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While the titans of the computer industry are fighting to see who can give away the most instant messaging products for free, a small software developer is actually selling instant messaging software.

Abbott Systems said it is banking on the idea that instant messaging has real business applications and that businesses will need, and pay for, a new generation of private messaging.

"AbbottChat is not public chat, it is designed for private communications between family, friends and business associates," the company's Web site says. "It does not support public chat rooms, and you can't use AbbottChat to meet new people. For this kind of chat we recommend you try ICQ or AOL."

Individuals can purchase an "ad-free" chat client for $29.

Companies can purchase a chat server for $495 which allows them to set up their own private instant messaging network and includes an unlimited number of chat clients for all their users.

The server is available now, and the "ad-free" chat client is scheduled to ship in the first week of September.