02 September 2009, Aylesbury: ESRI (UK) the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Bing Maps, the powerful mapping platform from Microsoft, have launched a UK GIS Mashup contest to challenge software developers across the UK to create a unique GIS mashup using ArcGIS and Bing Maps.

For over two decades, ESRI has been working closely with Microsoft to deliver complete GIS solutions. This close relationship is evident in the ease of integration between ArcGIS and key Microsoft technologies, such as Bing Maps.

Peter Wilkinson, Head of Technical Solutions Group, ESRI (UK) said: "We know that our users are excited about the close integration between ArcGIS and Bing Maps and that they are keen to find out more about applications being built by other developers. This challenge will not only enable this, but by encouraging our developer community to share their creativity and vision we hope to inspire them to discover what is possible with the open ArcGIS platform." Entrants to the competition are asked to use ESRI ArcGIS Server and Bing Maps to create a Mashup that demonstrates how GIS can improve business processes, unlock information and connect people with geographical data.

Developers visiting the Mashup Challenge website ( http://www.esriuk.com/micro_sites/mashup_challenge/) are provided with a host of resources including free ArcGIS data feeds, ArcGIS mapping Applications Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Bing Maps developer accounts, making entry to the competition quick and simple.

The winner will be announced during this year's AGI GeoCommunity Conference from 24-25 September at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-on-Avon and a prize of an XBox will be awarded based on the creativity, applicability and originality of the Mashup.

The Mashup Challenge is open to all ESRI customers and business partners that are licensed users of ArcGIS Server 9.3 or 9.3.1, or who are a current ESRI Developer Network (EDN) subscriber, with a deadline for entries 5pm, Friday 18 September.

About ESRI (UK)
ESRI (UK) ( http://www.esriuk.com) is part of the global ESRI network. With the single, largest pool of GIS expertise in the UK, the company is the technical authority on GIS. ESRI (UK) provides solutions, technology and services including off the shelf applications built on the ArcGIS software suite and an extensive range of consulting and training services.

ESRI (UK)'s offerings meet a range of business needs in different markets including Business, Local & Central Government, Defence, Public Safety, Utilities and Telecommunications, as well as catering for system integrators and application developers through the ESRI Developer Network. ESRI (UK)'s customers include both public sector clients such as Leeds City Council, Metropolitan Police, DCLG, The Environment Agency and businesses including Thames Water, RSA Group and The AA. ESRI (UK) helps businesses become more profitable and public service more efficient through the better use of geographic information. The ability to understand customers' needs and harness the power of GIS for the long-term benefit of organisations is what we call Visionary Thinking.