>My understanding is that you can run TCP/IP on a novel network (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on this anybody

The network wiring (usually ethernet) is capable of carrying any number of protocols. TCP/IP is a protocol, IPX and SPX are protocols. Novell is a server operating system (also called Network Operating System (NOS))

Just because the Novell server is using the ethernet wiring to speak IPX/SPX to its workstations, doesn't mean that another machine can't also speak TCP/IP over the network.

(this is simplified, but it might help to understand a little networking when developing an instant messaging system)

re: implemeting the activeX IM control
Good luck - (with any ActiveX)