Microsoft will build anti-spam technology into its Exchange Server from the middle of next year, a move resellers of third-party software say could benefit the whole market.

The server module, called Microsoft Exchange Intelligent Message Filter, is similar to the anti-spam technology already built into Microsoft Outlook 2003 and Hotmail.

It uses a scanner which identifies spam by its content but also by its behaviour on the network. The spam filter will be updated monthly from spam lists sent in by Hotmail users.

Microsoft Exchange Intelligent Message Filter is designed to work with other third-party anti-spam products and has been backed by security players such as Brightmail.

Ross McWilliam, managing director of reseller Zen Software, said the move could make the market bigger.

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