Microsoft takes stake in Commtouch

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) has taken out an equity stake in Commtouch Software (Nasdaq: CTCH), which handles e-mail for corporations and consumers. Microsoft spent $20 million for 4.7 percent of Commtouch. The companies had previously announced a deal giving Microsoft rights to use Commtouch's mail software. Commtouch will in turn offer MSN Messenger service and MSN Passport service to its customers. -- Margaret Kane, ZDNet News