Microsoft allies with antispam group

Microsoft has joined the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group, the organization announced Tuesday. The move brings the software giant's Outlook, Exchange Server and MSN Hotmail products and services into the effort, which is dedicated to combating spam, phishing, viruses and other security threats distributed via e-mail. San Francisco-based MAAWG aims to do this by coming up with industry best practices, by evaluating anti-spam technology and by developing public policy pushes.

A couple of years ago, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates promised to crack spam. Since then, the company has developed efforts such as Sender ID and made antiphishing partnerships. As a MAAWG member, Microsoft will collaborate with network operators and technology vendors from the U.S., Canada and Europe, the group said. Existing supporters include America Online, France Telecom, Comcast and EarthLink.