locations to manage in its retail venture, and needed to improve its planning and visualization tools.

For example, with AnySite, Shell can evaluate proximity conflicts between existing stations and potential conflicts new locations may create. Shell also uses MapInfo for projects such as evaluating individual site performance, uncovering location-specific demographics and conducting sales projections. This visualization helps Shell better communicate directly with its customers through targeted direct marketing programs. In addition, Shell uses AnySite to connect to corporate data repositories for gas station data and point of sales analysis which helps save the company time and money.

MapInfo Corporation is a global software company that integrates software, data and services to help customers realize greater value from location-based information and drive more insightful decisions. MapInfo solutions are available in 20 languages through a network of strategic partners and distribution channels in 60 countries.