I have found a live chat software for my website. It is economical and value for money. Advices for other live chat software are welcome. I am currently using the one below. http://www.apstechinc.com/Products/LiveChat.aspx
There are several good and free chat software solutions at www.sourceforge.net and www.hotscripts.com, including too those one-click installations available at hosting services with Cpanel+Fantastico However for a paid solution you can browse through any of these results www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=live+chat+software Personally I have tried Coffee Cup Live Chat and it's really good. This application run on your computer and generates the code, script and chat window layout you require, www.coffeecup.com/live-chat
I would really recommend "provide support ( www providesupport com )", they have a great online tool, so you don't have to worry about the hosting of the chat. We use it for support/sales on our site, and it works great. (sorry for the broken link, but i am not allowed to post full links yet).
I would say third party providers are the way to go for hassle-free chat solutions. However, from my point of view, it's better you run your own script so you can have full control over it and that also eliminates the risk to get the service closing or discontinuing some services.