Instant Messaging (LAN)

LANTalk XP is a network instant messaging (peer to peer) application, that allows network users to communicate in a fast effective manner, without the the delays or potential security risks associated with email or public instant messengers. Features include message notifications, scheduling, auto-reply, message broadcasting and more. The program comes with a customizable interface that offers different skins to choose from. LANTalk XP does not require a messaging server, it uses any network protocol, including TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and SMB and automatically scans the network for available machines. It can send and receive messages to or from Windows NT, 2000, or XP servers. Since LANTalk XP uses true SMB protocol, it can also send the messages to a username and to Linux( Unix ) operation systems.

Vypress Messenger allows sending and receiving of text messages (up to 32 KB) over local area networks, VPNs and the Internet. The program operates using TCP/IP protocols and also allows users to receive messages over standard SMB protocols as found in applications such as WinPopup, Net Send , and others. Vypress Messenger features include high-level capabilities for group messaging (including IP-Multicast), proxy server support, away/busy status, file transfers, message filtering, email notification, address book and more. The program is designed for midsize to large corporate networks, but will prove as excellent timesaving communication tool for smaller company networks as well. Vypress Messenger is available in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and Russian.

Outlook Messenger is a network messenger that requires no IP configuration and runs instantly after installation, allowing you to connect to any other user on the LAN that is running Outlook Messenger. It features regular IM conversations, as well as group chats, voice chat and file transfers. In addition, it can integrate with MS Outlook and add the capability to share Emails, Contacts, Appointments, Notes and Tasks. It also offers a built-in reminder tool, and a place to keep notes, which can also be sent to other users, if needed. Additional features include online status, canned messages, offline messaging and more.

WinPopup Gold is a tool to send, receive message and chat through your local network. The program is easy to use and enables you to send and receive messages from other active WinPopup Gold clients using a customizable contact and media address book. WinPopup Gold automatically detects who is connected, and provides you with a list of valid destinations to choose from. Additional features include options to assign sound effects and photos to each contact - when a message arrives, the assigned sound plays and his/her picture is displayed. Overall, WinPopup Gold provides a nice interface and entertaining effect options but only basic messaging and chat features.

PopMessenger is an easy to use instant messenger designed for office or home network environments. It allows you to send text messages from one computer to another in real-time. PopMessenger does not require an Internet connection or a dedicated server, and works on any TCP/IP network. Additional features include the option to send offline messages, broadcast messages, auto-answer mode, message logging and more.

Fomine WinPopup is a replacement for the standard Microsoft WinPopup. It offers a more user-friendly interface with additional features like contact list with status indicator, contact list sharing, sound notifications,, high-color toolbars, auto-answer, message history and more. An optional (free) add-on offers text-to-speech functionality, which lets you read incoming messages aloud.

Yak! is a text based network messenger that allows network users to communicate without the need for a chat server. It offers a simple interface and features that include sound notification, user grouping, URL/email highlighting, file transfer, encryption of messages, smilies and more. It also supports user blocking and an option to only accept messages that are marked urgent. In order to use the software, each computer must have a copy of the pprogram installed ($6.50 each), and it will automatically detect other users on the network that are currently signed on. You can send messages to individual users, or broadcast them to all clients.

Softros LAN Messenger is a network messenger for your company office with support for file transfers, message broadcasting and encrypted conversations. It does not require a server or Internet connection and will automatically detect any clients that are currently connected to the network. Other features include group messages, message history log, sound notifications, away/busy status and more. Softros LAN Messenger is easy to use and can be used immediately without any further configuration.

ShixxNOTE is a desktop sticky notes (post-it) program, that allows you to keep desktop sticky notes, and also send them across the network (or Internet) to friends or colleagues. The program runs in client/server mode and transmits messages or notes to selected Shixxnote clients on the network. However, you can also send messages to machines that do not have Shixxnote installed, in which case the program will automatically use the standard XP/2000 Windows Messenger service to deliver the message. It also includes alarm options that allow you to be reminded of selected notes, and support full formatting of font, color and appearance of the notes. Other features include a reply option, emailing of notes, note export, printing and more. (10-Users License)

ePigeon Instant Messaging is a server based network messenger that displays messages in an unobtrusive scrolling banner on the client desktop. It supports different message levels (e.g warning, alert, notification etc.) with customizable color schemes and optional audio notification. You can send messages to individual users, groups or IP ranges, and also distribute documents or installation packages as attachments. Messages can be sent immediately or delayed, and also repeated on a regular basis. The ePigeon Instant Messaging runs as a Windows service.

WinMessenger is an easy to use program that allows you to send and receive messages from computer to computer on a network in real-time without using dedicated servers. It works over any network protocol (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, etc.). It is easy to deploy and it does not require computer knowledge or special configuration. WinMessenger will work on your existing network immediately after installation. It offers complete implementation of the SMB protocol. You can send a message to a Novell user, receive messages from Linux systems, send and receive messages to/from Windows NT servers and so on. WinMessengers internal architecture allows using it on Windows 2000 Server or Advanced Server with Terminal Service enabled.

Sonork Server is an instant messaging server that can be installed by anyone running 32bit Windows within minutes. It consumes very little resources, accesses any ODBC compliant SQL database and it is free for small networks (up to 5 clients). It can support up to 50.000 concurrent users, central administration, flexible configuration options in a drag & drop environment. Sonork offers superb integration into web applications, no matter whether they are ASP, PHP or CGI? Can be used internally, without internet connection, or over the internet.

WinPopup Express allows you to exchange short messages with other computer on your local network. It is compatible with Microsoft WinPopup (Windows 95 and 98), NetSend and with Linux Samba, and requires no server or additional software. Features include canned messages, auto-answer, message broadcast, address book sharing and more. My WinPopup Express can send messages to machine that do not have this program installed, but for full functionality it should be installed on every machine. Cost is $5.50 per computer.

Radmin Communication Server is a secure network communication system that supports text and video chats among users. Each client can connect to other users on the network, initiate a one-on-one chat with another user or create a chat channel for collaboration with multiple clients. The server is installed on your local network, so none of the communication traffic is routed through external servers. Radmin Communication Server offers user administration and access rights via an internal database or Windows user level security. In addition, all communication is encrypted, using 256-bit AES and access to the server can be controlled via IP filters.