Sun Microsystems, Inc., Echoworx, a provider of security solutions, and Lucent Technologies, a provider of systems, services and software, today announced the launch of Sun Secure Mail, a fully-hosted managed service that will make it possible for any email subscriber to benefit from increased security and privacy protection in their email communications.

Sun Secure Mail is subscription-based, fully-hosted service that gives individuals the ability to encrypt their email at their desktop, without changing their email application. Sun Secure Mail is managed by Sun and Lucent Technologies, and powered by the email encryption software technology of Echoworx. Lucent will host the service at its Global Network Operations Centers worldwide.

The Sun Secure Mail service will be offered to any email service provider, such as ISPs and cable and multiple-service operators, as a managed service from Sun. Service providers can immediately re-brand Sun Secure Mail and offer it as an instant-on service to their email subscribers for a premium.

"Anyone with a bit of know-how can easily intercept email as it travels through cyberspace and gain access to business and personal information," commented Michael Ginsberg, chief executive officer of Echoworx. "Consumers and enterprises are looking for ways to secure their Internet communication. Echoworx, Lucent and Sun have launched a service that is reliable and cost-effective and that can be quickly and seamlessly deployed. ISPs offering Sun Secure Mail will not only increase revenues, but also capture new customers by enabling anyone with an email account to sign-up for the service," he added.