Wow...Serious overreaction man. We are completely reliant on mapping here, probably far more than most to be honest. That doesn't mean we turn the decision for what mapping software we use to the sales department. Rather we go to the sales department and gather their needs and wants (they are different you know) and then we give them the most appropriate tools to do their jobs. I stand by my point..if you are turning the sales team loose with a SQL server and whatever mapping software they feel like using, then IT is falling down on the job somewhere. TVK
From: Sam Cayze [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 11:45 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: RE: Microsoft Mappoint What are talking about?!?! Ever heard of CRM? What do you think it runs on? Who said running loose? Maybe maps and CRM aren't important to your business - but don't assume it's not important to everyone else. It's critical in our field for one. (I'd can't even believe I am having to argue this point...) ________________________________ From: Tim Vander Kooi [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 11:03 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: RE: Microsoft Mappoint If you're turning your sales team loose with SQL and mapping software, you probably have bigger issues. It does sound like the making of a great IT work assurance program though. TVK From: Sam Cayze [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:57 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: RE: Microsoft Mappoint Depends what they use it for? Do you need SQL integration? You might be stuck. They are many APIs that integrate in online map providers now. They are very slick and feature rich. They can import spreadsheets, plot the points, territory boundaries... etc. Many overlay options. Google Earth can do some things. Last time I went to a Google Enterprise pony show, it couldn't handle importing spreadsheets, nor plotting the territories on a map :( That was over a year ago though. And I doubt it can do SQL integration. http://www.google.com/enterprise/maps/ http://www.usnaviguide.com/ Cool example using polygon unions. http://maps.huge.info/examples.htm Many, Many more examples ________________________________ From: Stefan Jafs [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:34 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Microsoft Mappoint My sales guys absolutely have to have Mappoint!!! (their words) Anyhow at ~$300 / set it ridiculous $$, almost as much as Office! Are there any other offerings that offers similar benefits but less $$? __________________________________________________ Stefan Jafs This email and any attached files are confidential and intended solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named recipient you should not read, distribute, copy or alter this email. Any views or opinions expressed in this email are those of the author and do not represent those of the Amico Corporation. Warning: Although precautions have been taken to make sure no viruses are present in this email, the company cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage that arise from the use of this email or attachments. ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
