A new .NET Alerts service enables users to receive notifications of events, such as traffic accidents, from participating Web sites. The service is a likely precursor to notifications that will be offered as part of .NET MyServices, formerly code-named "Hailstorm." (See "HailStorm Fulfills Crucial Roles for .NET" on page 18 of the May 2001 Update.) Users sign up for .NET Alerts at participating Web sites (which must support Passport), specifying which events they want to receive notifications for. Notifications are then routed through a Microsoft-hosted data center to a user's instant messaging address, e-mail address, or MSN Mobile device. A Microsoft Web site, alerts.microsoft.com, provides a centralized location for users to manage their delivery preferences and see all the .NET Alerts they've signed up for; users can then follow links to sign up for, cancel, and change their settings for specific .NET Alerts. Microsoft will provide an SDK by the end of 2001 for Web sites that want to provide .NET Alerts. MSN, eBay, and 19 other sites have announced they will offer the service.