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10-15 years ago most of us internet enthusiast know that a browser is only for surfing the internet. Years have gone by wherein you can do almost anything by using a browser. You can browse, email, chat and a lot more. But I want to stress out on chatting because a lot of web-based Instant Messaging are emerging.

I used to remember my early internet years, I needed to install ICQ, a chat platform - a way to communicate with my online buddies but I don’t use it anymore though some are still a fan of it. There are a lot of IM services such as Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, AIM, and ICQ. Some of you may have an account on each one but I don’t think it’s a good idea to install each chat client, it will not just consume your drive space but it will also eat up your resources and slow down your computer.

So now I want to share with you the web messenger application that allows you to stay connected with your favorite Instant Messenger almost anywhere, by just using a web browser. Here are the list:

Meebo

• Connects to: AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

Meebo is one of the most popular web messenger. I used to take advantage of this web application before at work but our IT department added is in our block listed site because they say that its not work related. Other Features: Meebo Me an embeddable IM widget that you can put in your website or blog. You can create your own chatroom so that you can meet new people within the meebo community. You can change the background and choose your preferred layout, either embed it on the page or a pop-up message.

eBuddy

• Connects to: MySpace, AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: NO
• Password encryption: YES

This used to be called an e-Messenger. Once you are logged in, your buddy list will be seen in a pop-up window. Other Features: mobile version, surf to mob.ebuddy.com with the browser of any Mobile Phone, PDA, Sony PSP or Nintendo DS.

KoolIM

• Connects to: AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

Performance is not reliable because most of the time some of your buddy list are not indicating that they are offline even though they are really online. You can choose your preferred layout, its either within the page or a pop-up windows. Other Features: there’s an add-on for firefox browser were you can install the web messenger and place it in the sidebar.

ILoveIM

• Connects to: AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

A lot of advertisement for this ILoveIM, its a free web messengert that’s why. This is how they make money to maintain their service. Other Features: you can hear a prompt if you have a new message.

imhaha

• Connects to: AIM, MSN, Yahoo, QQ
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

The main page is nicely laid out and easy to navigate. Other Features: You can connect it to QQ, an IM service popular in China. A sound prompt if there’s a new message. You will be ask to send your log chat in your email before logging out.

raduisIM

• Connects to: AIM, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, and Yahoo
• Requires registration: YES
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

This web messenger is like a social network and an instant messenger at the same time. Before you can use their service you need to register and provide an e-mail address, a birth date, a zip code, and your country. Other Features: You can meet new people and will immediately know their ASL, (age, sex, location). You can add a widget in your website or blog this will let your friends know where you are and what you’re up to. If you want to be inform that you have a new message without logging in to their website you can install a notifier on your computer and it will appear in your system tray. Though that program only supports windows xp and internet explorer. If you have a Facebook account you can install their latest RadiusIM Facebook App.

imo.im

• Connects to: AIM, Google Talk, MSN, and Yahoo
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

Even though the site still in alpha stage you wont be disappointed because the performance and interface is great. What confuses me at first is I don’t know how to migrate all my IM account in login. But I found out in order for you to connect all your IM service you have to click the link account button so that the next time you login it will automatically connects you with other IM accounts. One thing I don’t like about it you don’t have an invisible option.

Easymessenger

• Connects to: AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo
• Requires registration: YES
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: NO

You need to register in order to use their service. Unfortunately this web messenger suffers from slow performance that occasionally you’ll get an error message “system timed out” . It opens a separate pop-up window to chat with your buddy which also takes a long time to load. Other Features: you have an alert sound when someone send you a new message.

NewChikka

• Connects to: AIM, ICQ, MSN, Google Talk and Yahoo
• Requires registration: YES
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

This is the most latest IM web-based messenger. I have been using this for more than a month, used to be an alpha version. But already on its beta stage. I’m proud to say that this company started in the Philippines and now they are servicing world wide. I’m not being biased but I like their service. Other Features: I consider this as one of the best IM service because you can send FREE TEXT messages anyone around the world. Just add the number in your contact list and send a message for free. Isn’t that great? sweetness…

IMunitive

• Connects to: AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and GIM
• Requires registration: NO
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

The site is experiencing a slow performance. You need to log in several times before you can succesfully start chatting. You will be fooled because sometimes your contacts are online but actually they are offline.

Mabber

• Connects to: ICQ, AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, Google Talk
• Requires registration: YES
• Connects to multiple service at once: YES
• Password encryption: YES

This instant messenger service started in Germany. Other Features: Aside from allowing to perform webchats on your computer they also have mobile version, and embed a widget into your blog or website to get in touch with your readers.Other IM all in one web messenger:

The list below are the sites that I haven’t tried but you may want to check it out.

CommunicationTube
Snimer
Instan-t Express

My Take:

I prefer using meebo and imhaha because they are more stable and easy to use. I often use newchikka when it comes to sending free text messages. How bout you? Have you tried these services too?