TomTom signs a long term agreement with Microsoft to provide location technology

TomTom (TOM2), the esteemed location technology specialist, has disclosed an expansion and intensification of its partnership with Microsoft. Under this new agreement, TomTom’s maps and traffic data will be integrated into Microsoft’s location-based services, impacting hundreds of millions of users and organizations daily. This partnership aims to introduce innovative, AI-infused products to the market. Furthermore, TomTom has reaffirmed its commitment to using Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud provider.

The enhanced collaboration between TomTom and Microsoft highlights their mutual dedication to delivering state-of-the-art location technology to both businesses and consumers. TomTom’s technology powers Azure Maps, which leverages the Azure cloud platform to enable enterprises and developers to incorporate rich mapping and location capabilities into various solutions. These range from spatial analytics to Internet of Things (IoT) and asset-tracking applications. Additionally, TomTom’s location technology is integral to Microsoft’s first-party offerings, such as the AI-powered search engine Bing, data visualization tool Microsoft Power BI, and Microsoft 365, all of which utilize TomTom’s maps and services to enhance their location-based features.

TomTom and Microsoft will collaborate on product innovation in order to achieve their shared success. This partnership will leverage Microsoft’s AI expertise and TomTom’s extensive location technology experience to develop AI-powered solutions for the automotive, logistics, and broader mobility sectors. The companies will work together on go-to-market initiatives, customer support, and providing expert guidance.

TomTom’s Chief Executive Officer, Harold Goddijn, expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of fortifying their partnership with Microsoft. Microsoft is already rolling out TomTom’s Traffic, based on their new TomTom Orbis Maps, and they look forward to further supporting them with the freshest and most accurate location data. He stated that this partnership will result in the development of innovative, AI-based products that will provide customers with value.

Nicholas Lee, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Maps & Local, echoed this enthusiasm when he said that their collaboration with TomTom is built on a shared vision for location-based customer value. They are pleased about the product innovations that they will be able to bring to life as part of their continued relationship, with the added support of Microsoft’s AI technologies. By hosting their services in Microsoft Azure, TomTom’s location technology interfaces seamlessly with their services, benefiting customers across industries.

The relationship between TomTom and Microsoft dates back to 2016 when TomTom began powering Microsoft’s Azure Maps location services. This collaboration has grown to encompass geospatial data and services for Microsoft’s first-party offerings over time. The companies have also been developing automotive solutions as a natural extension of their partnership. This includes driving innovation for generative AI-powered automotive solutions and developing in-vehicle digital cockpit and infotainment solutions with cloud analytics.

This strengthened partnership signifies a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide enhanced location-based services. By combining TomTom’s expertise in location technology with Microsoft’s prowess in AI and cloud services, the collaboration is set to yield innovative products that offer significant value to customers across various industries. The synergy between these two tech giants is poised to drive forward advancements in location-based technology, ensuring both companies remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.