Webware 100 winner: Ustream

Site: Ustream.tv
Category: Photo & Video

uStream is a video-broadcasting platform that lets anyone with a Web cam and a fast connection create their own live video show. It mixes a video stream with user chat, asynchronous commenting, and places for show creators to post archived clips and links to their other work. It's completely free to use and has been a launch pad for people looking to create video shows with no professional equipment or experience required.

What makes the service especially useful is that it blends live and archived footage seamlessly. Users can watch a show as it's happening, or simply go back and watch shows after they're off the air. The player can be embedded on third-party Web sites or sent to more than 20 social networks.

Along with its public-facing product, UStream also powers a private-label service called Watershed that groups can customize both in look and feel. It also lets them limit the distribution to selected users.