| EarthLink
Introduces spamBlocker [28th May 2003]
ATLANTA, May 28, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall
via COMTEX/ -- EarthLink(R) (ELNK) , today became the
first major Internet service provider to include, at
no additional charge, an optional spam-blocking feature
that enables EarthLink subscribers to eliminate virtually
100 percent of all junk email. spamBlocker(SM) is included
with EarthLink's TotalAccess(R) 2003 Internet software,
and users can now download a copy at http://www.earthlink.net/spamblocker.
"spamBlocker's innovative approach
eliminates virtually all spam and positions us as a
leader in battling the bane of the Internet," said
Rob Kaiser, EarthLink's vice president of narrowband
marketing. "EarthLink believes that everyone's
Internet experience should be helpful, informative,
and fun and shouldn't be cluttered with inappropriate
pop-up ads and junk email. With the launch of spamBlocker,
EarthLink subscribers can claim control of their inboxes
and get back to enjoying their time spent online."
EarthLink has a long history of aggressively
fighting spam. In addition to technical solutions like
spamBlocker, EarthLink's multifaceted approach includes
legal action, legislative support and consumer education.
Most recently, the company has pursued legal action
to shut down a Buffalo, New York spam ring accused of
sending more than 850 million illegal emails since March
2002.
Separately, the company has joined with
America Online Inc. (AOL) , Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and
Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) in a coalition whose long-term charter
is to establish industry standards and finding solutions
to fighting spam.
spamBlocker is the latest feature introduced
to empower subscribers against intrusive Internet advertising.
Last year EarthLink introduced Pop-Up Blocker(SM), an
easy-to-use tool that stops pop-up ads while users surf
the Web. Such innovations, when combined with the company's
award-winning customer service, show EarthLink's commitment
to creating a customizable and hassle-free experience
for our subscribers.
Like EarthLink's Pop-Up Blocker, spamBlocker
is an optional feature. Customers can modify the tool
depending upon the amount of unsolicited email they
want to receive in their inbox.
spamBlocker builds upon EarthLink's
highly successful spaminator product and offers subscribers
a new level of protection. By residing on the company's
email servers, spamBlocker blocks junk email messages
before they ever reach the customer's inbox.
spamBlocker invokes a 'permission-based'
auto-response to spam and unrecognized email addresses,
asking the sender to fill out a short, easy-to- complete
form to gain access to the EarthLink subscriber's inbox.
The subscriber can choose to accept or reject the sender's
request, and if admitted, add the sender's address to
his or her address book. This approach and its protective
features create a barrier-to-entry for spammers, while
offering simple entry for legitimate communications.
About EarthLink
EarthLink is the Internet service provider
(ISP) solution for an impatient world. Headquartered
in Atlanta, EarthLink has earned a national reputation
for outstanding customer service and its suite of online
products and services. According to J.D. Power and Associates,
EarthLink is ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction
among Dial-up ISPs and tied in the ranking for Highest
Customer Satisfaction Among High-Speed ISPs. Serving
approximately five million subscribers, EarthLink offers
what every user should expect from their Internet experience:
high-quality connectivity, minimal drop-offs and ISP-generated
intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's
dial-up, high-speed, Web hosting, or wireless Internet
service, EarthLink provides the tools that best let
individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own
terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK
or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net
.
SOURCE EarthLink
media, Jerry Grasso, +1-404-748-7208,
or
grassoj@corp.earthlink.net , or investors, Mike Gallentine,
+1-404-748-7153,
or gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net |
