FULL SUITE OF NAVTECH TECHNOLOGIES ENABLES NAVIGATION SYSTEMS FOR WINDOWS CE-BASED AUTO PCs
NAVTECH database, SDAL and NAVTOOLS™ incorporated in Auto PC Evaluation Kits

Posted On:
September 29, 1998

ROSEMONT, IL, September 28, 1998 - Navigation Technologies (NavTech), the world's premier supplier of map databases used by in-vehicle navigation systems, today announced an agreement with Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft") that will accelerate the adoption of Windows CE-based Auto PC in-vehicle navigation systems by automakers and device manufacturers in Europe and North America and help make navigation as commonplace as car stereos. As part of this agreement, Microsoft will ship NavTech's SDAL, NAVTOOLS and a sample map database with the Auto PC evaluation kits it is sending to device makers. Auto PC device makers can instantly evaluate the Microsoft navigation application, called Directions, at no charge or can consider developing or have a third party develop a navigation application using the NavTech technology.

NavTech technologies in the Auto PC evaluation kit include SDAL, a comprehensive data access software environment that delivers a common media format and enables CD-ROM interchangeability across navigation applications, and NAVTOOLS, a suite of software libraries containing high-level algorithms used for building robust navigation applications.

This agreement will put navigation capabilities within easy reach of a significant number of Windows CE-based Auto PC device makers and will effectively bring navigation a step closer to widespread deployment by automakers and device makers. Recognizing that evaluators will want to create and test navigation applications in their own backyards, NavTech will also make its map database CD of an entire region available to device makers and developers at no charge. "Microsoft is pleased with NavTech's support of the Windows CE-based Auto PC platform and our combined efforts will provide tremendous opportunity for device makers to benefit from the results of innovative, collaborative work, " said Jonathan Roberts, general manager of market development for Windows CE at Microsoft Corporation. "Working with NavTech on providing in-car navigation technology was a natural fit based upon their extensive experience building high-quality navigable map databases and this agreement will further the success of the Auto PC platform."

The Auto PC, the latest in the PC Companion line of products, is a platform for in-dash information and entertainment systems capable of delivering high quality music, as well as management of important data for audiophiles and business professionals on the go. The integrated audio system keeps drivers entertained, while the information delivered keeps drivers organized and pointed in the right direction. The Auto PC platform is powered by the Windows CE operating system ensuring systems will be expandable and upgradeable. The first Auto PCs will be available later this year from leading automobile aftermarket car stereo manufacturers.

"Device makers already recognize the utility and importance of navigation for enhancing the driving experience," said Amy Hart Phillips, Navigation Technologies Corporation's SDAL Product Manager. "The inclusion of the NavTech software and database, in the same package with the Auto PC evaluation kits, makes it easy and fast for device makers and automakers to realize powerful navigation applications that consumers will really embrace."