According to the New York Times, Microsoft plans to introduce a Web-based service for driving directions that incorporates complex software models to help users avoid traffic jams. The system, with its software technology called Clearflow, is intended to reflect the complex traffic interactions that occur as traffic backs up on freeways and spills over onto city streets. The Clearflow system will be freely available as part of the company’s Live.com site (maps.live.com) for 72 cities in the United States. Microsoft says it will give drivers alternative route information that is more accurate and attuned to current traffic patterns on both freeways and side streets.

Comment: With Microsoft’s involvement, the trend of consolidation between navigation and real-time traffic information as well as Internet is getting clearer and clearer. Web-based distribution makes navigation services available for more users, in more convenient and accurate ways. As the trend of online navigation develops, it may be reachable to fulfill real-time navigation services by connecting navigation terminals directly to the Web.