180solutions Joins Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology Vendors

180solutions Joins Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology Vendors Company Joins Consortium to Ensure Highest Privacy and Consent Standards for Consumers Online BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- 180solutions, a provider of search marketing solutions, today announced it has become a developer member of the Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology vendors (COAST). COAST (www.coast-info.org) is a non-profit organization comprised of anti-spyware vendors, software developers and researchers who have come together in an effort to educate and protect consumers and businesses from the Internet's burgeoning spyware problem. By working with COAST and complying with its strict Code of Ethics, standards and guidelines, 180solutions aligns itself with the organization's governing companies, Aluria Software LLC, PestPatrol, Inc. (recently acquired by Computer Associates), Webroot, Inc., and NoAdware.net. In order to join COAST, software developers like 180solutions must pass a rigorous review and agree to adhere to the COAST Code of Ethics and Guidelines including ongoing, frequent reviews to ensure continued compliance. As a result of being accepted for membership, 180solutions is now releasing versions of its applications that have been reviewed and evaluated by COAST and found to meet COAST standards. The company has begun working with its partners to insure all of their channels will transition to distributing only these COAST reviewed versions of its software within the next 90 days. "180solutions was the first major contextual desktop advertising provider to approach and join COAST," said Keith Smith, co-founder and CEO of 180solutions. "Joining COAST demonstrates our continued commitment to defining and upholding the industry's highest standards for gaining consumer consent and protecting consumer privacy. We've consistently taken a firm stance against the collection of personally identifiable information, have been a proponent for using simple language disclosures, and have continuously improved our users' experience. For the past five years we've changed the way consumers get content and applications for free as we've sponsored dozens of humor, gaming, and entertainment sites. As a member of COAST, we have a unique opportunity to again serve as an agent of change and provide leadership and unmatched experience in the contextual marketing space." "180solutions has passed a lengthy and rigorous review process demonstrating their commitment to develop and distribute spyware-free applications," said Trey Barnes, executive director of COAST. "By making substantial modifications to its software, and working with channel partners to distribute only the modified versions of its products in the future, the company has demonstrated its desire to adhere to COAST's high level of standards. We are pleased to welcome them as a new developer member." About 180solutions, Inc. 180solutions, headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., is a leader in online search marketing services. The company sponsors premium content on the Internet and delivers highly relevant offers and information to consumers engaged exclusively in search-related shopping activities. For more information, visit www.180solutions.com. About COAST Founded in October 2003, the Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology vendors is devoted to raising awareness, and leading a constructive dialogue, about the dangers of spyware. COAST aims to be a leading resource for any and all information on spyware, standardized definitions and research methods. Founding members include PestPatrol, Inc., Webroot Software, Inc., and Aluria Software LLC. NoAdware.net is also a member of the COAST governing board. Additional COAST developer members include AWS Convergence Technologies (WeatherBug), and New.net, Inc. COAST's researcher member is ThreatSense Information Services. COAST is funded through membership fees and fees levied for participation in various initiatives. Source: 180solutions, Inc. CONTACT: Howard Barokas of Barokas Public Relations, +1-206-264-8220, or howard@barokas.com, for 180solutions, Inc.; or Todd Sawicki of 180solutions, +1-425-279-1200, or todds@180solutions.com; or Trey Barnes of COAST, +1-202-742-4337, or trey@coast-info.org Web site: http://www.coast-info.org/ Web site: http://www.180solutions.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment