Comcast launching Web-based communications hub

Comcast Corp. [1] expects to launch the SmartZone center, which will give its customers free access to communications tools via a fully integrated, Web-based communications center.

Customers can use the central location to send and receive e-mail, check voicemails online, send instant messages and manage a smart address book.

Comcast is partnering with Hewlett-Packard [2] (HP), Plaxo [3]-creator of the smart address book-and Zimbra [4], a provider of open-source messaging and collaboration software. The center will also incorporate Bizanga's [5] e-mail anti-abuse system, Cloudmark's [6] e-mail anti-spam and anti-phishing tools, and Trend Micro's [7] anti-virus software, the company said.

The service, scheduled to rollout later this year, will be available via Comcast.net [8].