The popular Web Messenger has been rewritten from the group up to improve ease of use and performance (the current version often gives me browser lag).

From what I’ve read, one of the obvious changes will be that you can login to WLM, Yahoo! and AIM all at the same time from within one application (which most other multi-network Web messengers already support), as opposed to the current setup which uses separate browser windows for each IM network.

The Web sites below allow you to sign in using just a Web browser, no installing is required. If Windows Live Messenger has been blocked or disabled where you are, you may find some of these will be blocked too, as whoever is in charge has found out about them!

1. MSN Web Messenger
2. eBuddy
3. ILoveIM
4. Meebo
5. MSN2Go
6. IMhaha
7. KoolIM
8. Communication Tube
9. Messenger FX
10. Instan-t Express
11. Mabber
12. IMUnitive
13. Snimmer
14. NEW: RadiusIM

This page will be updated whenever I find another Web site to add to the list. Do you know of another one that’s not listed here? Please leave a comment here for other people to see!

The biggest advantage of Communication Tube is that it’s completely Web based, no software download is required. It is convenient for people using the internet from internet cafes, school, or work. You can be connected to multiple IM networks simultaneously from its single Web interface. Sending and receiving messages are done without refreshing the page, which minimizes internet traffic and makes manual page refreshing unnecessary.

The service is still relatively new, so it doesn’t have too many flashy features and has a few glitches (eg. it’s showing I have some offline contacts whose display name is 2, 10, or 12). There is a feedback email link at the bottom, so if you can think of ways to improve it, why not let the author know?

Kool IM launched version 2 a couple of weeks ago, with the most notable change being the switch from pop-up windows to being entirely embedded in one page using AJAX.

Using a Web based messenger like IMhaha is useful at school or work where Windows Live Messenger might be blocked or you are not allowed to use instant messaging, as it allows you to sign in using just your Web browser.

The service has been around since early last year, so in some cases it may be blocked where instant messaging is not allowed.

TechAddress has an interview with IMhaha, revealing more about the Silicon Valley based startup such as what sets them apart from other similar services, and an explanation about the interesting name.

eBuddy currently supports the instant messaging networks MSN, Yahoo and AIM using Javeline in a fast AJAX Web based environment requiring no additional software installed other than a modern browser. eBuddy also offers a mobile version that runs on devices which support xHTML or WAP 2.0.

Currently there is a new MSN version running on the site, allowing you to choose the classic or new one. The new version is quite impressive, resembling the theme on MSN Messenger 7.5, but also adding its own touch. It features display pictures, content tabs & tabbed environment and even nudges.

See for yourself and give it a try.

We’re three folks working to bring IM to Web 2.0. Hopefully this lets you get all of your IMing done in one place and makes it easier too.

If you’re not sure what Web 2.0 is, you can read about it at Wikipedia. Basically, it’s taking the Web to a whole new level, especially in terms of user experience and speed. If you like GMail’s dynamic fast interface, you’ll love Meebo.

Meebo is really raising the bar, you have your contact list window and instant message windows all inside the single browser window and there’s no page refreshing, so it’s very fast. Heck, you can even maximise and minimise them, go check it out at http://www.meebo.com/.