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Gates addresses spam and security flaws at this years Comdex in Vegas

11-17-2003 07:19:04 AM CST -- By Ina Fried Staff Writer, CNET News.com


Addressing a more buttoned-down crowd than in past years, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates attempted Sunday to usher in a new era of computing he dubbed "seamless computing." Gates' annual Comdex address, his 20th, was designed to outline the promise of new software as well as the pitfalls of spam and security threats. Despite the challenges, Gates made his case that breakthroughs will make computing a more painless and rewarding experience. Gates kicked off his talk showing a few slides from his first keynote 20 years ago. At the time Microsoft was focused on software that presented no surprises, software that was understandable and trustworthy. Only about half that work is done, Gates said. "Those key attributes of software are still what we are focused on today," he said. In contrast to the MGM Grand Garden Arena where Gates has spoken in recent years, Sunday's address took place at the significantly smaller Aladdin Theatre. This year's Comdex show is expected to draw about 50,000 attendees, down from about 200,000 in 2000.

Aiming to counter the growing threat from unsolicited e-mail, Microsoft is also adding more powerful antispam software to its messaging programs, including the server-based Exchange software, PC-based Outlook 2003 and Internet-based Hotmail. With Exchange, Microsoft is adding an Intelligent Message Filter that will ship in the first half of next year and promises to give network administrators greater tools to block spam from corporate servers. Gates cast the issue as an economic problem, with spam having proliferated only because e-mail is such an efficient communications vehicle for marketers. "Even if one in 10,000 repsond, it is economic for them to send out that e-mail," Gates said. But technology--along with new legislation--can also change that equation, Gates said, noting the company is working on technologies such as "white lists" that ensure that only wanted mail reaches one's inbox. "We believe these new approaches will shift the tide," Gates said. On the desktop side, Microsoft is using its SmartScreen technology, which is already part of Outlook 2003, to filter spam. The idea is for the software to "learn" what messages a given PC user considers junk. The company is also showing off a new version of its Internet Security and Acceleration server, software designed to help companies secure the software code running in their information technology network. Microsoft plans to offer the software on a test basis starting early next year, with a final release due in the middle of 2004. The new version is the first major upgrade to ISA Server, which debuted in 2000 and offers firewall and Web caching functions, along with enhanced security. Microsoft said the new software will have improved management functions and have stronger VPN (Virtual Private Network) capabilities. Microsoft is pitching the software as another effort to "secure the perimeter" of corporate networks against attack.

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