NAVTEQ Network for Developers Launches Virtual Developer Lab to Support Global Application Deployment

CHICAGO, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, today announced the launch of the NAVTEQ Virtual Developer Lab, a remote testing service designed to dramatically reduce the time and resources required to develop, test, monitor and deploy mobile phone applications. The Virtual Developer Lab, powered by DeviceAnywhere, is designed to support the development and pre-commercial testing of location-aware apps that use NAVTEQ® maps and content on any mobile operating platform. Additionally, the Virtual Developer Lab helps prepare developers for commercial opportunities with device manufacturers, operators and app stores around the world.

"The large number of devices and operating systems--on different networks around the globe--makes it very difficult for any one firm to adequately test location-based applications," said Marc Naddell, vice president, partner and developer programs, NAVTEQ.  "With the NAVTEQ Virtual Developer Lab, developers can get instant remote access from anywhere in the world to real handsets in live carrier networks for testing to make sure their applications perform as intended. This allows developers to conduct pre-certification testing or testing of LBS apps on specific operator variants without physically having the real device in their hands."

The NAVTEQ Virtual Developer Lab, supports LBS application testing on any location-aware mobile device, ranging from smartphones to feature phones. Members of NAVTEQ's developer program, NAVTEQ Network for Developers™ (NN4D), can participate in a free trial of the Virtual Developer Lab and receive discounted testing rates.

"As mobile applications on smartphones become more predominant, developers are under more pressure to stay competitive with better, more robust location-based applications," said Faraz Syed, CEO & co-founder, DeviceAnywhere. "An important part of developing location-based services is having a smooth and efficient testing process across the various mobile platforms. DeviceAnywhere is pleased that we are able to help support this process for the NN4D community through the NAVTEQ Virtual Developer Lab, which will streamline and accelerate developers' time-to-market for LBS applications."

NN4D members can request access to the NAVTEQ Virtual Developer Lab and find complete details on rates, devices, operating systems, and networks at www.nn4d.com/apptesting. Additionally, application partners signing up for the recently launched NAVTEQ App Warehouse (www.nn4d.com/appwarehouse) will receive an additional 10 test hours per developer at no charge.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world.  NAVTEQ was founded in 1985 and now supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions.  The Chicago-based company is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, proudly supported by approximately 5,000 employees located in 211 offices in 48 countries.

About NAVTEQ Network for Developers™

NAVTEQ Network for Developers (NN4D) is a dynamic web portal and global community that provides developers and business partners with the technical and business support needed to build, showcase and launch the most innovative location-enabled solutions. NN4D includes resources such as mapping APIs, LBS content, point of interest data and routing information as well as geospatial platforms and tools from NAVTEQ and its partners. Members can rely on NN4D when creating GPS-based applications for the web, mobile phones, GIS and portable navigation devices that employ traffic, navigation, location content and location-based advertising for enterprise and consumer use. Connect with the people, tools and resources you need to build and market your location-enabled products by joining today at www.NN4D.com/joindevelopers.

NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Network for Developers are trademarks of NAVTEQ in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About DeviceAnywhere

DeviceAnywhere is an award-winning company that provides convenient and cost-effective end-to-end solutions for mobile application testing, test automation, development, monitoring, and certification – enabling application developers to bring better content to market faster than ever before. Its unique Direct-to-Device™ technology provides access to real handsets in live global networks, from anywhere. DeviceAnywhere currently supports more than 2000 devices, ranging from Smartphones to feature phones, on over 28 different carrier networks worldwide, with locations in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Brazil, and Spain.

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SOURCE NAVTEQ