Joins Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group to help fight spam and email threats; will serve on MAAWG Board of Directors.

Microsoft Corp., with its Outlook, Exchange Server and MSN Hotmail email offerings, has joined the global Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group (MAAWG), an organization where network operators and vendors join forces to reduce spam and email abuse.

Microsoft has made a significant commitment to the organization's efforts by joining at the highest membership level and will serve on the MAAWG Board of Directors. Microsoft's MSN Hotmail represents one of the largest and most popular online email communities. With this addition to the existing members' ISP networks, MAAWG now represents over half a billion mailboxes worldwide in the fight against both consumer and business online abuse, including the three largest providers of consumer email in the world.

"We believe that threats like spam, phishing and malware must be addressed on several fronts, including technology innovation, industry and government collaboration, and user education and guidance, to help ensure online trust and confidence," said Craig Spiezle, Director, Microsoft Technology Care and Safety Group. "MAAWG's goals closely align with Microsoft's commitment to holistically address these issues, and we look forward to working with the organization and its members as we collectively continue to further industry-wide efforts to create a safer and more secure online experience."

"MAAWG is recognized as being one of the most effective organizations for fighting abuse globally and it is where companies that are serious about fighting spam can cooperate and leverage their expertise," said Jonathan Curtis of Bell Canada, who is Chairman of the MAAWG Board of Directors. "We welcome Microsoft and believe their experience and depth will play a vital role in helping us eliminate excessive spam and abuse."