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Stop sending bulky attachments and overweight e-mail--compressing those files is getting easier. PKWare, maker of the popular PKZip compression program, has crafted a version that integrates easily with Microsoft Outlook and even lets you encrypt attachments to protect your privacy or business secrets.

PKZip 5 Professional Edition is available now as a $50 download from PKWare; quantity pricing is also offered.

Veteran at Shrinking

PKWare developed the .zip compression format in the mid 1980s, and has continued to create products for compressing data files. Though PKWare's PKZip launched as a shareware program, the company now focuses on professional and business applications, unlike its competitor WinZip, a popular compression utility for personal use. PKWare markets other editions of PKZip, as well.

The new integration function allows Outlook users one-click access to PKZip's compression and encryption features, from within Outlook. After installing PKZip 5 Professional Edition, users will find new 'PKZip' and 'PKZip Options' buttons in their versions of Outlook.

Security Options

You can always use PKZip (or any other compression utility) on its own to compress files for sending as e-mail attachments, but PKZip's capability to integrate with Outlook streamlines the entire process. Previously, to send a zipped file you had to find the file, zip it, and then attach it to your message. Now, all you need to do is attach the file to your message and click the PKZip button.

The Options button gives you access to PKZip's security features, which allow you to encrypt and digitally sign e-mail attachments. You can encrypt zipped attachments with passwords or by using the recipient's digital certificate. PKZip 5 Professional Edition offers 168-bit, triple-DES encryption.

The added security features could make PKZip a useful tool for businesses that need to send secure information via e-mail, as well as for anyone who wants to protect their privacy. It may not revolutionize the way you send e-mail, but the integration of this product with Microsoft Outlook makes sending smaller, more-secure messages easier than ever.

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