BitWise isn't just "another IM", but has all the usual features plus many features unavailable in other IM programs, including automatic message encryption, direct-to-IP voice chat, a file transfer manager with file queueing and file sharing, a URL history, whiteboards, a grouped interface, skinning, buddy icons, extensive preferences and it's both small and fast.
Software License: Freeware
Operating Systems Support: Microsoft Windows
Download Link: BitWise for Windows 1.7 Beta 2
Homepage: BitWise for Windows
Version ChangeLog:
Reduced lag during/between message transmission by 75%, very noticable on maxed out dial-up connections
New voice protocol that does not require UDP forwarding or firewall setup by either party, in most cases
When receiving voice data is delayed, catch up to real-time (i.e. drop old data) when data resumes
BitWise can be used "without a trace" on removable drives (e.g. USB) using "with program" settings storage
Whiteboard status line informs you which pages have updated material that you have not seen
Added option to "Conversation" menu allowing you to temporarily disable macro processing
Conversations windows flash using "new message" setting when a file transfer is complete
Setup window re-organized to group related items together in boxes with headings
Alert sounds are automatically suppressed for users on your contact list that are blocked
Option on Helpers preferences for using a text editor rather than log viewer for viewing text logs