TomTom and Google team up on business information

10 Dec, 2007

Dutch navigation systems company TomTom said on Wednesday it was teaming up with Internet search leader Google Inc so users can find and send business addresses to their portable devices.
TomTom, which makes navigation devices for cars and mapping software for handheld computers, said in a statement its users would be able to search for business addresses on Google Maps and transfer them to their TomTom device.
"This co-operation represents a major step for TomTom in meeting the growing demands of our customers for personalised content for their TomTom devices," said Eric Pite, vice president for product management at TomTom.
TomTom shares, which tumbled on Tuesday after announcing an equity issue to help fund its purchase of digital map supplier Tele Atlas, were up 2.4 percent at 60.40 euros by 0803 GMT, compared with a 0.7 percent rise on the DJ Stoxx technology index.
TomTom said its users would be able to transfer information to their devices when they are connected to the Internet with one mouse click and then view the location on their TomTom. It said it would continue to explore partnerships with third parties to expand the personalisation options it offers.
The tie-up would for instance allow TomTom users to plan a city trip by searching for accommodation, restaurants or museums using Google Maps on their computer and then transfer the places they want to visit to their TomTom device.

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