Real-time communications specialist Presence Networks has launched a new browser-based version of its instant messaging service designed to boost the productivity of remote workers without compromising security or performance.

The Networker Web Access client offers a more secure alternative to traditional peer-to-peer IM because it is hosted on a dedicated, 128bit encrypted server that features integrated antivirus, according to the firm's chief executive, Symon Blomfield.

"Even though it's web-based, it still has a central server so it doesn't compromise on security – the web interface is the same as the installed client version and it can still talk to public IM clients," Blomfield explained. " We've just added more power into the proposition."

Blomfield added that the web-based version would particularly benefit users with contacts who work in firms with strict lock down policies preventing an installation of the product.

"We talked to our customers and realised this is something we really needed to do to [ensure] the benefits of our system – that it's software-as-a-service and system agnostic – are [recognised by everyone]."