MapIt: Enterprise Solution for Putting Dots on Maps

Perhaps that’s putting it a bit too simply, but that’s how I understand the new enterprise offering MapIt (software + Web services) developed by ESRI in cooperation with Microsoft. The idea is to put spatial data in SQL Server or Excel spreadsheets into “smart maps” and to integrate with SharePoint. The app is licensed per Web server at $4,500 (U.S.). The resulting maps are delivered via Sliverlight or WPF.

My hunch is that this is really aimed at Microsoft users who don’t yet have GIS or use location intelligence, but do have an enterprise need for spatial visualization. The use cases focus around businesses, but include first responder needs. It basically puts all the pieces needed (data, geocoding, charts, etc.) for basic business uses into a single server/services package. This is a big step beyond the old basic mapping functionality found in Excel! It may also be a step into a Microsoft-built BI solution.

- video
- demos
- press release