Corporation is a (RPI) incubator project.
MapInfo developed the first desktop GIS in 1986 , inspired by the potential of computer based mapping for business that did not require high powered, high priced
UNIX boxes to operate. Aside from the operating environment, MapInfo's founders were determined to produce a software package that did not require a university degree to operate, as was the norm for GIS packages at the time (and remains so in some instances). MapInfo provided the first tools to
Microsoft that allowed them to include mapping functionality in their products, specifically the mapping add-in for
Microsoft Excel as part of
MS Office 98. This provided the inspiration for the
Microsoft MapPoint program. MapInfo collaborated with
Oracle Corporation to develop the original spatial cartridge for the
Oracle 8i database.
MapInfo provides location intelligence solutions through combining software, data (both spatial and non spatial) and consultancy with
Project Management ,
Systems Design and development, training and support. MapInfo produces a large range of software they employ as part of their solutions, covering Spatial Cartridges for databases (SpatialWare), Routing (Routing J Server), Geocoding (MapMarker), Site Analysis, Risk Analysis, Market Analysis, Demographic Analysis, as well as the more traditional
Geographic Information System (GIS) software. MapInfo's GIS software products include the desktop GIS software,
MapInfo Professional ,
MapXtreme for web-based mapping, as well as developer tools. The latest version of MapInfo Profession is v8.0, which was released in June 2005.
