Canning spam

A Web-hosting service provider has developed its own software to combat Internet junk mail, also known as spam.

InfoDial, based in Malibu, Calif., unveiled a solution earlier this year to block spam from its customers. The software deletes spam through a proprietary, rules-based artificial intelligence technology expert system that determines whether or not an e-mail message is spam. The system provides a free, optional service to all InfoDial subscribers, and the Internet service provider sells the software to other service providers to use on their own networks.

"We have a substantial investment in resources, staffing and equipment involved in developing our own software for applications like this, but it's been a major benefit for us," said Jane Way, president of InfoDial. "We see development as something to differentiate us from other Web-hosting companies."

The InfoDial spam solution recognizes domains known to be the originating source of spam and blocks them. "The software gets smarter [with] more opportunities to do its thing," said Way.

Customers can activate the service through an on-line control panel, which will block domains known to be frequent spammers.

The system also reduces wasted use of ISPs' network resources and enables them to plan with a realistic view of network traffic. "That's one of the reasons spam is worse than junk mail-the mailers aren't paying postage," Way said. "They use our resources, and then they contend we should be pleased as punch to deliver it."