Microsoft MapPoint 2004 is a business mapping tool that can help you analyze the strong and weak points of your business, as well as see how your business stacks up against your competitors. MapPoint 2004 integrates well with Microsoft Office, so you can take data from one source and use it in the other as needed.

If you're a first time user, you'll find that the interface is similar to the applications in Microsoft Office. If you're upgrading from MapPoint 2002, you won't find many new features or functions. This version focuses on adding information, including road and demographic data, and tweaking various features so they perform better or are easier to use.

The main purpose of MapPoint is to gather and analyze text-based geographic and demographic data and turn it into maps, charts, or graphs that you can use to learn more about your customers, or about your offices or stores if you have multiple locations. For example, you can take detailed customer information from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or a Microsoft Access database, bring it into MapPoint, and get a clearer picture of where your customers are, which stores are performing well or poorly, or which sales territories need extra attention. You can also use MapPoint to determine the best delivery routes and schedules, if appropriate for your business.

In addition to analyzing your existing data, you can use the expanded demographic data and new consumer behavior data (derived from Simmons Market Research) to analyze trends or consumer shopping habits in a particular geographic area to help you target specific markets. You can post the results on your corporate intranet or business Web site, to share with colleagues or customers who don't have MapPoint.

MapPoint 2004 includes street maps for ten European countries, as well as the U.S. and Canada, so it can double as a handy route planner for both personal and business travel.

Pro: MapPoint 2004 is two programs in one. You can use it as a route planning tool as well as a business mapping tool, although it lacks some of the features of dedicated travel planners.
Con: Expensive, whether you're buying it for the first time or upgrading from a previous version.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Microsoft
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
425-882-8080
http://www.microsoft.com

Ratings:
Overall value: 7
Performance: 8
Ease of use: 8
Documentation: 7