Last week, Microsoft announced that we have acquired GIANT Company Software Inc., a New York-based company that develops anti-spyware and Internet security products. The goal of this strategic investment is to help our customers keep spyware off of their computers with new solutions that they can use in the near future. It also provides us with a solid foundation for
delivering new long-term solutions.

In order to help protect customers as soon as possible, we plan to roll out a beta offering of a new spyware prevention, detection, and removal solution based on Giant's technology within the next month.

The solution, which will be available for Windows 2000 and later operating systems, will enable customers to decide whether to block, find and remove spyware and other unwanted software from their PCs. Together with the security technologies in Windows XP Service Pack 2 that improve the security of browsing, this solution will offer a higher level of protection for  customers on the Internet.

We are also tackling the spyware issue in other ways, including consumer guidance & engagement, industry collaboration and cooperation with legislators & law enforcement.

This acquisition reflects Microsoft's deep commitment to security. We intend to continue investing in solutions to help protect customers against all types of malicious software, not just spyware.

Details on timing and terms of product availability for our new anti-spyware offerings are yet to be determined. It will be available for Windows 2000 and later operating systems.

Microsoft has posted more information on our efforts to combat spyware on: http://www.microsoft.com/spyware

Today, Neowin leaks an internal Beta 1 escrow build of MS Anti-Spyware, Code-Name Atlanta :

Microsoft have just finished distributing an internal Beta 1 escrow build to internal beta testers. "Atlanta" is the code-name for Microsoft's rehashed GIANT Software Anti-Spyware. In a memo internally, the company looks clear to distribute the software this coming Thursday calling it "new, it's fresh, and it's all good".

Encouraging employees to install the Beta is one of the many ways Microsoft tests Beta products internally. It's not clear whether the release this Thursday will be a public beta or a private external beta.

Check out our exclusive screenshots below.

Update: Microsoft is currently detecting Messenger Plus! as Spyware.

You can get the Giant's AntiSpyware trial, that MS pulled upon take-over, at: http://rapidshare.de/files-en/230936/GiantAntiSpyware.exe.html or direct: http://rapidshare.de/files-en/230936/68/GiantAntiSpyware.exe , its almost sameone as Atlanta.