For consumers and businesses alike, location-based services are more important than ever. Now, HERE and Microsoft have signed a multi-year strategic commercial agreement, enabling Microsoft to leverage HERE map data and platform services in the development of its products and services.

Consumers both behind the wheel and on the street now expect a broad range of features and a high level of accuracy from their location-based services, with products expected to deliver information on how to get from A to B, as well as providing up-to-date insight into transit information and more.

As a result, high quality map data is absolutely vital in ensuring that people can enjoy this level of convenience and connectivity.

The agreement between HERE and Microsoft highlights the importance placed upon these services. Microsoft will be able to integrate HERE data and services into its Bing Maps platform that powers Bing.com, Cortana, the Windows Maps app and many other Microsoft services, as well as into its Bing Maps API offered to developers through the Azure Marketplace.

The agreement also permits Microsoft’s expanded use of HERE data and services in connection with in-vehicle productivity scenarios.

This means that Microsoft will have access to the most up-to-date, accurate maps available. It will also benefit from HERE platform services such as real-time road traffic flow and live public transit data.

“Bringing the highest quality maps and geographical services to our consumers and developers is of paramount importance to Microsoft,” said Jordi Ribas, Corporate Vice President, Bing Program Management, Microsoft.

“HERE continues to be an industry leader and geospatial innovator and by expanding our long-standing partnership with HERE, we will continue to bring benefits to our customers.”

Bruno Bourguet, SVP of Sales and Business Development at HERE, concludes: “Our goal is to enable global access to the best mapping and location services for consumers and businesses, and we are delighted to extend our partnership with Microsoft, supporting its product innovation into the future.”