To guarantee delivery of content, MapQuest performs load balancing between the redundant servers as well as between the two co-location sites. The digital links between offices also paved the way for internal gains. At one time, different divisions of the company had a hard time fitting into the financial and accounting systems that existed. MapQuest chose GreatPlains accounting system with Intellisol International's job cost system across all of its locations, and immediately saw gains thanks to networking. For example, employee time sheets were a problem, but now employees can complete one-line time sheets from anywhere in the world as long as they have Internet access.
Executives have real-time data, and employees enjoy access without boundaries.
Marketing staff also reaps new-economy benefits. Money is better spent, due to targeted marketing and advertising. Enabled by the site and by its networked approach, marketing executives can target mailings, support advertising decisions, and trend geographic usage based on user information collected via the Web. By investing in and leveraging its network technology, MapQuest has blazed a trail to Internet success. In the first four months of 2000, the number of MapQuest's business customers has grown 25 percent.