Deprecating Older Versions of Virtual Earth

We're doing a little house cleaning, so we're going to be taking down some of the older version of Virtual Earth. Notice was sent around to people with MapPoint Web Service / Virtual Earth accounts, so in case you don't have one you'll want to read the following.

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As part of our planned deprecation schedule for older versions of Virtual Earth, we will be permanently retiring Virtual Earth version 2, version 3, version 4, and version 5 in the coming months so that you can upgrade to version 6, the current version. If you are currently using one of the older versions, please read this notification and the end-of-life schedule that applies to the version(s) of Virtual Earth you are using. Please note, this Virtual Earth version end-of-life plan only applies to Virtual Earth and does not affect the MapPoint Web Service.

Upgrade to version 6 and take full advantage of the latest features the Virtual Earth platform has to offer, including:

· Access to imagery upgrades and new coverage,

· New transaction usage reports that provide insight into how your application is being utilized by end users

· Support for Safari 2.0

· Rooftop geocoding

· Multilingual driving directions

· Multipoint routing

· And more...

Upgrade information by Virtual Earth version number:

In the table below, find the Virtual Earth version you are currently running and note the end-of-life date indicated and the action you will need to take.

Virtual Earth Map Control API Version:

Virtual Earth Map Control API URL(s):

End-of-life date:

Version will no longer work after the following date.

Action required:

Version 2

https://dev.virtualearth.net/standard/v2/MapControl.js

March 31, 2008

Version 2 will no longer work after this date.

Per the customer communication we sent on January 31, 2008, you must upgrade any applications that are using Virtual Earth version 2 to Virtual Earth version 6 by March 31, 2008 to ensure Virtual Earth service availability.

Version 3

https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/v3/mapcontrol.js or https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/mapcontrol.ashx?v=3

August 31, 2008

Version 3 will no longer work after this date.

Upgrade any applications that are using Virtual Earth version 3 to Virtual Earth version 6 by August 31, 2008 to ensure Virtual Earth service availability.

Version 4

https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/v4/mapcontrol.js or https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/mapcontrol.ashx?v=4

August 31, 2008

Version 4 will no longer work after this date.

Upgrade any applications that are using Virtual Earth version 4 to Virtual Earth version 6 by August 31, 2008 to ensure Virtual Earth service availability.

Version 5

https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/v5/mapcontrol.js or https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/mapcontrol.ashx?v=5

August 31, 2008

Version 5 will be automatically upgraded to the most current version of Virtual Earth.

Since Virtual Earth version 6  is backward compatible with version 5, no action should be required by you. However, we strongly encourage you to test your version 5 applications against version 6 prior to August 31, 2008 to ensure there are no unforeseen issues with your applications when version 5 is automatically upgraded to version 6. Alternatively, you can choose to actively upgrade your version 5 applications to version 6 prior to August 31, 2008.

Important additional information:

Before you begin upgrading to Virtual Earth version 6 from version 2, version 3, version 4 or version 5, you will want to review the technical documentation on how to migrate from these older versions of Virtual Earth. You can find this important documentation on msdn.microsoft.com here.  Also, when upgrading to Virtual Earth version 6, be sure to implement the version 6 Customer Identification feature as documented on msdn.microsoft.com here. Once you implement this feature, you will be able to take full advantage of the transaction reporting capabilities that are included in Virtual Earth.

You can begin incorporating the latest features of Virtual Earth version 6 with the Virtual Earth Interactive SDK. The Interactive SDK provides scenario-based, hands-on demonstrations with associated source code and references.  Visit https://dev.live.com/virtualearth/sdk/ to access the Interactive SDK online or you can download it for offline viewing. You can also access other Virtual Earth developer resources, including the Virtual Earth Developer Forum to connect with other developers.

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In a nutshell, upgrade to Version 6.

CP