Yahoo has released a new version of its web-based Yahoo Instant Messenger software. 

The software now supports a slew of browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Opera. 

Jeff Bonforte, vice president of product development for Yahoo Instant Messenger, claimed that the online application allows users to access their contacts from any location.

It also allows users to circumvent hurdles on corporate networks that prevent the use of messaging applications.

Standalone messaging applications can easily be blocked by locking down the network port over which they communicate, or by preventing users from installing any software on their computers. A web-based client is not affected by either measure.

The features of the online service differ from those of Yahoo's instant messaging application. The online service allows users to search through past conversations, for instance, but lacks support for VoIP calls and webcams.

The service also offers interoperability with Microsoft Messenger, a feature that was first introduced in July 2006. The combined networks provide access to 350 million users.