This report from Gartner addresses the follow:
Geographic-intelligent functions: When you need to know where to place a new retail outlet, or how to market to a population based on location (anyone in a specific postal code, for example) and demographics, you need to combine lots of market data from external data providers (such as Experian) and use forecasting and predictive analytic models to effectively target the right buyers. It's more than just plotting results on a map; it's getting a fuller view of prospects/customers and using that knowledge to drive business process.
http://www.gartner.com/technology/reprints.do?id=1-196WFCB&ct=120207&st=sb
