Email security provider Clearswift announced on Friday that it has entered the hosting market with the launch of The Mimesweeper Email Managed Service.

The managed service enhances its existing email security software and appliance products, enabling firms to block spam, viruses and other email-bound threats from entering or leaving their networks. There is no need to download any software or hardware.

The Mimesweeper Email Managed Service checks emails with a variety of tools, including virus filters and image filters, prior to processing them. Messages are also archived to support compliance requirements. Management tools such as traffic monitoring, event logging and graphical reporting, provide firms with full visibility and understanding over their email use.

"IT departments are under immense pressure to provide fast and efficient solutions to the problem of content security, within tight budget restraints," says Ian Bowles, SVP of global operations at Clearswift. "With this service, we're saying to our customers that they can leave their email security to us."