Microsoft to License infoUSA Database

Microsoft Corp. has agreed to license infoUSA Inc.'s business listings database to bolster the software company's online local search offerings.

Microsoft will receive infoUSA's directory assistance database of 13.5 million U.S. businesses. This information will become available in Microsoft's MSN Local Search and Windows Live Local Search, providing Microsoft users access to the directory. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Microsoft said the infoUSA information would add to 13 million listings from the company's current provider, Amacai, Chicago. The new data will be available over the next few months.

InfoUSA is a leading provider of proprietary business databases to the online yellow pages and local search industries. InfoUSA is adding more enhanced information for the online directory market. These enhancements include 6 million storefront photos with precise GPS coordinates, hours of operation for 3 million businesses and 2.1 million businesses that accept credit cards.