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MSN launches MapPoint online mapping service, offering maps, directions, and more.
Move over, MapQuest: Microsoft is getting into the online mapping software business. MSN's newly-launched MapPoint service offers online maps, driving directions, and many of the other features that have made AOL's MapQuest so popular.
Microsoft is positioning MSN MapPoint as a service of its strategic.Net Web-based offerings. However, at Thursday's formal launch it looks more like a strong competitor to MapQuest--with hooks to other MSN services. For example, to get traffic reports, you're directed to MSN CarPoint site.
One unusual...