Webware 100 winner: Pidgin

Site: Pidgin.im
Category: Communication

Pidgin is an open-source messaging application that lets you access multiple IM networks from one window, including Google Talk and MySpaceIM as well as lesser-known protocols such as Jabber and Gadu-Gadu. Formerly known as GAIM, Pidgin is a free and beautiful way to chat with buddies from different networks.

One feature that makes Pidgin stand out from other IM applications is "Buddy Pounce" which lets you set it up to let you know when certain contacts come online either with a notification or by running a third-party program.