WebMessenger, a Los Angeles-based provider of mobile instant messaging products, yesterday announced the latest releases of its Mobile Instant Messenger clients for Palm and Pocket PC devices.

According to the company, both IM clients are available as standalone wireless applications for both consumers and business professionals as well as for enterprises via the WebMessenger Mobile Platform.

The application is designed to allow business professionals to securely correspond via IM over all major public networks, including AOL, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN and Yahoo.

WebMessenger's Instant Messaging clients are designed to provide multi-network access, enabling you to chat simultaneously with colleagues on different networks. Both clients run concurrently with e-mail applications and while you're on the phone. In addition, you can send and receive extended presence awareness information (online, busy, away and not available) as well as recognize the device of origin (desktop or mobile).

Mobile Instant Messenger for Palm and Pocket PC key features include the following, according to WebMessenger:

• 3DES Encryption capability to encrypt communication for added security and regulatory/enterprise compliance
• An IM Networks Wizard to help set up proxy accounts for all supported networks
• A redesigned IM networks screen designed to provide a one-screen overview of your interoperability accounts and an interface to manage your accounts and contacts
• IM network logos for buddy icons to help determine status and initiate chats with buddies from various IM networks
• 5-way navigation control to navigate through buddy lists, read messages, collapse/expand groups, which is designed to eliminate the need for a stylus

In addition to the above features, WebMessenger's enterprise version of Mobile Instant Messenger for Palm and Pocket PC devices also offer interoperability with IBM Lotus Sametime, Jabber XCP, Microsoft Exchange IM, Microsoft Live Communications Server and Reuters Messaging.

WebMessenger's Mobile IM client for Palm is designed to work on mobile devices running Palm OS 4.0 or above. The client is specifically optimized for Palm OS 5.2 and higher as well as for Treo. The Pocket PC version is designed to work on mobile devices running Pocket PC 2003, Pocket PC 2003 SE and Pocket PC Phone Edition.

A 15-day trial version for the Palm client and Pocket PC client are available for download at the company's Web site.

A one-year client license key, which includes all service and version upgrades of the client, costs$ 29.95. WebMessenger said a subscription plan to its Mobile IM clients is also available for $5.95/month.