Legiti-marketers rejoice at Microsoft whitelist 
Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday it has begun use of an email “whitelist” program by IronPort Systems Inc. that will allow legitimate marketers to navigate the intricate system of spam filters protecting its inboxes. Microsoft’s Hotmail and MSN email services, which have a combined 170 million regular users, will require marketers to put their money where their pitch is if they want to make sure their messages aren’t presumed to be spam. This requirement is part of IronPort’s “Bonded Sender” service that guarantees legitimate marketers who post a cash bond and abide by their rules will get their messages delivered. IronPort’s approach rewards participating email senders by making it mandatory for marketers involved to demonstrate a history of responsible emailing and easy methods to opt out of future mailings, among other perks. 

Sasser toll may be up to 1 million worldwide
The Sasser worm just got sassier. Computer security experts warned Wednesday that the worm could join earlier virus-like programs to pose a greater threat to companies and PC users. An estimated 150,000 to 1 million global users have been hit by the virus. The fast-paced Sasser computer worm appeared during the weekend and hit users of Microsoft Windows 2000, NT and XP operating systems worldwide. The speedy worm is expected to slow down as users download anti-virus patches. However, if Sasser mutates by merging with the two-month-old Netsky worm, the duo could create a launching pad for further web attacks with effects as devastating as those of Blaster, the destructive worm that showed up last year and used infected computers to attack Microsoft Corp.’s web site. Currently, the less intense Sasser worm wreaks its havoc by duplicating itself and slowing internet connections.

AOL for broadband, aiming for the gamers
America Online is engaging in gamesmanship to attract more customers to its broadband service. On Wednesday, AOL unveiled a video game site for high-speed subscribers. The internet service provider has faced decreasing numbers in its dial-up subscriber base and rumors that parent Time Warner Inc. may spin it off. In response, AOL has been aggressively promoting its broadband service as an alternative for those seeking more out of their internet connections, and the perks don’t hurt either. AOL claims games are most popular with broadband users. AOL is capitalizing on this by offering members discounts on games of up to $15 in some cases, along other promotional offers through a partnership with specialty games retailer Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. AOL’s new site will be featured next week during E3, the annual video game industry trade show in Los Angeles.  

Sony joins large list of online music stores
Sony Corp has jumped on the music industry bandwagon by starting its own online music download service. The service, called Sony Connect, was launched Tuesday by the electronics and media conglomerate in hopes that it would generate sales for its line of portable audio players. Sony Connect offers more than 500,000 songs from artists on major and independent labels. Similar to Napster 2.0 and the iTunes Music Store from Apple Computer Inc., the new service sells individual tracks starting at 99 cents and complete album downloads for $9.99 and up. Although Sony is following suit, it joins the market a little late in the game. iTunes launched its service more than a year ago, and Sony is months behind several other pay music sites and subscription services.