While many publications have been buzzing  over the launch of Starbucks' new SMS store locater service, you know SMS has gone mainstream when the service's debut merits mention in everyone's favorite tabloid, The New York Post:

By sending a text message with your ZIP code to "MYSBUX," customers will receive the address of up to three nearby Starbucks, plus their phone numbers. There is no charge beyond a cellphone user's regular text-messaging fees.

The company has also created a specially formatted locator to fit the small screens of Web-enabled mobile devices such as the BlackBerry or Treo. Customers can tap into the store locator at Starbucks.com and get the nearest locations, plus info such as the closest WiFi stores, in addition to directions and maps.

The service is also linked to in-car GPS navigation systems.

If you're interested in the tech specs on this project, head over to the MSDN blog to learn how Starbucks utilized Microsoft's MapPoint Web Service