411.ca & Virtual Earth

Today 411.ca announced their new site design, along with the integration with Virtual Earth.

411.ca Enhances Local Search Experience For Canadians

     Microsoft Virtual Earth and Facebook-sharing among options on new website

    TORONTO, July 2 /CNW/ - 411.ca, Canada's local search engine, has
unveiled their newly re-vamped website to help Canadians connect with local
businesses and people more quickly, easily, and accurately.
    New features were created with feedback from many of the 2 million
Canadians who visit the site each month. The enhanced services enable the
thousands of businesses that advertise with 411.ca to provide more detailed
and customized information about themselves, making a stronger impression on
potential customers and generating more qualified leads.
    "It's all about making local search easy for Canadians," said Stephen
Curry, President and CEO of 411.ca. "At 411.ca, we provide an easy and
intuitive tool for consumers, while giving our business customers the best
value for their advertising dollars... online, mobile, SMS - regardless of the
channel, we are continually looking to strengthen that connection between
consumers in buying mode and businesses that serve them."
    As the only local search engine in Canada to provide consumers with a
single search box function, 411.ca lets users find what they are looking for
quickly and simply. With intuitive keyword filters and category options, users
get the most accurate information every time.
    411.ca worked with a number of partners to introduce new multimedia and
interactive elements to the site, further simplfying the search process while
providing a more robust consumer experience. No matter what the business is -
local or national, an independent retailer or large chain franchise - the new
features allow merchants to provide a much richer image to customers.
    Local businesses now have the option of video ads that add flair and
personality to their directory listing. 411.ca and video production group
PixelFish have created a video integration service that is impressive enough
for large companies, at a price that any business can afford.
    With the save-and-share function, users can quickly and conveniently send
their search results to friends via text message and various online platforms
including Facebook pages or Outlook(R) calendars. This business information
save-and-share feature is provided by online tool developers AgendiZe.
    Providing another layer of user convenience is the addition of
interactive maps and directions through Microsoft(R)'s new Virtual Earth(TM)
mapping software. This feature automatically appears on every page, to better
assist customers with their search results.
     "As evidenced with the high Web traffic on www.411.ca, consumers want the<br>ability to find accurate information as quickly and easily as possible," says<br>Mark Relph, Vice President, Development and Platform, Microsoft Canada Co. "In<br>addition to providing access to real-time information, 411.ca is providing<br>Canadians with a more engaging and valuable user experience by integrating<br>detailed and immersive mapping services with the Microsoft Virtual Earth-based<br>platform." 
    A less visible new feature is the significant expansion of 411.ca's
client services team, allowing business customers to refine their advertising
space as often as they like with help from a dedicated account manager. As
Canada's local business search engine, 411.ca's goal is to continue innovating
and providing users with the search tools they need, while offering high value
results for local businesses.
    "As a small business owner, I really appreciate cost-effective ways to
reach my local market," said Mac Nosewicz, owner, Yorkville Limosine Ltd.
"411.ca offers choice and value to Canadian businesses - and because they are
local, they understand the area I am trying to reach. They make it so much
easier to gain exposure in the Greater Toronto Area by reaching customers who
are looking for exactly what my business is about!"

    About 411.ca

    411.ca is all you need(TM) in Canadian online search. More than two
million visitors use the site each month to find information about businesses
and individuals in Canada. The company features over 1.3 million businesses
and is home to thousands of advertisers. With offices in Toronto and Montreal,
411.ca is owned and operated by 411 Local Search Corp(TM). For more
information on 411.ca, please visit www.411.ca.