Mailblocks has unveiled an update featuring improved sender verification that should help cut down the number of challenges the service issues. According to PC World, Mailblocks’ challenge/response technology works by quarantining inbound email messages in a pending folder and then sending an email challenge message to the sender. Legitimate senders go to a Web page where they retype a number to verify that they’re a real person.

InternetWeek reports that Scalix introduced its messaging platform for Linux. The Scalix platform is compatible with leading email clients, including Microsoft Exchange and Outlook, but avoids technology lock-in through its support of open source standards.

Esna Technologies & Iwatsu America have released their latest version of their desktop call manager version 4.5.1. This release includes enhanced CRM support and a CTI IP Soft modem dialer for Windows desktops with its latest versions of the ADIX Telephony OfficeLinX platforms. This enables any user on the ADIX phone system using Telephony OfficelinX to dial contacts and associates directly from their native software applications such as Outlook, Goldmine, GroupWise, & Lotus Notes.

The Wendover-Global Insight IT Spending Index declined in the second quarter of 2003, signaling that information technology (IT) capital spending will remain flat through the end of the year. Surveys conducted for the Index confirmed that CEOs are still wary of committing to discretionary IT projects. This is the Index’s fourth consecutive flat or declining quarter, and the lowest Index level since its tracking history began in 1999.

Microsoft is preparing to launch an enhanced version of its MSN service this fall as part of its efforts to tap broadband users for online subscriptions. According to News.com, the service is tentatively called MSN Premium, and will be an add-on for existing phone or cable broadband users. The service also will connect MSN’s email and calendar with Microsoft’s Outlook email management system, essentially acting as a bridge between MSN and Office, using Exchange as its backend.

The Register has this article about Microsoft’s enterprise applications strategy. Microsoft Business Solutions unit provides enterprise applications aimed generally at companies with 100 employees or less. Over the next three to four years, the company will bring out a suite of enterprise applications that will include supply chain and customer relationship management, as well as professional services automation solutions for small firms.

Microsoft issued another batch of security warnings, including a critical flaw that affects most Windows PCs. The Globe and Mail reports that the most serious of the flaws involves DirectX, a library of graphics and multimedia programming instructions used by most PC games, and could allow malicious users to run code of their choice on a vulnerable PC.

United Airlines will offer the Verizon JetConnect service on its entire domestic fleet by the end of the year. Email access will cost $15.98 with additional charges for larger files. Access to instant messaging, one-way text messaging and updated information such as stock quotes and sports will cost $5.99. For email, they can chose among several email systems including Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes, Yahoo! and AOL. This article from the Denver Post examines whether or not the price is right for such a service.

PC Pro reviews Zen Software MDaemon Pro 6 with GroupWare and AntiVirus. MDaemon is an alternative to a costly Exchange server via its groupware plug-in.

NEC America and Vuico announced the availability of GoWireless Mobile Messaging solutions for the NEC 515 High Definition Mobile (HDM) handset. GoWireless Mobile Messaging is a behind-the-firewall solution providing enterprise-level messaging and offering mobile employees access to their email, calendar, personal and global contacts, and notes. GoWireless supports Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, and POP3 environments.