Yahoo has just made its Messenger chat system available on the Web. This means those wary of commitments posed by software downloads can join the conversation, reports e-Commerce Times.

Others have walked the browser-based chat line before, including Meebo.com and AOL via Aim Express, which positions itself as a business tool for PC users whose companies forbid software downloads.

Yahoo's Adobe-based Messenger marks an attempt by the former search behemoth to better ingratiate its brand with on-the-go users. "[Yahoo wants] to provide a communication platform people can really use in any way they think works best for their situation," said IDC research analyst Rebecca Swensen.

Yahoo's chat users hover at approximately 88.5 million. Yahoo is setting eyes on Southeast Asia and its 70 million Internet users, a major focus for the initial rollout.