deCarta Partners with Skyhook Wireless to Bring Advanced Location Determination Technology to its Navigation and Mapping Apps

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- deCarta, the leading independent enabler of location-based services (LBS), today announced a partnership with Skyhook Wireless that will give its consumers a better experience by taking advantage of Skyhook's location technology. Handset and service provider ZTE Mobile Telecom has signed on as one of deCarta's first launch customers for the applications that use Skyhook's technology.

Skyhook develops technology that collects and analyzes raw data from Wi-Fi access points, cell towers and GPS satellites to provide fast and highly accurate navigation and positioning data under any circumstances in any environment. By incorporating Skyhook's algorithms into its location-based services (LBS) API and applications, deCarta can offer OEMs in China premium positioning and other services that are otherwise not widely available in the country.

"Popular location-based services like deCarta's MapSearch and Navigation applications require fast and reliable location data," said Mike Shean, founder and senior vice president of Skyhook. "Travelers and residents alike often struggle to find their way around densely populated cities, making this technology essential. We are proud to partner with deCarta to bring a much needed local API to their apps."

In China, the market for advanced location-based services and applications became fragmented and unfocused after Google exited the region. Demand for location-based services and mobile applications, which provide both navigation and social networking components, has grown rapidly in China. deCarta and Skyhook have stepped in to fill this critical gap, ensuring that OEMs and developers can rely on them for accuracy and speed for their end users.

"deCarta and Skyhook's partnership fills a prevalent market gap in China and underscores the demand from developers and OEMs for more flexible, scalable local API options," said Mike Cottle, vice president of worldwide sales for deCarta. "By leveraging more than one underlying position technology, Skyhook provides the best possible location information for deCarta's apps at all times."

About Skyhook

Skyhook is the worldwide leader in location positioning, context and intelligence. In 2003, Skyhook pioneered the development of the Wi-Fi Positioning System to provide precise and reliable location results in urban areas. Today, Skyhook's Core Engine provides positioning to tens of millions of consumer mobile devices and applications. For more information, visit www.skyhookwireless.com.

About deCarta

deCarta is the leading independent enabler of location-based services for mobile network operators, mobile device OEMs, and local media companies. deCarta's technology includes an industry-leading LBS platform, white-label applications, APIs, a local search engine, and content indexing; these power many leading applications for mapping, navigation, local search, mobile advertising, social networking, and enterprise.

SOURCE deCarta