Facebook is set to launch a new free instant messaging (IM) service for its users – a move which could cause yet more headaches for IT managers struggling to regulate and secure the messaging protocols used by their staff.

Facebook's chat service, which has been seen as a challenge to Microsoft Live, Yahoo Messenger and GMail, is set to launch in the next few weeks, although it won't support sessions with non-Facebook users, or multi-user chat sessions.

"Social networks need to provide real time interaction between their users, so they need to offer IM or chat, but cannot partner with an existing service provider such as Microsoft, Yahoo or AOL as they cannot risk relying on potential competitors," explained Mickael Remond, chief executive of enterprise IM firm Process One.

He added that while non-corporate IM often slips under the radar if IT, enterprise versions enable IT managers to archive messages. This is vital for those concerned with compliance and governance.

"Users [of enterprise IM] are less likely to abuse the system and if they are, they can be detected as the IT manager will be able to see if an individual is sending thousands of messages a week," said Remond.