Below is a link to a great article on how intranet IRC servers could be set up to do work, communicate as well as socialize. Using IRC internally on a corporate network is a creative application of a tried & true technology. It’s as instant as IM and SMS, and with some creative bot-making, can be used to do internet searches as well as send messages directly to others. Using Screen & IRSSI over SSH it would be easily doable to stay connected using a Smartphone or netbook while on the go.

This link explains how it’s used at Last.FM. Read the comments below, as they’re just as insightful as the artcile.

A couple of helpful links to set up your own IRC server.

A very basic how-to, with no advanced configs.

A good Ubuntu Forum discussion on the subject.

General Link 1, General Link 2

Using Screen & IRSSI.