More optimized chatbox?

[jgweb2000]

I am currently using MGC on a rather large website. Our server loads as a direct result of the chatbox are becoming massive. Is there a good alternative that works more like IRC where it would offload the load to a service designed for chat, but retain the properties of a shoutbox? The main problem I see with using IRC is writing a bot to deliver the last X messages to new joiners.

I have looked into DBTECH's shoutbox, but I am looking for something that doesn't depend on the timed refresh, or at least limits the chatbox refreshes to one tab if they have multiple open.

Thanks,
Jgweb2000

[LouiseWilson]

Have you tried a Java applet for Mirc ? this will work very well