Google has decided to rename the Local Business Center to Google Places. According to the Google Maps Blog, this was done to better integrate businesses Place Pages with Google Maps.
They are also embracing QR codes which are like bar codes that can be scanned by some mobile devices and the user will be taken directly to your business Place Page.
The world of mobile and local business marketing is really starting to take off and if you own a business that caters to your local area, you really need to go and claim your business on Google Places.