Two Asian Internet security firms are reporting an outbreak of a virus that spreads using MSN Messenger.

Korea-based Global Hauri said the virus, Smbmsn, hijacks users' MSN Messenger accounts and distributes copies of itself to everyone in a user's contact list. Those users receive an offer to be sent a file labeled "SMB.EXE," which, if executed, installs the worm. It also attempts to connect to Internet sites in the background.

"After infection, this virus tries to connect to some porno site and cause network traffic," said Global Hauri's CEO, Eric Kwon. "To the user, it appears to be difficult to log in MSN Messenger. We are currently analyzing this worm for more details. However, when you get a message from MSN messenger 'Sending SMB.EXE file,' do not accept this file."

AhnLab, likewise in Korea, also independently reported the emergence of the worm. Both firms are providing patches for users of their security software.

The worm affects Windows 95 and later. Global Hauri assigned the worm a "medium" risk.

An MSN spokesperson said the company is aware of the virus, and that users' best means of protection is to have a desktop anti-virus solution already installed, and to use MSN Messenger 6's anti-virus feature. The feature enables customers to link their desktop anti-virus software to the IM client, automatically scanning incoming files for viruses.

"Like any other virus, the SMB.EXE virus does not affect a customer automatically, but rather, a user must accept a file transfer from another user," the spokesperson said. "MSN encourages all customers to not accept any questionable files, even from those who you trust, to avoid spreading this further. We suggest if a file is questionable, that you ask the sender for more information via the IM conversation to validate the file's content."

MSN also said it was allow anti-virus solution vendors to do most of the handling of the issue, but that the company actively participates in "technical exchanges with the entire virus community, including our virus alliance partners [Virus Information Alliance, or VIA], and is working to ensure that anti-virus vendors have all the information we can provide them," the spokesperson added.


Microsoft Strikes Partnerships For Live Communications Server

Microsoft is ramping up deals in connection with its forthcoming enterprise IM product, Office Live Communications server. The company announced partnership agreements around the technology with Sybari, IPC and Hewlett-Packard.

Anti-virus and security firm Sybari is working with Microsoft to add a policy enablement tool to Live Communications Server. As a result, IT administrators can layer anti-viral, content, and file-filtering policies on top of users' IM conversations and file transfers.

IPC, a specialist in providing multimedia communications for financial trading firms is designing anenterprise voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) solution that uses presence information from Live Communications Server to enhance the way traders communicate.

Microsoft also will be providing the technology to customers via its longstanding partnership with Hewlett-Packard, a Microsoft integrator.

The resulting solution provides a VoIP-based application that is easy to configure, quick and flexible to route, and inexpensive to maintain.

Microsoft also announced a new customer win for Live Communications Server. Aliant, Atlantic Canada s largest telecommunications company and leading ISP, is deploying an IM alerting system in its tech support department using the technology in connection with SQL Server Notification Server.

The system enables tech staff to more effectively handle trouble tickets and improve customer satisfaction by delivering alerts to the right people at the right time using IM presence information gleaned from Live Communications Server.


fastmobile Continues Momentum

Chicago-based wireless messaging player fastmobile is poised to extend its footprint to more than 1,100 retails stores, thanks to a new partnership with American Connections.

American Connections is the third-largest independent wireless master retail agent in the U.S., and sells services from carriers including AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

As a result of the partnership, fastmobile's fastchat application will be offered in American Connections' stores nationwide. Wireless subscribers can purchase fastchat independently, or in connection with joining a new wireless service plan. In return, the retailer receives a commission for each fastchat sale, plus a recurring monthly payment from fastmobile.

Fastchat offers cross-carrier voice IM (or "push-to-talk") as well as multimedia support including the ability to send graphics, video and e-mail to PCs.

fastchat is sold either as an unlimited subscription (ranging from $2.50 to $3.95 per month) or pay-as-you-go for $0.02 or $0.03 per message.

The deal is the most recent win for fastmobile, which earlier this month signed a partnership with Caudwell Group to sell push-to-talk mobile services in its UK Phones4u retail chain. In July, it inked a trial agreement with carrier Orange in the UK.