Microsoft Virtual Earth Deprecation Reminder

  • Article

image

Just another friendly reminder that we're going to deprecate a couple older version of Virtual Earth - specifically, v3 and v4 are going down August 31, 2008 September 22, 2008. Don't say I didn't tell you so, because I've warned you a couple times now. Yes, the dates keep moving back, but now we're locked in.

Plus, don't forget about the auto-upgrade to Version 6.1. So, if you're on v3 or v4 we are completely retiring these versions and you'll want to move completely off of these. If you're on v5 you will be automatically upgraded (read that as redirected) to Version 6.1 on September 22, 208. If you're on v6 you will be automatically upgraded (read that as redirected) to Version 6.1 on August 28, 208.

We sent an official communication to our licensed customer base today. For those of you who don't receive these messages I've provided it to you below....free of charge.

Dear Virtual Earth Customer,

As has been communicated periodically over the last several months, we’d like to provide you another friendly reminder regarding the planned deprecation schedule for older versions of Virtual Earth. Specifically, we’d like to remind you that we will be permanently retiring Virtual Earth version 3 and version 4, and will be automatically upgrading version 5 and version 6.0 to version 6.1 in the coming months. If you are currently using one of the older versions of Virtual Earth, please read this notification and the end-of-life and automatic upgrade schedule that applies to the version(s) of Virtual Earth that you are using. Please note, this Virtual Earth version end-of-life and automatic upgrade plan only applies to Virtual Earth, it does not affect the MapPoint Web Service . Also, please note that the end-of-life and automatic upgrade dates that were previously communicated have been extended to the revised dates outlined below.

Upgrade to version 6.1 and take full advantage of the latest features the Virtual Earth platform has to offer, including:

  • Access to aerial imagery upgrades and new map coverage
  • Transaction usage reports that provide insight into how your application is being utilized by end users
  • Improved map printing support
  • Bird’s eye hybrid view
  • Improved Safari browser support
  • And more…

Upgrade information by Virtual Earth version number:

In the table below, find the Virtual Earth version you are currently using and note the end-of-life date or automatic upgrade date indicated and the action you will need to take (if any).

Version 3

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

End-of-life on September 22, 2008

Version 3 will no longer work after this date.

Upgrade any applications that are using Virtual Earth version 3 to Virtual Earth version 6.1 by September 22, 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

End-of-life on September 22, 2008

Version 4 will no longer work after this date.

Upgrade any applications that are using Virtual Earth version 4 to Virtual Earth version 6.1 by September 22, 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

Automatic upgrade on September 22, 2008

Version 5 will be automatically upgraded to Virtual Earth version 6.1.

Since Virtual Earth version 6.1  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 6.1 prior to September 22, 2008 to ensure there are no unforeseen issues with your applications when version 5 is automatically upgraded to version 6.1. Alternatively, you can choose to actively upgrade your version 5 applications to version 6.1 prior to September 22, 2008.

Version 6.0

https://dev.virtualearth.net/mapcontrol/mapcontrol.ashx?v=6

Automatic upgrade on August 28, 2008

Version 6.0 will be automatically upgraded to Virtual Earth version 6.1.

Since Virtual Earth version 6.1  is backward compatible with version 6.0, no action should be required by you. However, we strongly encourage you to test your version 6.0 applications against version 6.1 prior to August 28, 2008 to ensure there are no unforeseen issues with your applications when version 6.0 is automatically upgraded to version 6.1. Alternatively, you can choose to actively upgrade your version 6.0 applications to version 6.1 prior to August 28, 2008.

Important additional information:

Before you begin upgrading to Virtual Earth version 6.1 from 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 6.1, be sure to implement the version 6.1 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 6.1 by using the Virtual Earth SDK . The Virtual Earth SDK provides scenario-based, hands-on demonstrations with associated sample code and references. You can also access other Virtual Earth developer resources such as the Virtual Earth Developer Forum to connect with other Virtual Earth developers.

Also, please remember to always keep your organization’s contact info current so that you receive important Virtual Earth and MapPoint Web Service customer notifications. You can add, remove, or modify e-mail addresses via the ‘Manage Account’ section of the Virtual Earth Platform Customer Services Site for your Virtual Earth & MapPoint Web Service account. Note, you can add multiple e-mail addresses to the list by simply separating each e-mail address with a comma. Making sure that we have your current e-mail addresses on file will ensure that your organization is notified of any important changes that may impact your access to the MapPoint Web Service and Virtual Earth API's.

Thank you,

The Virtual Earth Platform Team

Microsoft Corporation

Two months left and the clock is ticking - get cracking!

CP