ArcGIS Desktop users who are current on maintenance can access Bing Maps (formerly Microsoft Virtual Earth) at no additional cost. This free access includes an annual transaction allotment that will be enough to meet the needs of most users. However, for users who exceed their free 50,000 transactions per license in any maintenance year, annual subscriptions to Bing Maps may be purchased which have no transaction limitation.
ArcGIS Explorer users who have an existing ArcGIS Desktop license on the same machine as ArcGIS Explorer can use the Bing Maps content at no additional cost. ArcGIS Explorer users who do not have an ArcGIS Desktop license can evaluate Bing Maps for 90 days (watermarked), and then purchase an annual unlimited use subscription.
ArcGIS Server users will be able to easily access a built-in free 90-day watermarked evaluation of Bing Maps that can be leveraged with the .NET ADF. After the evaluation period, ArcGIS users can purchase an annual subscription.