Most of us do not find it the best method to use the internet-client for communication over our LANs. LAN-based messaging services are here to help. Following are some feature-packed messaging tools for use over LAN as well as other small-area networks.

Softros LAN Messenger is an easy-to-install messaging service for corporate LANs. The messenger comes with powerful encryption options for all messages, both incoming and outgoing. Good thing about this software is that it does not require a server for functionality. This LAN-based messaging service comes with a lot of features that make it an easy-to-use application(after all, that is more important than just installing it!). The inbuilt features include group messaging service, message notification alarms, a simple interface and more.

Softros Messenger also offers for offline messaging, user grouping and supports Windows Vista. This low-cost application can be easily operated by the amateur user.Source

BigAnt LAN Messenger is another small-network messaging service that is meant for use by the small and large scale enterprises. With the built-in video and voice chat features, BigAnt offers complete support for instant messaging and supports offline messaging.

Group messaging is another useful feature of this software. You can also send files/folders to another network computer through this service. BigAnt also allows you to host conferences and send messages under password-protection. This is a simple, yet powerful messaging service for all users, especially the office users.Source

LAN Talk XP is an instant LAN –based messaging tool that is a perfect replacement for winpopup. With instant messaging support and a simple navigation system, this application could be your answer for a perfect LAN-bvased messaging service. With LAN Talk XP, you can schedule the time for messages to be sent. This can be the single important feature for the busy corporate users out there. Message notification with LAN Talk XP can be through both sound and visual means.

Message exporting and group messaging are other important features that the application carries with it. A perfect and easy-to-use interface makes this one of the most sought LAN based messaging tools.Source

Outlook LAN Messenger is a cross-platform small and medium-network messaging software that offers instant messaging and peer-to-peer messaging options. This LAN Messenger might prove the perfect option for all companies that seek an efficient notification-cum-messaging service. One useful feature on the software is that it does all the list-building, so that you need not add the names of all your friends to your list of contacts manually.

This service is supported on the Wide Area Network(WAN), Sub-network and VPN as well. This program does not ask for a server to operate. Outlook Messenger does not require an internet connection for operation. You just need to have the application installed and ready-to-use on all PCs that you wish to use the application on.Source

Flashdeli is another instant messaging application for the small area networks like LAN. Flashdeli can give you all the handy features required for easy messaging across the network. An advantage of having this service is that you can preset the options to make sure that you are not disturbed during busy times. Flashdeli notifies you when a new message arrives though a pop-up message.

Flahdeli is the perfect suit for the home users as well as the corporate users with its rich set of options. The application stays in the system tray post-startup and can be click-activated. The hot-key option can also be used to launch the application.Source

Developed at radek.storm.com.pl, Windows Communicator 2.0 is the name of a LAN based messaging service. The application is different from the others in that it can function as a messaging tool over the internet as well. This is a universal chat client that has its basis on the IRC and ICQ functionality.

Windows Communicator arrives with a default server(hidden) which takes over if no server is found. This service allows you to send messages at a scheduled time and save information regarding users’ lists. This is a freeware and can be easily downloaded.Source