Hotmail is owned and operated by Microsoft. The service first launched back in 1996 but wasn't purchased by Microsoft until 1997. Microsoft rebranded Hotmail shortly thereafter, instead calling it MSN Hotmail, and later Live Hotmail. Hotmail offers unique features and patented security measures, and is available worldwide in over 35 languages. Thanks to Microsoft, Hotmail has grown to be the
. largest free web-based email service on the internet today.