... to EzyIM.com, a quick, up-to-date guide to Internet Messenger programs.

Four programs account for most of the market, and they are detailed here. Other, less well-known programs are listed below.

• Rediff Bol - very similar to the Big 4, provided by India's biggest portal, Rediff
  
  
• Wandoo - from the UK. As good as the Big 4 (see the list of features), except for its lesser popularity
  
  
• Ougo - messages with smiley icons, see when someone's typing, select groups for your friends, and much more.
  
  
• SphinxSoft M2 - a basic web messenger
  
  
• Pow Wow - was once a contender, but is not very well known these days. Someone has resurrected it.
  
  
• Zephyr - still in use today, mostly in university environments such as CMU, Stanford University and MIT
  
  
• Gadu-Gadu - a Polish chat system (site is in Polish)
  
  
• BitWise - the first encrypted, direct-connect instant messenger offering the same features on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. No ads or spyware, but loaded with features: fast file sharing, "tabbed" interface, automatic encryption of messages and files, whiteboards, XML and plaintext logging, invisibility, offline messaging and more
  
  
• Seclude - uses 2048-bit RSA encryption. Pretty basic, but totally secure and free

• G-Messenger is the peer-to-peer communication solution allowing you to send messages and files to anyone on your local network or broadcast to a group. G-Messenger requires neither connecting to Internet nor a specialized Server. G-Messenger is easy and reliable instant messenger designed for SOHO and enterprise networks intended for sending textual messages from one machine to another.
  
  
• PopMessenger operates as a LAN-based instant messaging system allowing for immediate rich text message and files delivery over corporate network. You can communicate with all the users on the network or choose specific user group (e.g. Level 2 managers) or send private messages.
  
  
• Network Assistant is a real-time communication utility for the office environment, including channels-based chat, shared whiteboard and instant messaging. It is intended to be used in small office or home office (SOHO) local networks. Network Assistant does not require an Internet connection or a dedicated server and supports IP Multicast technology that allows traffic-friendly group messages.
  
  
• Softros LAN Messenger is a secure LAN messaging software application for an effective office communication. It does not require a server and is very easy to install and use. The program correctly identifies all Windows NT/2000/XP user accounts and works in any TCP/IP network. Softros Messenger comes with a variety of handy features, like message notification alarms, WinXP theme support, and intuitive interface. Softros Messenger offers strong encryption options for all incoming and outgoing messages, guaranteeing no unauthorized person ever reads personal correspondence.
  
  
• FlashDeli (Flash Delivery) is an instant messaging system for your LAN or intranet. FlashDeli gives you an ability to easily exchange messages with your colleagues and neighbors. Using this feature-rich yet simple program you will never miss the important messages. At the same time, the program can be configured not to disturb you while you are busy with important things.
  
  
• SnapMail is the cross-platform private messaging and file transfer utility for your office. Instantly send messages, files, reminders, and alerts on your network. Unlike instant messaging, SnapMail uses peer-to-peer technology and does not rely on Internet servers to send mail within your local network
  
  
• Mirador Instant Messenger offers many options including encryption, file transfer, meeting, broadcast and is managed through a very complete administration console.
  
  
• LAN Spirit Server is native-built and can run smoothly on Windows, Linux, UNIX, and more other OS. LAN Spirit Client runs on Windows OS, and it can also run quit smoothly on Linux through wine. Multi-platform supporting makes LAN Spirit adaptable in various environments. You can seek out anyone easily in the LAN, no matter him/her is currently on Linux KDE or on Windows XP.
  
  
• Effusia Business Messenger is a cross-platform, instant messaging solution specifically designed for small to mid-sized enterprise communication. The entire Effusia system runs safely behind your firewall and gives you complete control over user and group management. Effusia provides centralized management and security not found in public IM systems.

The Jabber instant messaging (IM) network offers functionality similar to AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo. However, Jabber is more than just IM, and Jabber technologies offer several key advantages:

• Open source & free
• Popular - there are tens of thousands of Jabber servers running on the Internet today, and millions of people use Jabber for IM.
• Decentralized -- the architecture of the Jabber network is similar to email; as a result, anyone can run their own Jabber server, enabling individuals and organizations to take control of their IM experience.
• Secure -- any Jabber server may be isolated from the public Jabber network (e.g., on a company intranet), and robust security using SASL and TLS has been built into the core XMPP specifications.

For more information on Jabber, visit these sites:

• Jabber Software Foundation - the official homepage
• JabberPowered - directory of companies, clients, servers, and websites that adhere to certain Jabber-friendly criteria.
• Jabber @ Google Directory - big listed of related sites
• Jabber Hosts - website hosting services that allow you to run a Jabber server